New seed administrator appointed to Indiana State Chemist office

Jessica McVay, who has worked as a seed analyst, feed microscopist and laboratory coordinator for the Indiana Seed Regulatory Agency for 11 years, has been selected as the new seed administrator in the Office of Indiana State Chemist. In this role, McVay works closely with seedsmen, state and federal regulators, the seed trade industry, and consumers to monitor the compliance of seeds sold and distributed according to the Indiana Seed Law.

McVay, a certified seed analyst in both purity and germination, worked closely with Don Robinson, the previous seed administrator. She knows that established strong relationships with partners are essential to the Indiana State Seed Lab and plans to continue to develop those relationships in her new position.

Mark LeBlanc, director of the Indiana State Chemist office, remarked on McVay’s experience, “During her tenure with the Office of Indiana State Chemist seed program, Jessica has been a skilled, dedicated and hardworking part of our team. She has regularly gone above and beyond to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the seed program. We look forward to her leadership in her new role.”

McVay shared that this position is more than just a job to her. “My grandmother was a seed analyst years before me — I still use the same purity board that she did! She laid a foundation in the seed lab, and it’s been fun to follow in her footsteps. I am excited for this new opportunity within the Office of Indiana State Chemist and the ability to continue to serve and educate the seed industry.”

Featured Stories

Man measures trees in forest.
Prototype forest growth model demonstrated for Peru application

The U.S. Forest Service invested decades of work and tens of millions of dollars to develop a...

Read More
A maple syrup producer looks out over his processing equipment.
Researchers Seek Maple Syrup Producer Feedback with New Survey

Researchers are working to scale up the green production of maple syrup in the Central Hardwood...

Read More
A man with glasses looks through a microscope in a laboratory, illuminated by contrasting blue and red lighting.
Fly’s eye opens window into important biological processes

The eyes are the window to the soul, according to an old saying. But Purdue University’s...

Read More
A young Geriann Albers holds a coyote pup; Albers holds a red-winged blackbird; Albers holds her Chase S. Osborn plaque.
Meet Geriann Albers: 2025 Chase S. Osborn Early Career Award Recipient

For her contributions to and impact on wildlife management in the state of Indiana, Geriann...

Read More
From left, lab members Jieun Woo, Dekun Cheng and professor Weicang Wang look under the sterile hood of their lab at a petri dish.
How do PFAS affect gut health?

PFAS have been shown to increase risks to immunity, reproductive health, developmental delays,...

Read More
Senior Isaac Johnson sprays invasive species, conducts midstory control and stands next to a tree he felled during his summer as a Forestry and Natural Resources intern.
FNR Field Report: Isaac Johnson

Senior Isaac Johnson, a forestry major with a concentration in forest management, worked as an...

Read More