Ames, Iowa, USA
June 4, 2026
After more than 30 years of dedicated service to Iowa State University, the seed industry, and generations of students, Dr. Susana Goggi, Professor of Agronomy and internationally recognized seed physiologist, will retire this summer.
Colleagues, students, alumni, and industry partners are invited to celebrate her remarkable career at a retirement reception on June 26 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center. Guests may park in the lot located on the west side of the building.
Since joining Iowa State University in 1994, Goggi has built a distinguished career focused on improving seed quality for farmers and seed companies in Iowa and around the world. Her research and teaching program in seed physiology has addressed some of the most significant seed quality challenges facing the industry while also providing practical, science-based solutions with immediate application.
Throughout her career, Goggi has worked closely with the seed industry, providing direct consultations, conducting on-site personnel training, speaking at industry conferences, and participating in workshops sponsored by the Seed Science Center. Her commitment to bridging scientific discovery and industry needs has made her a trusted resource for seed professionals worldwide.
A prolific scholar, Goggi has authored more than 100 publications, delivered approximately 65 invited presentations at professional meetings worldwide, and secured more than $12.5 million in research funding. Her contributions have advanced the understanding of seed physiology while strengthening Iowa State University's reputation as a global leader in seed science.
Equally significant has been her impact in the classroom and as a mentor. Over the course of her career, Goggi has trained or is currently training 35 master's students and eight doctoral students, while also mentoring the research projects of 13 undergraduate students. Hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students have benefited from her teaching and guidance.
Her undergraduate course, Seed Science and Technology, has become one of the most popular courses in the discipline, with enrollment demand consistently exceeding capacity. The course introduces students to the many facets of the seed industry and prepares them for careers in research, production, quality assurance, sales, and management. In response to requests from industry professionals eager to learn alongside Iowa State students, Goggi also opened her graduate course, Seed Physiology and the Environment, to non-credit participants from the seed industry.
Beyond her teaching and research accomplishments, Goggi has served as chair of the Iowa Seed Association Scholarship Committee since 2014, helping support and encourage future generations of seed professionals.
Goggi earned both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Agronomy and Seed Science from Mississippi State University's renowned Seed Science and Technology Program before joining Iowa State University.
As she begins her retirement, Goggi leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of scientific excellence, student mentorship, industry service, and unwavering dedication to advancing seed science. Her influence will continue to be felt through the many students, colleagues, and industry professionals whose lives and careers she has helped shape.
The Seed Science Center invites all who have worked with, learned from, or been inspired by Dr. Goggi to join in celebrating her career and wishing her well in retirement.
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