Table of Contents Society News Botany Conference: A Touchstone for Ideas and Inspiration ............................................................... 2 BSA Science Education News and Notes ....................................................... 6 Editor’s Choice Review .................................................................................. 7 Announcements In memoriam - James Howard Wandersee - Botanical Science Educator ..........................8 Personalia – Newly Elected AAAS Fellows ....................................................................11 E.O.Wilson Biodiversity Symposium...............................................................................12 The American Journal of Botany Celebrates Centennial .................................................13 Reports Students’ interest in useful plants – A potential key to counteract plant blindness ..........18 Botanical Education in the United States: Part 3. The Botanical Society Builds the Discipline, 1895-1960 ...............................................................................................28 Book Reviews Bryological .......................................................................................................................62 Developmental and Structural ..........................................................................................63 Economic Botany .............................................................................................................64 Phycological .....................................................................................................................64 Systematics ......................................................................................................................65 Books Received .............................................................................................68 Volume 59 Reviewers .................................................................................... 68 July 26 - 30 2014 - The Boise Centre - Boise, Idaho www.botanyconference.org 1 Society News Botany Conference A Janice Coons, a 20-year member, calls BSA an Touchstone for Ideas & “all-inclusive family. Here, you feel like a first-class Inspiration while Building citizen. Students feel that sense of excitement too.” Connections Anitra Thorhaug calls the BSA “larger thinking, The buzz of scientific collaboration fills the more focused to the future” as an organization. hallways, nooks, and crannies of the hotel. Across As a senior scientist, she said the society’s multi- the diverse scope of botanical study, there is a discipline umbrella allows her to build unique and sense of excitement about what can be learned valuable friendships and resources. in conversations between the “rock stars” of the Professor Chris Martine sees BSA and its annual botanical world and the emerging new scientists. conference as a way to access and network with the Diversity in the Botanical Society of America is professionals in the field. “It’s an active community big and bold, open and loud. It means not only that of botanical scientists,” he says. “You come to a the Society is open to all colors, shapes, genders and meeting so you are connected.” types of botanical scientists, but that it engenders a And that, he prompts, is the crux of the matter. kind of challenge to bring something bigger to the That connection is imperative to a scientist’s table. It’s more than just talking about your field of ultimate success. “We have to be reminded we’re study—it’s about actively understanding how your part of a bigger endeavor and part of a larger group field of study fits into the bigger picture and makes of really cool people, not isolated. We’re all people a difference to the world. trying to figure the same things out,” Martine The Botany Conference, representing over 6,000 explained. plant scientists across the world, is a lot like a family, One good way to see that is the program called say some of its attendees. The difference might be PLANTS, where scientists actively mentor students that this particular family has learned to discuss new to the Society and to the conference so they issues in a positive way. “We bring issues forward have a great experience and get the most out of the in a way that promotes the science and teaches the meeting. They connect and get tips and suggestions individual to be a better scientist,” said program for the day, but most say the biggest take-away can chair David Spooner. “We believe in good science.” be friendships that last through a lifetime. The Botany 2013 crowd applauds Nalini Nadkarni, last year’s plenary speaker. Conferences are more than just talking about your field of study—it’s about actively understanding how your field of study fits into the bigger picture and makes a difference to the world.. 2 Plant Science Bulletin 60(1) 2014 Ann Sakai, who helps to coordinate the program Fellow BSA member Jack Horner echoed those from the volunteer side, says the relationship- sentiments, saying he started presenting his work building side of the PLANTS program sends fingers in BSA in 1960 as a graduate student and has been a of learning in both directions. “Everyone is learning member ever since. “It’s a Society of happy, pleasant something,” both the students and the mentors. people wanting to involve people. BSA allows graduate students to get involved and present their “You never know what might pique your interest work,” he explained, adding that the dimension of in one of these conversations,” said botanist Roger dynamic young scientists mentored by the older Rosentreter. “You have a conversation at the scientists gives the Society an exciting yet familial meeting, but that connection extends far beyond feel. “BSA is like a family,” says his wife Cecilia t h at d ay.” Horner, who has been coming to the meetings For young plant scientists like Morgan Gostel and alongside him all these years. “You always know Jon Gibbons, the conference offers connections, you’ll strike up a relationship that will carry on for networking opportunities, and good science. y e ar s .” Gibbons said, “I came not knowing anyone and left Many come to the meeting for the chance to see with real friends I will have a long time. Now I use friends they haven’t seen since the last conference, my TA position and friends to get the word out, says professor Steve Weller. Then they add to that and go into classes. The meetings are interesting— delight the excitement of learning the new scientific if you’re lost and trying to find your way, go to a variety of sessions and find out what’s interesting. If you know what you want to do, focus on that. You will meet the people you read articles about, the rock stars, the legends in botany!” Gostel, from George Mason University, came for the first time knowing no one. He described how he was embraced by the members, and went to a cross- section of talks to learn as much as possible about a lot of things. By the next year, he was prepared to take on more networking, interacting, and getting more involved. “We’re breaking the initial misconception that plants aren’t cool,” Gostel said, laughing. Spooner says he “hears all the time that the meeting just has a good feeling about it,” a feeling born of camaraderie, of family, of good people. “There is a lot of activity in the meeting that brings people of different disciplines together, resulting in long-range friendships,” he said. The world of botanical science is a relatively small group, the scientists will tell you. And there are both bigger and smaller meetings to attend than the Botany Conference. “People who don’t attend don’t know how much they’re missing out on,” said Professor Joe Armstrong. “I have some very good friends I wouldn’t have if not for the meetings and the field trips over the years.” Many attendees participate in Botany-In-Action, “I’ve had the opportunity to sit at tables with some the conference’s annual service project —Giving amazing leaders I never would have met if it had back to the local community and networking! not been for leadership positions with the Society,” Botany 2013 focused on helping Bayou Rebirth Spooner said in agreement. “Coming to scientific in New Orleans. meetings is a key part of my own education.” 3 Plant Science Bulletin 60(1) 2014 Science, Technology & Conversation Converge In Trade Show If you like a little bit of science—a glimpse at the best of technology, the best in the world of scientific books, or a job opportunity in botany—where do you go? Go to the Exhibit Hall at the Botany Conference! If you hit it right, you can avail yourself of the fabulous poster sessions, chat it up around the yummy food stations, and still get around to the 20-some vendors who make the annual trek from around the country to make sure the BSA members know how much they support the botanical scientists. Name visibility, brand awareness, product notoriety, and the ability to launch new products and even sell products right on site are all the reasons the vendors book into the conference show. “These are the people we want to sell to,” said Andrea Ciecierski of CABI, a research organization from the UK who brought books to Botany 2013. Bruce Davis of Academia in Books, a long-time vendor at the show, said the publisher picks out the show and books every year and believes BSA is the place to be. And the American Society of Botanical Artists, represented by Marilyn Garber, not only came to the show for the first time—they also put on a workshop on botanical art.