Student Profile: Tyler Atkinson
Graduate Student in Plant Breeding | Iowa State University
Tyler Atkinson began his graduate studies in Plant Breeding at Iowa State University (ISU) in the summer of 2025, continuing his academic journey after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from ISU. With a background rooted in farming and ranching, Tyler was inspired by the challenges plant breeders face and the opportunity to develop innovative solutions for growers.
“I chose plant breeding for several reasons, but mostly for the unique set of challenges breeders get to solve… To move agriculture forward, we have to teach and learn from one another so we can provide for everyone.”
Tyler’s graduate work is driven by a desire to master a broad range of disciplines, including agronomy, plant science, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence. He views plant breeding as a critical tool for addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security. His research interests include:
- Using genomic sequencing data to make well informed decisions on hybrid and variety development.
- Improving yield potential across diverse midwestern environments.
- Adapting other agronomic crops found in other regions of the US such as sorghum, wheat, and other cereal crops to the upper Midwest.
As a graduate student, Tyler emphasizes the importance of learning from experienced mentors while also embracing emerging technologies. He is particularly interested in the role of machine learning and bioinformatics in keeping agriculture innovative and resilient.
After completing his master’s degree, Tyler plans to pursue a PhD in Plant Breeding. His long-term goal is to work as a breeder for a seed company in Iowa and eventually return to ISU as a faculty member—teaching, mentoring, and continuing to advance the science of plant breeding.