As a 9-year-old at the 4-H County Fair, I informed the newspaper reporter that my goal was to become a researcher in dairy nutrition. Over a half-century later, I can look back at a dream come true. The National Academy of Sciences publication titled “On Being a Scientist” (https://www.nap.edu/catalog/12192/on-being-a-scientist-a-guide-to-responsible-conduct-in) is a must read for all in the scientific community. The report lists many of the challenges and issues faced by scientists in the 21st Century and concludes that researchers have 3 sets of obligations. First, an obligation to honor the trust of colleagues by producing results that stand the test of time. Mentors and colleagues made a difference, and of special importance are graduates, undergraduates, and post-doctorates that represent the heart and soul of our research programs. Second, an obligation to themselves. Scientific knowledge is cumulative, with new discoveries building on past results. The same ethical values that apply in everyday life apply to science as researchers seek to be productive while maintaining high professional standards and personal integrity. Third, an obligation to act in ways that serve the public. Research involves the use of public funds for public good, and communication of results to consumers, producers, and other scientists is essential. My career has presented interesting challenges, exciting opportunities, and many satisfying experiences; the presentation will relate some of these to the 3 NAS obligations.