Reflections & Connections - Personal Journeys Through the Life Sciences - A Two Volume Edition: Volume I: Agricultural Economic, Agriculture & Plant Scientists Volume II: Healthcare Economics, Environmental & Medical Scientists Connections & Reflections - Personal Journeys Through The Life Sciences features authors telling stories about their personal journey through the life sciences. The authors have engaged in basic and applied research and/or teaching in the academy, agriculture, food and beverage companies, and pharmaceutical companies. These stories probe the "Mecca" of the academy and public/private research organizations with the hope of revealing the Herculean efforts and passion of scientists in the pursuit of intellectual achievement. The research and teaching achievements of these scientists fuel the intellectual property backbone for our societal advances in technology and development and preparing future generations of scientists which hopefully will continue to propel the growth of the global economy. The contributors are hopeful that the pages of Reflections & Connections will provide invaluable insights for individuals considering a commitment to scientific research and teaching or at the onset of launching a career as well as providing the casual reader with an insight into the making of scientists and the social dynamics of their research institutions. The stories contributed by the scientists in the publication reflect on their career hurdles, interruptions, sacrifices and decision making moments. The stories deal with death, discrimination, family issues, handicaps, the Holocaust, childhood parental Loss, pregnancy, politics, sickness, and war. Research scientists are passionate about scientific inquiry and struggle at all costs to overcome career challenges. The authors represent diverse ethnicities and origins across Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.