Name: Maria Erickson   Title: Biological Science Research Technician (Plants) Organization: USDA-ARS-MWA-PIRU Role/Crops/Team: Maria Erickson is the seed viability laboratory manager at the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS). Her purpose in the lab is to ensure all accessions of every crop receive periodic germination tests to ascertain the viability of the seed stored in the cold vaults at the station. Based upon the results of these tests, the seed storage team and the respective curator decide which accessions need attention pertaining to its regeneration in order to keep the most viable seed available for distribution. All regenerated crops as well as any seed that has been collected or is from a source other than NCRPIS are subjected to viability tests. Special Interests: Maria is interested in all aspects of seed physiology especially Tetrazolium testing and understanding the different types of seed dormancy and how to overcome the obstacles they present. Maria is an AOSA Certified Seed Analyst in Germination.  She plans to pursue AOSA certification for Seed Purity. Education:   B.S. Agronomy with a concentration in Molecular Biology, University of Delaware, 1995 Employment History: 2002-Current: Biological Science Research Technician (Plants), PIRU, USDA-ARS, Ames, Iowa.