Ames, Iowa, USA
March 10, 2026
Alan Gaul was presented with the CALS Staff Service and Dedication Award by Dean Dan Robison.
The Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) recognized Alan Gaul, assistant scientist and seed conditioning specialist at the Seed Science Center, with the CALS Staff Service and Dedication Award during a ceremony on Monday, March 9. The award honors staff members who demonstrate exceptional commitment, service, and contributions to the college’s mission.
Gaul has been a cornerstone of the Seed Science Center for two decades, earning recognition from colleagues and industry partners for his dedication to teaching, research, and global outreach in seed science. He joined the Seed Science Center in October 2005 and has since become widely known for his expertise in seed conditioning and his willingness to support students, researchers, and industry professionals.
“Alan has been one of the most visible and reliable faces of the Seed Science Center,” wrote Dr. Scott Heuchelin, director of the Seed Science Center, in his nomination letter. “For two decades, he has embodied the service-oriented spirit that defines this award.”
Gaul leads the Center’s internationally recognized seed conditioning workshops, which attract participants from seed companies, government agencies, and research institutions worldwide. Known for his ability to make complex machinery and processes understandable, he combines technical knowledge with a natural teaching style that resonates with learners at all levels.
“Whether it is the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization or a group of elementary school students touring the Center, Alan’s enthusiasm for demonstrating the science and art of seed conditioning leaves an indelible impression,” Heuchelin noted.
Colleagues say Gaul’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Dr. Susana Goggi, professor of agronomy and director of the Seed Science Center’s seed testing laboratory, highlighted the breadth of his support across the college.
“Every graduate or undergraduate student in Agronomy, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Plant Pathology, and Horticulture with a seed technology issue knows Alan,” Goggi wrote. “He is ready to provide support, expertise, and work alongside any of them to help in the success of their research, club projects, and classes.”
Gaul’s ingenuity and resourcefulness are also widely recognized. In addition to coordinating workshops and teaching courses, he frequently develops creative solutions to technical challenges. From repurposing equipment to creating innovative training tools, his problem-solving skills have enhanced the Seed Science Center’s educational and research capabilities.
Dr. Lulu Rodriguez, Seed Science Center global programs lead and adjunct professor of agricultural education and studies, described Gaul as a vital contributor to the Center’s international training efforts.
“Alan’s technical mastery, resourcefulness, and boundless energy have advanced our teaching, research, and outreach missions in immeasurable ways,” Rodriguez wrote. “Yet it is his spirit, his laughter down the hall, his generosity with colleagues, and his ability to make even a gravity separator demonstration entertaining, that makes him truly exceptional.”
Over the years, Gaul has contributed to undergraduate and graduate courses, mentored students, supported research projects, and helped train seed professionals from around the world. His work exemplifies Iowa State University’s land-grant mission of service through education, innovation, and outreach.
Receiving the CALS Staff Service and Dedication Award recognizes not only Gaul’s remarkable technical expertise, but also the collaborative spirit and commitment that have made him an indispensable member of the Seed Science Center community.
As Heuchelin summarized in his nomination letter, “Alan exemplifies sustained dedication to both his profession and his university. His work ethic, creativity, and humility have earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues across departments and around the world.”
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