One of the most important steps in genetic engineering a plant is the process of regenerating an entire new plant from a single cell that contains the new genetic instructions. The process is as much art as science. Dr. Indra Vasil was a pioneer in this area, especially in monocots, the plants we think of as our major grasses and grains. In this interview Dr. Vasil discusses the early days of plant tissue culture, and his contributions to the process that makes genetic engineering of crops possible. Dr. Vasil shares his experiences and talks fondly of the many scientists that supported his work, as well as the need to get students to think outside the box. # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/ # TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.