May/June 2016 • Volume 43, Number 3

p. 7 p. 14 p. 25 ASPB Announces ASPB; Making a 2016 Summer 2016 Awards Difference in 2015 Undergraduate Research Fellows

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS

President’s Letter

Funding Plant Biology in Hard Times 5 Days BY RICHARD DIXON in Austin University of North Texas, Denton Enjoy the

’m not sure that I know When I moved to the United Outdoors any research scientist who States in 1988 and started to Iwouldn’t claim that fund- participate on federal grant ing is tight these days. With panels, I was impressed by It’s All About historically low success rates their relatively broad remit, the Food at federal agencies, industry as the system from which I consolidating and pulling had just moved had recently back from supporting science become more difficult to Music Lover’s in the public sector, and state maneuver—only Arabidopsis funding for public universities one year, something else the Paradise no longer what it used to be, next. Although discipline times are hard. Several of the specific, the programs at federal programs that have Rick Dixon USDA and NSF did not spec- Annual been staples for funding plant ify more circumscribed areas biology in the past now have success rates but in large part allocated funding based on Party of less than 10%; this seems a far cry from the best science. Furthermore, most of the the days when I was on panels that funded grants in those days were single investigator around 35% of proposals, some as merit- grants, and if you made good progress, you President’s based awards in which a proposal from a could hopefully count on continued fund- Symposium lab that had shown a strong track record in ing that would see you through your tenure the past would, rightly or wrongly, undergo evaluation and beyond. a fairly cursory review for renewal. Now it A politically more sophisticated scientific is both hard to get into the game and just as community now lobbies for research initia- hard to maintain a large and productive lab. tives that translate into topic-specific calls Not only the level but also the focus of for funding. An unintended effect of this coverage starts on page 3 funding has undergone significant change. continued on page 6 Contents ASPB Council

President Richard Dixon Immediate Past President, Chair Julian Schroeder 1 President’s Letter President-elect Sally Mackenzie Secretary Alice Harmon Treasurer; Chair, Board of Trustees C. Robertson McClung Plant Biology 2016 Elected Members Lisa Ainsworth Joe Kieber 3 5 Days in Austin Maureen McCann 4 President’s Symposium Q&A with Rick Dixon Chair, Membership Committee Jill Deikman Chair, Minority Affairs Committee Adán Colón-Carmona 5 Major Symposium-Developing Healthier Foods: Chair, Publications Committee Neil E. Olszewski Quality, Nutrition, and Molecular Gastronomy Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Marisa Otegui Chair, Education Committee Sarah Wyatt Chair, International Committee Tuan-Hua David Ho 7 ASPB Announces 2016 Awards Chair, Science Policy Committee Patrick Schnable Sectional Representatives 11 ASPB Members Elected to NAS Northeastern Section Peter Melcher Western Section Camille M. Steber 12 ASPB’s 2016 Women’s Young Investigator Travel Award Mid-Atlantic Section Hemayet Ullah Winners Announced Midwestern Section Ed Cahoon Southern Section Becca Dickstein

13 5th Pan-American Congress on Plants and BioEnergy Council members highlighted in blue also serve on the Board of Directors. 14 ASPB: Making a Difference in 2015 ASPB Staff Section News Chief executive officer Crispin Taylor, [email protected] Director of finance and administration Kim Kimnach, [email protected] 16 Midwestern Section Annual Meeting Report Executive and governance affairs administrator Sylvia Lee, [email protected] Accounts receivable and payable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, [email protected] Where Are They Now? Senior staff accountant Jotee Pundu, [email protected] Director of meetings and events Jean Rosenberg, [email protected] 17 John S. Boyer Conference coordinator Stacy Loewentritt, [email protected] Director, digital strategy and member services Susan Cato, [email protected] Digital project manager Chris Mayfield, [email protected] Science Policy Manager, member services Shoshana Kronfeld, [email protected] 19 Policy Update Meetings, marketing, and membership assistant Melanie Binder, [email protected] Legislative and public affairs director Tyrone Spady, [email protected] Executive coordinator, Plant Science Natalie Henkhaus, [email protected] 21 Reach Out to Your Senators and Representatives During Research Network the August Congressional Recess Education coordinator Katie Engen, [email protected] Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, [email protected] 21 Science Policy Committee Meets in Washington, DC Publications assistant Diane McCauley, [email protected] Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, [email protected] Education Forum Subscriptions assistant Linda Palmer, [email protected] Managing editor Patti Lockhart, [email protected] 23 White House Easter Egg Roll 2016: Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, [email protected] #Let’s Celebrate … Plants! Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, [email protected] Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Ashton Wolf, [email protected] 25 Announcing the 2016 Summer Undergraduate Senior features editor, The Plant Cell Nan Eckardt, [email protected] Research Fellows (SURF) Features editor, The Plant Cell Mary Williams, [email protected] Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, [email protected] New Staff Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, [email protected] The ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is also available online. It is pub- lished six times annually in odd-numbered months. Its purposes are to keep membership 28 Chris Mayfield informed of ASPB activities and to reinforce the value of membership. The ASPB News is edited and produced by ASPB staff from material provided by members and other interested parties. Obituary Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered month (for example, April 5 for May/June publication). 29 Chu-Yung Lin Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; [email protected]; 301-296-0904. © 2016 American Society of Plant Biologists

2  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 5 Days in Austin Day Day

If you are coming to Austin for 3 5 Plant Biology 2016, by now you have likely made your Day Music Lover’s Paradise President’s Symposium airline and hotel reservations. Austin’s music scene continues Make the most of the last day 1 to evolve, and great places to of the meeting by attending So What’s Next? listen are within walking dis- the President's Symposium, A good first step is to make a Enjoy the Outdoors tance of the Convention Cen- organized by ASPB President plan for the sessions, posters, Register early. Registration is ter and your hotel. Check out Rick Dixon, “Plant Specialized and exhibitors you want to open Friday, July 8, from 2:00 the music venues in nearby Metabolism Overview.” One of see (https://www.eventscribe. p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and begin- Austin neighborhoods (http:// four major priorities in ASPB’s com/2016/ASPB/). If you’re not ning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, www.austintexas.org/visit/ Decadal Vision is to develop an ready to make a plan, explore July 9. entertainment-districts/). understanding of the synthesis your options: for example, join and biological purposes of If you’re not attending an early the discussion about the meet- plant-derived chemicals. Plant session, take a walking tour ing on Plantae.org, check out specialized metabolism has, around downtown Austin the interview with Harry Klee for many years, been treated (http://bit.ly/1l2ba4T). Then, about his symposium on de- Day as a specialized subject not if you have time one evening, veloping healthier foods (see of general interest to plant walk over to the Congress 4 page 5), or start letting others scientists, of broad relevance Avenue Bridge and see the know your plans to attend and to plant biology, or attractive bridge bats, a famous Austin Annual Party your interests at #plantbio16. to funding agencies. This situa- tourist attraction (http://bit. Beginning June 30, you can As the meeting nears its end, tion is now changing. The 2016 ly/1SyF2Rq). download the conference app you’ll have met new colleagues, President’s Symposium will to connect with colleagues planned some collaborations, highlight aspects of plant spe- and friends. attended great science sessions, cialized metabolism that relate and shared your ideas at the to broader aspects of biology, You’ll have free time before and ASPB Town Hall. Now it’s time namely genome organization, after the sessions, and Austin is a Day to celebrate! The Austin Nines evolution, ecology, and exploi- perfect place for foodies, history 2 band returns for this year’s tation for bio-based products. buffs, music lovers, and outdoor annual party. (If you were in fans. So here is a suggested Portland or Minneapolis, you Also, make plans to attend the itinerary, but you can check out It’s All About the Food know how great they are.) The Post-transcriptional Gene Regu- http://365thingsaustin.com/ and By now, the meeting is in full venue for the 2016 annual party lation in Plants meeting on July create your own plans. In addi- swing, but you have to eat, is Speakeasy, just a few blocks 14–15 at the Austin Conven- tion, watch for regular updates so try some of the great food from the Convention Center, tion Center. You can attend on new and interesting things to the city has to offer. There with a music lounge, bowling two great meetings with one do in Austin at #plantbio16 and are many different cuisines alley, and pool table spread over trip! Registration and abstract on the conference app. (http://bit.ly/1pCPT4F). Check three levels (http://speakeasy- submission are now open. To out the food trucks and popu- austin.com/gallery/). For your submit an abstract, go to http:// lar eateries most famous with singing enjoyment, there will bit.ly/1SItspd. To register, go to the locals (http://365things also be karaoke. http://bit.ly/1TcfKby. n austin.com/eating/).

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  3 President’s Symposium Q&A with Rick Dixon Interview with ASPB President Richard Dixon, University of North Texas

Rick Dixon has organized an group of plants, and therefore important major symposium not of general interest. All for the Plant Biology 2016 plants develop differentiated conference on plant special- organs, or exhibit responses ized metabolism. Joining Rick to cold or drought, but not for the sessions will be all plants make polymethyl- ated flavonoids (as just one Ian Baldwin example). But a study of plant Max Planck Institute specialized metabolism can Gregg Beckham illuminate many areas of National Renewable Energy biology, from genome struc- Laboratory ture and evolution (Why are What are some highlights? Osbourn, Joe Noel, and Ian Joe Noel some pathways now being Baldwin are well-established Salk Institute discovered to be encoded by Rick: I hope that the main leaders in their fields, ap- highlight will be the cumula- Anne Osbourn clustered genes [Osbourn]? proaching the subject from the tive realization from the four John Innes Centre How do plants evolve the areas of plant–pathogen inter- complex array of specialized talks that studying plant spe- actions, structural biology, and Here are just a few insights metabolites from a small num- cialized metabolism provides a ecology, respectively. Gregg Rick would like to share about ber of core pathways [Noel]?) powerful approach to address- Beckham is a young scientist his upcoming session. to ecology (a great example is ing nonspecialized aspects who works at the interface of tritrophic interactions among of the life and evolution of microbiology, chemistry, and How did you choose your plants, herbivorous insects, plants…and that the chemis- bioprocessing. Although not topic for the symposium, and and their predators [Baldwin]). try is really cool! strictly a plant scientist, he why is it so important? And then, of course, plants are represents the type of person Is there anything else you central to the future develop- with whom plant scientists Rick: I was thinking about how want attendees to know ment of a bio-based economy can interact to move plant plant specialized metabolism about the session or its in which their remarkable science toward the bio-based isn’t always viewed as cen- presenters? tral to plant biology, as is, for chemistry is exploited to ulti- economy. n example, plant development mately replace petroleum for Rick: The four speakers came or stress biology. Funding fuel, polymers, and specialty to plant specialized metabo- agencies can think that it is chemicals (Beckham). lism or its application from special to a particular plant or different perspectives. Anne

4  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 There is still time to register for Plant Biology 2016! plantbiology.aspb.org

Major Symposium-Developing Healthier Foods: Quality, Nutrition, and Molecular Gastronomy Interview with Harry Klee, University of Florida

Harry Klee has organized an attributes such as flavor. Grow- important major symposium ers are paid for the amount of for the Plant Biology 2016 product they deliver. Con- conference on developing sumers have been irrelevant healthier foods. Joining Harry because quality does not for the sessions will be translate into profit. Second, flavor and nutritional quality Andy Allan, Plant & Food are not easy things to measure. Research Q: What are some highlights? how patient, long-term invest- They’re expensive and techni- ment in complex problems can Linda Bartoshuk, University of Harry: I think people will see cally challenging. Most, if not pay off. Florida several great examples of all, breeding programs do not translational science—work Cathie Martin, John Innes Also, our non–plant science have the capacity to measure that is founded on fundamen- Centre speaker will provide a very quality traits. Thus, quality tal research that has been has deteriorated over time engaging talk on the nature of Harry answered some ques- taken from the bench through flavor and taste. Linda Bar- through benign neglect. We tions about his upcoming to products that will potential- toshuk is one of the world’s can and have quantified that session. ly make a real difference in the foremost experts on taste and deterioration. The real-world world. One of my main motiva- smell, and she’ll illustrate how Q: How did you choose your consequences are that people tions in organizing this sym- she has collaborated with us to topic for the symposium, and choose not to buy as much posium is to show our young take apart a very complex trait why is it so important? fruits and vegetables as they scientists that you can do solid in plants and helped us reduce might because they are not Harry: We feel that the loss fundamental science that is it to its simplest elements. of flavor quality is a critical happy with the flavor. This has both fun and has real-world problem in modern “industrial” a knock-on effect of reducing impacts. Flavor and nutrition Q: Is there anything else you crops. For too long, consum- the quality of the diet of the are powerful tools to engage want attendees to know ers have been left out of the average American. We think if the public and show them about the session? priorities for plant breeding. we can give consumers more what we as plant scientists can Harry: We promise it will be This has occurred for multiple incentives to eat better tasting do for them. Everybody under- scientifically and experientially reasons. First and foremost, and more nutritious foods, stands the importance of these excellent. Everyone will learn our food supply chain does they will make better decisions issues and personally relates to something useful from it. n not reward growers for quality about their diets. them. We’ll show the attendees

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  5 PRESIDENT'S LETTER government about mandatory read for ASPB members (http:// but rather lays out a blueprint continued from page 1 food labeling, but we have not bit.ly/1Fj1IC3). The report is for filling the knowledge gaps seen a similar debate in Congress prefaced by the statement, “To that will allow us to predict and trend has been the erosion of the to make plant and agricultural create crops that are flexible and assemble new traits and harness single-investigator awards. This research the priority we all believe adaptable to the challenges of the remarkably diverse chemistry is not to decry multi-investigator, it should be. Whereas the 2015 environment and population, we of plants, while at the same time multidisciplinary awards; some NIH request was over $30 billion, must increase the predictive and training a workforce that is geared critically important goals are the budget for the Agriculture and synthetic abilities of plant scien- to the demands of agriculture in best achieved by the work of Food Research Initiative (which tists. The sustainability of our the 21st century. large consortia, and the synergy includes the National Institute of agricultural enterprise is at stake.” ASPB attempts to influence that such projects generate can Food and Agriculture) was not This statement highlights the policy on research funding in be highly stimulating, leading much more than one-tenth of this critical role of basic plant science many ways, from direct meet- to new opportunities aside from amount. in agriculture and envisions the ings with staffers and members the project that brought the team It is always easy to make a cost of failure to implement new of Congress to representation together. But early career scien- case for increasing funding for approaches. in international and national tists who used to rely on success research on human health, and Sadly, it seems that this organizations such as the Global from single-investigator awards initiatives such as President message is not an easy sell to poli- Plant Council and the National to establish their reputation may Obama’s $300 million BRAIN cy makers or the public. In part, Plant Science Council. The latter now find it hard to break into a initiative stir the imagination this could be because, at least was formed by ASPB President- particular field and become part like NASA’s moon program in in the United States and most elect Sally Mackenzie (University of larger initiatives. It’s not clear the 1960s. But in spite of the fact of Europe, food security is not of Nebraska) and David Stern how well the voice of early inves- that plants have provided food, viewed by the general public as a (Boyce Thompson Institute) to tigators was heard during the feed, fuel, shelter, and medicines pressing problem. And then there advocate for the implementation development of the new funding throughout civilization, and will is the denial of climate change, or of the Decadal Vision. models. need to do so increasingly to meet at least its human causation, and Whatever your views on So where does ASPB stand in the demands of the expanding the same tactics that were used future directions for plant biol- the debate over research fund- world population and the uncer- to attempt to discredit climate ogy, from specific initiatives to ing? As for quantity, its position tainties of climate change, there change scientists (i.e., requests for the balance between single- and is relatively straightforward. I’m has been no high-profile govern- e-mail correspondence through multi-investigator awards, ASPB sure that most, if not all, ASPB ment-led initiative to capture the the Freedom of Information Act) needs your feedback. Start a members believe passionately that public’s imagination around revo- have recently been used against discussion on Plantae.org, or plant biology is underfunded, lutionizing agriculture through scientists working on and advo- contact the Society through and the Society works diligently basic plant science research. cating for plant biotechnology. Facebook or by email to elected to bring this situation to the Rather, we live in a climate of Plant biologists must speak officers or committee chairs. If attention of policy makers. For increasing public skepticism and with one voice if we are to advo- you are worried about how your example, in 2015, the Society fear of biotechnology in agricul- cate successfully for increased funding will look five years from worked with other organizations ture. Collectively, we have not funding, so it is important that now (and aren’t we all?), don’t and groups to help secure more done a good job of advocating for the Decadal Vision have the just complain! Change ultimately than $610 million in funding for plant science. support of the broader plant biol- comes in response to a focused plant science research projects Regarding a focus for fund- ogy community. Although the message from a large constitu- and other activities. ing, the astronomy community research developments it envi- ency, so don’t let your voice go But just saying that we need garnered support for the Hubble sions do not, and could not, cover unheard. n more money is not enough to sell telescope by coming together every area of plant biology in plant biology to policy makers. We behind a single vision. The plant which ASPB members participate, have to be able to present a well- science community has defined the Decadal Vision provides a reasoned argument for more fund- its vison and wish list for the focus to educate the public and ing that can resonate with both future through publication by policy makers about the central Congress and the general public. ASPB of the Decadal Vision importance of plants to society in For example, public concern about document Unleashing a Decade the 21st century. It does not favor genetically engineered crops has of Innovation in Plant Science: one type of technology, such as resulted in a debate within the A Vision for 2015–2025, a must genetic engineering, over another

6  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 ASPB Announces 2016 Awards

ach year, ASPB honors ex- cellence in research, educa- Etion, outreach, and service through its numerous awards to individuals who promote the mis- sion of our Society. We are proud to announce this year’s recipients.

Adolph E. Gude, Jr. Award Joe L. Key University of Georgia, Athens Joe L. Key is this year’s recipient of the Adolph E. Gude, Jr. Award, Joe L. Key Jiří Friml Karen Koch which is given in recognition of outstanding service to the sci- ence of plant biology. Joe’s early auxin transport, including the a large and varied toolbox of non- implementation of molecular discoveries that PIN family pro- invasive instruments and spectro- techniques to study auxin- teins mediate auxin efflux from scopic approaches that allow him regulated gene transcription and the cell and that the PIN proteins and others to probe these reac- heat shock–regulated protein are expressed at cell poles where tions in vivo, under natural pho- synthesis laid a foundation for the they establish a tissue-wide polar tosynthetic conditions. David’s field of plant molecular biology. auxin gradient responsible for group has developed a series of He was instrumental in securing the apical–basal axis of the plant instruments and techniques that the USDA Competitive Grants embryo and organs. He showed allow observations in real time of Program that brought fund- that this mechanism accounts key reactions in the electron and ing and scientific rigor to plant for developmental plasticity via proton circuits of photosynthesis. biology, recognized the value of which growth and development recombinant DNA technology reorient in response to develop- Charles Reid Barnes Award mental or environmental cues. Jiří to agricultural sciences before its David Kramer Karen Koch discovered that clathrin-mediated time, and provided leadership University of Florida and vision during the first inter- endocytosis plus polar recycling Karen Koch is this year’s recipient national meetings on plant mo- give rise to the polar distribution of the Charles Reid Barnes Award, lecular biology. These endeavors of PIN proteins. He found that Charles F. Kettering Award ASPB’s first honor. Karen has seeded the current community of some PIN family members reside David Kramer excelled in research, in the train- plant biologists. in the endoplasmic reticulum, where they regulate cellular levels Michigan State University ing of students of plant biology, and in service to the Society. Her Charles Albert Shull Award of auxin. His work has had major David Kramer pioneered our un- impacts on several areas of plant derstanding of how the biochemi- research on carbohydrate metabo- Jiří Friml biology, including hormone sig- cal/biophysical machinery of lism and sugar signaling is known Institute of Science and Technology naling (auxin transport), plant photosynthesis works, individu- internationally; her training of Austria development (cell polarity and ally and together as a network, plant biology students is legend- Jiří Friml is the 2016 recipient of auxin gradients), and plant cell to define the “energy strategy” ary; and having attended every the Charles Albert Shull Award. biology (endocytosis). of the plant, balancing the needs annual ASPB meeting for the past Jiří has played a leading role in for efficient photosynthesis and 40 years, she is a model for us all. elucidating the biology of polar avoidance of photodamage. To accomplish this, David developed continued on page 8 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  7 ASPB AWARDS tion of the nucleus, the role of the continued from page 7 vacuole in plant cell death, and Corresponding the distribution of stomata. This is an impressive range of accom- Membership Award plishments that have significantly Ikuko Hara-Nishimura advanced the field of plant cell Kyoto University biology. Ikuko Hara-Nishimura is profes- Ikuko has received a number sor in the Department of Botany, of awards, including the Japan Kyoto University. She is an excel- Society of Plant Physiologists lent plant cell biologist whose Award in 2013 and the Medal research program has covered an with Purple Ribbon from impressive range of topics. Her the Japanese government for work on transport of proteins to outstanding scientists in 2014. Ikuko Hara-Nishimura Jian-Feng Ma the vacuole and particularly the She has served ASPB through her discovery of vacuolar processing role as coeditor of The Plant Cell, enzymes (VPEs) is regarded as and she was president of the Japan bases for aluminum resistance in seminal. VPEs, which belong to a Society of Plant Physiologists plants and has identified a num- (JSPP) in 2014–2015. Notably, large family of cysteine endopep- ber of key and novel aluminum she was the first woman elected to tidases, are widely distributed in (and other toxic metal) tolerance this post in the history of JSPP. the vacuoles of plant tissues and genes, especially in rice and bar- involved in the activation and Jian-Feng Ma ley. He received his PhD in plant processing of a range of proteins. Okayama University nutrition from Kyoto University, She found that many of the down- Japan. He has garnered a number stream effects of VPE activity have Jian-Feng Ma is a professor at of awards, the most significant widely divergent effects on devel- the Institute of Plant Science and being the Japan Society for the opmental processes, such as cell Resources, Okayama University, Promotion of Science Prize in death and seed coat formation. Japan. Jian-Feng is recognized 2006 and the Japan Academy She also greatly expanded our internationally for his pioneer- Medal in 2006. He was recently knowledge of the plant endo- ing work on and discoveries of selected by Thomson Reuters Widmar Tanner membrane system by showing the a number of important plant dynamics of transport from the ER transporters for mineral elements, as one of the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds for to the Golgi apparatus, the orga- including transporters for essen- He has published more than 200 nization of the ER, and the role of tial, beneficial, and toxic elements 2015 in the category of Plant and papers, reviews, and books in the cytoskeleton in ER function. in plants. Most noteworthy is his Animal Sciences. various fields of biology, including Her group was the first to identify work on the identification of both Jian-Feng has been a long- pioneering work on membrane novel ER bodies and their role silicon (Si) influx and efflux trans- standing member of ASPB, and transporters, sugar transfer reac- in responses to pathogens and porters in rice, which provided he was recently selected as one tions, and long-distance transport. abiotic stress. Work in her labora- the first evidence for polar local- of the Society’s Top Authors in In particular, he has advanced our tory on myosin XI, a myosin-class ization of transporters in plants 2015, based on his highly cited understanding of plasma mem- protein found in plants, led to the that mediate efficient uptake and papers in both The Plant Cell and brane subcompartments (raft-like discovery that cytoplasmic stream- translocation of the beneficial Plant Physiology (one of nine top domains) and their importance ing is regulated by an interaction mineral Si. Recently, he published authors in Asia). for transport processes. In ad- between the ER, myosin XI, and novel research on the molecular dition, and of high importance Widmar Tanner F-actin. Furthermore, her group and biochemical mechanisms that regarding public attitudes toward University of Regensburg has also advanced the functioning control the distribution of min- GMO crops in Germany and else- of other subcellular compartments, eral elements between different Widmar Tanner is professor at where in Europe, he contributed including the roles of oil bodies in vascular bundles within the nodes the University of Regensburg, immensely to rationalize these the synthesis of many important of graminaceous plants. Jian- Germany, now in emeritus status discussions. Widmar’s scientific lipids, the role of the nuclear pore Feng is also a world leader on but still very active; he has been achievements have been recog- and myosin XI in the organiza- the molecular and physiological an ASPB member since 1971. nized through election to learned 8  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 societies, including EMBO, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Widmar pro- vided important service to the plant science community in leadership positions, such as vice president of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (the German equivalent of the NSF) from 1993 to 1997 and as speaker of two Priority Collaborative Research Centres (SFB) span- Cora MacAlister Candace Galen C. Robin Buell ning 1981 to 2004. He also served on important advisory boards, including for the Max Excellence in Education Fellow of ASPB Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Award Established in 2007 and granted Research Centre boards, the Candace Galen to no more than 0.2% of the cur- Daimler-Benz foundation, and the University of Missouri rent membership, the Fellow of ASPB Award is given in rec- election committee for the Leibniz The 2016 Excellence in Education Prize (Germany’s highest mon- ognition of distinguished and Award recipient is Candace Galen long-term contributions to plant etary science award of up to 2.5 for her exceptional and sustained million Euro). At the University biology and service to the Society contributions to plant biology ed- by current members in areas that of Regensburg he contributed – ucation at the K 12, undergradu- include research, education, men- important service as dean and vice ate, and graduate levels. Candace toring, outreach, and professional president of research. Widmar be- was instrumental in launching and public service. Current mem- longs to the top tier of plant biolo- ShowMe Nature, an NSF-funded bers of ASPB who have contrib- gists worldwide. graduate training program intro- uted to the Society for at least 10 Jin Suk Lee ducing science into elementary years are eligible for nomination. Early Career Award school classrooms, and BGREEN, The 2016 Fellow of ASPB class in- The Early Career Award acknowl- a literacy program that has el- Jin Suk Lee cludes the following individuals: edges outstanding research by a ementary students conducting Concordia University scientist generally not more than environmental research. She has C. Robin Buell seven years post-PhD. This year’s Jin Suk Lee, assistant profes- worked for the past decade culti- Michigan State University Early Career Award co-recipients sor, Montreal, is recognized for vating community partnerships to Robin deploys cutting-edge are Cora MacAlister and Jin Suk her exceptional contributions protect Pennsylvania Mountain in genomics approaches in large- Lee. to plant cell signaling, particu- the Colorado Rocky Mountains, scale efforts to address key larly with respect to mitogen- where she has long conducted biological questions, many of Cora MacAlister activated protein kinases that ecological research. In both her which directly impact agricul- University of Michigan participate in auxin signaling and research and outreach efforts, she ture. She plays leadership roles Cora MacAlister, assistant profes- peptide-receptor kinase signaling demonstrates effective mentor- in sequencing and annotating sor, is recognized for exceptional pathways that regulate stomatal ship and teaching by enlisting the rice and potato genomes and contributions and creativity in development and inflorescence undergraduates, graduate stu- documenting genetic diversity architecture. her studies of the molecular dents, teachers, and community in these and other organisms. In mechanisms of plant develop- partners. addition to her research contri- ment, particularly with respect to butions, Robin has served ASPB transcriptional control of stomatal and the plant biology community development and inflorescence ar- through her work on the edito- chitecture in diverse plant species. continued on page 10 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  9 ASPB AWARDS Lawrence Bogorad Award continued from page 9 for Excellence in Plant rial boards of The Plant Cell and Biology Research Plant Physiology, which demon- Pal Maliga strates her commitment to a core Rutgers University mission of ASPB and to the plant Pal Maliga has made multiple science community. groundbreaking discoveries in Bijay Singh chloroplast biology. His devel- BASF Plant Science opment of a method for stable transformation of land plant chlo- A central focus of Bijay’s research roplast genomes, once thought has been branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis, as well as iden- to be impossible, established the field of chloroplast genome engi- tification of chemical inhibitors as Bijay Singh Krishna K. Niyogi tools to understand metabolism neering in higher plants and has and as herbicides with agronomic led to an explosion of research utility. Bijay’s commitment to concerning the chloroplast ge- ASPB is evident in his long-term nome’s role in photosynthesis, membership and service on vari- functional analysis of plastid ous committees. He has been a genes by reverse genetics, and member of the International mechanisms of plastid gene Committee and has served as regulation. Using the technology, mentor at the ASPB Career Pal’s lab has made many seminal Center at the annual meetings. contributions, including evidence In addition, he conceived the for the existence of the nuclear- idea and led the effort for ASPB encoded plastid transcription to establish two new awards: the system and identification of key Eric E. Conn Young Investigator elements involved in promoter Award, for which he served as recognition, translational initia- chair of the award committee tion, and RNA editing site speci- from 2010 to 2015, and the ASPB MariaElena Zavala Pal Maliga ficity. His discoveries continue to Innovation Prize for Agricultural stimulate chloroplast biotechnol- Technology, which was estab- both editions of Biochemistry & is driven by the quest to encour- ogy as well as basic research into lished in 2015. Molecular Biology of Plants. He age minority students to become chloroplast function. has been a member of the Charles scientists. Since the beginning Krishna K. Niyogi Albert Shull Award commit- of her own career, MariaElena Robert Rabson Award University of California, Berkeley tee, coeditor of The Plant Cell, has served on numerous minor- Xiaobo Li Kris has added a new dimen- and chair of the Publications ity committees and educational sion to our understanding of Committee. He has also served on committees for various scientific Carnegie Institution for Science photosynthesis through his stud- several review and advisory com- societies including the American For his novel discoveries linking ies demonstrating how algae mittees and scientific boards. Society of Cell Biology and the the genetic and biochemical con- and land plants deal with excess Botanical Society of America, as trol of triacylglycerol biosynthesis light energy and avoid the major MariaElena Zavala well as ASPB. For ASPB, she was and turnover with cellular metab- problem of photo damage. He California State University an Executive Committee member olism and nutrient responses of unquestionably ranks among the MariaElena has been one of the from 2012 to 2015 and a member microalgae, Xiaobo Li is the win- very top investigators studying primary movers and shakers for of the Minority Affairs Committee ner of the Robert Rabson Award photosynthesis and physiology in undergraduate education in sci- from 2007 to 2013, serving as in 2016. The novel insights arising algae. Kris has also served ASPB ence, not only for minority stu- chair during that period. from Xiaobo’s research support by contributing reviews and book dents, but also for many Southern the development of renewable chapters, including a chapter in California undergraduates. She and sustainable biodiesel trans-

10  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 for plant biology through the gists mine high-throughput data creation of funding programs in to generate testable hypotheses. the DOE for research in basic She has worked on numerous energy sciences. national and international com- mittees, panels, and scientific Stephen Hales Prize journals to further promote plant science. These contributions in- Gloria Coruzzi clude her editorship of one of the New York University first systems biology focus issues Gloria Coruzzi’s research is fo- of Plant Physiology. In addition to cused on the regulatory mecha- her excellence in research, Gloria nisms that control metabolic is also a dedicated educator and networks in plants. One of the organizer at her university. primary efforts of Gloria’s lab is Xiaobo Li the mapping of nitrogen regula- Gloria Coruzzi Congratulations to all the 2016 tory networks in Arabidopsis. awardees, and many thanks to portation fuel from microalgal This work made Gloria a leader nisms controlling the assimila- their nominators and the commit- feedstocks. in exploring the interface of plant tion and use of nitrogen. Gloria’s tees who evaluated nominees for This award recognizes Bob and systems biology and provided group has developed novel com- each award. n Rabson’s steadfast advocacy the first integrated view of mecha- putational tools that help biolo-

ASPB Members Elected to National Academy of Sciences The Plant Cell ASPB congratulates its members for their accomplishments. A full article will appear in the July/August issue. Julia Bailey-Serres, director, Center for Plant Cell Biology, and Fast, fair review professor of genetics, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside by your peers Bonnie Bartel, Ralph and Dorothy Looney Professor of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, Rice 2 days University to initial decision (external review or decline)* James J. Giovannoni, research molecular biologist, Agricultural Research Service, Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University

Mary Lou Guerinot, professor, Department of Biological Sciences, 29 days Dartmouth College to post-review decision* Krishna K. Niyogi, investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; faculty scientist, Physical Biosciences Division, DOE–Lawrence 86 days Berkeley National Laboratory; and professor, Department of Plant and submission to acceptance* Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley

ASPB Member Wins Humboldt Research Award 112 days Natalia Dudareva, professor, Department of Horticulture & submission to publication* Landscape Architecture, Purdue University *2015 median

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  11 ASPB’s 2016 Women’s Young Investigator Travel Award Winners Announced

ach year, ASPB—through its Women in Plant Biology ECommittee-awards travel grants to attend the Plant Biology annual meeting to early career women investigators. The goal of the competitive process that underpins the Women’s Young Investigator Travel Award (WYITA) program is to increase attendance of young female inves- tigators who are within the first five years of their appointment in Juan Dong Cornelia Hooper Jeeyon Jeon Marina Kalyuzhnaya academic faculty-level positions, government research positions, or industry research scientist posi- tions, as well as experienced post- docs, at the annual meeting by providing travel funds. Selection is based on (1) the science and quality of the abstract submitted relative to the amount of time as an early-career investigator, (2) a statement describing why travel should be supported, and (3) fi- nancial need. Seven women were selected Heather Marella Heather McFarlane Vered Tzin this year, and each will receive a $1,000 award to support their attendance at Plant Biology 2016 in Austin, Texas. Several awardees Cornelia Hooper Marina Kalyuzhnaya Heather McFarlane will present a concurrent sympo- The University of Western Australia San Diego State University University of Melbourne sium talk. A list of the recipients The compendium of crop pro- Methane cycle in dry land: First Cell wall regulation at the trans- and their abstract titles follows. teins with annotated locations evidences for plant–methanotro- Golgi network Congratulations to each of the (cropPAL): Subcellular tracing of phic bacteria cooperation Vered Tzin 2016 WYITA winners. protein functions in barley, wheat, Heather Marella Cornell University rice and maize Juan Dong Bridgewater State University Genetic mapping shows intraspe- Waksman Institute, Rutgers Jeeyon Jeon Root-knot nematode infection of cific variation and transgressive University Amherst College Arabidopsis thaliana is mediated segregation for caterpillar- Cell polarity and asymmetric cell Characterization of a mitochon- by MscS-like mechanosensitive induced aphid resistance in division: The crosstalk between drial ferroportin in Arabidopsis channels maize n MAPK signaling and the polarity protein BASL in Arabidopsis sto- matal development 12  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 5th Pan–American Congress On Plants and BioEnergy Santa Fe, New Mexico August 4-7, 2016

Registration and Abstract Submission Open

Two hundred participants are expected to gather for this meeting, the largest conclave in the coming year of scientists from the major bioenergy research centers across the two American continents. Networking and collaboration opportunities will be plentiful. Coffee breaks, meals, and other symposium gatherings, both formal and informal, will provide excellent oppor- tunities for strengthening relationships and exchanging research project and business development ideas. Engagement with Pan-American colleagues forges strong collaborations around a com- mon goal of making bioenergy a key component of national energy security. If this is an area of interest for you, you won’t want to miss this program.

Details on the meeting can be found at www.bioenergy2016.org.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  13 ASPB: Making a Difference in 2015 A summary of ASPB’s major accomplishments and positive impacts on the plant science community in 2015

Supporting a global plant science community

Partnering for a better future ASPB serves a community of more than

39,000 Partnered with scientists from more than 20 different organizations and groups 103 on a variety of activities, countries including grants, projects, and strategic initiatives, to support the community

Bringing plant scientists together in person and online

Convened more than Engaged a growing online community through social networks, Twitter, 1,600 and Facebook plant scientists at six in-person meetings

Grew Twitter community to more than 16,000 followers across all profiles

Launched Plantae.org—the Grew Facebook community digital ecosystem for plant science to more than 26,000 across that connects the community online all pages

14  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 Supporting, recognizing, and inspiring plant scientists Bringing research to the world

Published over 750 Awards and recognition for papers representing scientists and educators the work of more than ASPB granted more than Translated $320,000 through 148 awards the coloring/ 25 ASPB members received 4,400 activity book authors major recognition through My Life as a Plant in the highest-impact external fellowships and awards into (The Plant Cell) and the most highly cited (Plant 18 Physiology) plant biology languages primary research journals ®

Supporting plant science educators Facilitated the presentation of Published 32 Teaching Tools in which have been more than Plant Biology, downloaded thousands of times by Copublished individuals in more than 100 countries such important 1,300 “Why Study Plants?” has been posters across texts as Biochemistry & Molecular translated into 18 languages six meetings Biology of Plants, 2nd edition; and Plant Genes, Genomes and Genetics

Helping plant scientists navigate careers Two education sessions, 13 workshops, Helping secure funding for important more than 75 resume reviews, projects and initiatives and more than 200 high-quality job opportunities were held or posted at Plant Biology 2015 in Minneapolis

Working with other organizations and groups, ASPB helped to secure more than Inspiring and nurturing future plant scientists $610 million Participated in six major public outreach in funding for plant science research, events in large settings and distributed community projects, and activities more than 10,000 giveaways

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  15 Section News

Midwestern Section Annual Meeting Report

SPB’s Midwestern Section held its annual meeting AMarch 19–20, 2016, at the Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory at South Dakota State University. More than 100 attend- ees from 19 institutions, 10 states, and one Canadian province were treated to 35 oral presentations and 50+ posters. Oral presenta- tions were provided primarily by undergraduate and graduate students, and several talks came from technicians, postdoctoral ASPB Midwestern Section members. Left to right: Senthil Subramanian (South Dakota research associates, and faculty State University), Aaron Wyman (Spring Arbor University), Gustavo MacIntosh (Iowa State at primarily undergraduate and University), Keynote Speaker Federica Brandizzi (Michigan State University), and Kathrin research institutions. Schrick (Kansas State University). Keynote speaker Federica Brandizzi (Michigan State University–DOE Plant Research informally, making new friends, and-mortar, high-ceilinged fire Mislan, Truman State University (3rd place). Laboratory) discussed her lab’s and renewing old acquaintances. hall) to network, dialogue, and In the graduate student catego- efforts to characterize both The poster presentation sessions share a story and a laugh in a ries, best oral presentation awards conserved and novel plant- displayed the diverse array of relaxed setting. were given to Stacey Barnes, specific factors involved in trans- pursuits involving plant biology A major meeting highlight Iowa State University (1st place); port systems within plant cells. within the section, including cell each year is the presentation of Suresh Damodaran, South Dakota Featured speaker Adrian Hegeman wall biochemistry, phycoreme- student awards, and 2016 was State University (2nd place); (University of Minnesota–St. Paul) diation, changes in plant species no exception. Eleven students and Martha Ibore, Iowa State described his lab’s ongoing projects diversity in the plains, genetic earned travel grants. Although University (3rd place). Best poster toward making plant metabolo- analyses of seed formation, evalu- the oral and poster presentations presentation awards for gradu- mics analyses faster, more effec- ation of novel model organisms, were consistently of admirable analyses of altered ecosystems quality and content, the section ate students went to Stephanie tive, and of greater resolution. Morriss, Iowa State University in the plains, and elucidation of noted several of distinguished Melanie Binder and Natalie (1st place); Anthony Schmitt, microbial–plant interactions. caliber. Awards for best under- Henkhaus from ASPB headquar- University of Minnesota–St. Undergraduates learned about graduate oral presentation went ters detailed new membership Paul (2nd place); and Rawnaq different graduate programs to Erik Carlson, University initiatives and solicited feedback Chowdhury, South Dakota State across the Midwest. Graduate of North Dakota (1st place); on ongoing efforts, including the University (3rd place). evolution of Plantae.org, from students gained wisdom on Vaithish Velazhahan, Kansas Numerous topics were section members. Carl Fellbaum obtaining postdoctoral research State University (2nd place); discussed in the business meet- advertised the value of serving as an positions in various professional and Jennifer Myers, University ing on Sunday. Calls for nomi- ASPB ambassador, including CV sectors. Postdocs learned that of Nebraska–Lincoln (3rd nations for the site of the 2017 enhancement, increased opportuni- there are careers in plant biol- place). Awards for best under- Midwestern Section annual ties for professional development, ogy besides being an assistant graduate poster were earned meeting, the 2016–2017 vice and promotion of the plant sciences professor. All attendees had ample by Jordyn Williams, Truman chair position, the 2016–2017 to diverse audiences. opportunities during breaks, State University (1st place); local meeting organizer position, The meeting gave attendees between sessions, and at dinner Maggie Campbell, Truman State numerous chances for conversing (in a converted 1920s-era, brick- University (2nd place); and Sarah continued on page 18 16  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 Where Are They Now?

As the years churn on, many esteemed members of ASPB have passed the torch to their younger colleagues and stepped out of the limelight to allow others to bask in its glory. Yet, many continue their good works to the benefit of plant biology and the world. Edited by Beth Gantt, University of Maryland, “Where Are They Now?” is part of the ASPB News suite of columns focused on the personal and scientific life and insights of ASPB members at all stages of their career. This column offers a look into the current activities of influen- tial members of ASPB who continue to make a positive mark on our Society. We hope you all enjoy this addition to your newsletter. Please feel free to submit your own article to “Luminaries,” “Membership Corner,” or “Where Are They Now?” For details, please contact Jill Deikman, Membership Committee chair, at [email protected]. As always, we are open to suggestions for articles or features of interest to readers of the ASPB News. Enjoy!

John S. Boyer Professor Emeritus, University of Delaware

few years back, I moved reversed by feeding the products to the University of to the stem of the plant. Grain A Delaware after hav- was produced when otherwise ing been on the faculty of the none would develop. Clearly, University of Illinois and later drought-induced grain losses had Texas A&M. Helping early to run a biochemical origin! We found the family farm in Maryland had that the genome of grain crops convinced me that water was an monitored the sugar status of the important limiting factor in ag- developing florets and was active- riculture and natural plant com- ly causing them to abort during a munities. We needed controlled water limitation. Feeding photo- environments to allow us to re- synthetic products had thus iden- peat water relations experiments, tified genetic targets for improved like a biochemist would use a test drought performance. tube to repeat conditions around At the same time, Ted Proseus a complex enzyme. The controlled was doing experiments like Paul environments were excellent at Green’s with large algal cells that Delaware, and an added bonus were revolutionizing our think- was the chance to work with algae ing about the basic process of cell in a biology/biochemistry group enlargement. The process increas- ingly appeared to be controlled at the College of Marine Studies. Jean and John Boyer I had admired the work of Paul by the secretion of the pectin Green with large algal cells in component of the cell wall, caus- which pressure known to be nec- controlled environments, which a means of attracting water to ing a series of nonenzymatic chemical steps in the wall that essary for cell enlargement could meant we could dehydrate soil- enlarging cells (“growth-induced resulted in larger cells while wall be varied while the enlargement grown plants to any level repeat- water potentials”). The controlled strength was maintained. This of the same cells was measured. edly and maintain their water environments also allowed us to was an immense surprise! I thought this might be a chance status for days or months. We investigate reproductive devel- But in what seemed like a to understand enlargement more learned that plants can maintain opment in grain crops such as flash, it was time to retire. The fully and to extend Paul’s work. turgor when exposed to moder- maize. Mark Boyle found that problem was that age was creep- Fortunately, we had complete ate water limitations (“osmotic a drought-induced depletion of control of the humidity in the adjustment”) and that they have photosynthetic products could be continued on page 18 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  17 MIDWESTERN SECTION MEETING (Spring Arbor University), with for the meeting. Attendees were continued from page 16 significant appreciation and thanked for participating in the gratitude extended to vice chair 2016 Midwestern Section annual and the 2016–2017 Midwestern Gustavo MacIntosh, secretary- meeting and encouraged to come Section publications manager treasurer Kathrin Schrick, to Plant Biology 2016 in Austin, position were announced. local meeting organizer Senthil Texas, and to the next Midwestern Individuals interested in serving Subramanian (South Dakota Section meeting in Spring 2017. n in these positions and sugges- State University), and the South tions for meeting sites are to be Dakota State University gradu- sent to the 2016–2017 secretary- ate students who worked tire- treasurer Kathrin Schrick (Kansas lessly to staff, manage, prepare, State University). The meeting and operate the sessions. Special will be led by 2016–2017 chair recognition also was extended to Gustavo MacIntosh (Iowa State the Biochemical Spatio-temporal ASPB ambassador Carl Fellbaum University). NeTwork Resource (BioSNTR) with Plantae community manager The meeting was formally at South Dakota State University, Melanie Binder, at the Midwestern closed Sunday afternoon by which provided substantial mone- Section meeting. section chair Aaron Wyman tary and infrastructure support

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Promotions and impact factors postdoctoral associates produced It has been quite a ride, but continued from page 17 no longer matter. Identifying by the IPG at Missouri, and Jean only with the good help of many something in a plant’s life is more (my long-term spouse and friend) others. To the many students, ing up while work in the lab had important, and tying it to farm said, “Why not?” So we were off postdoctoral associates, and become riveting. As the lab closed, performance or ecological prin- to Missouri in winter while our visiting faculty with whom it has I wondered whether retirement ciples is exciting. Just thinking family farm (and the boat) slept. been a pleasure to work, I owe was the right thing. On the one gave deeper insights than were It is the greatest pleasure to be a great deal, due to their curios- hand, fewer deadlines were attrac- possible before, and some of our back in an academic environment ity, combined perseverance, and tive, and there would be more results with photosynthesis or cell working with young people and a faith in the future. Although I time to think. There would be enlargement that we didn’t under- particularly welcoming faculty. can’t name them all, it is great to more time to work on the family stand began to make more sense. We spend our time imaging see them succeed and contribute farm or go sailing (a lifelong Along the way, it was gratifying the location of glucose in plants, to science. Many of my earlier hobby). On the other, the excite- to see some of our work helping aiming to understand more fully colleagues have likewise been ment of the lab and working with to create genetic products in seed how drought alters glucose avail- inspirational and supportive, others didn’t go away. There is companies or find others’ views of ability in the reproductive tissues giving help where they can. something special about glimps- cell enlargement coming closer to of grain crops or in roots whose Special gratitude goes to Paul J. ing how plants make a living that I our own. extension relies on sugars. The Kramer, John B. (Jack) Hanson, cannot define. Maybe it’s building Then two years ago, Robert work is enhanced by the recent and Carolyn A. Thoroughgood. something positive or the chance E. Sharp called. Bob had been a availability of mutants less able Jean has the view that this is a to understand what otherwise postdoctoral associate in our lab to load sucrose into the phloem team effort, and as a plant scien- seems magic. For me in this situ- at Illinois years ago. He is now or move glucose into plant cells. tist herself, her adventuresome ation, the only practical thing was directing the Interdisciplinary We also hope to test some of the nature encourages us to spend to keep publishing as though we Plant Group (IPG) at the hypotheses coming from our algal our lives this way. It amazes us were still working—or maybe I University of Missouri, a group experiments. We would like to that we are alive at a time when should say, publish what I should of unusually collaborative plant know whether similar principles plant biology is in a great revolu- have done before retiring. scientists. He wondered if I apply in terrestrial plants. If Chara tion but also faces daunting chal- As I look back on the 10 years would like to go back to the lab, become larger by using a unique lenges. Perhaps in a small way since that retirement event, the maybe part time. For years, our chemistry of calcium pectate, do we can keep participating. Please extra time has been valuable. lab benefited from students and terrestrial plants do the same? visit us if you are close by. n 18  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 Science Policy

Policy Update BY LAUREN BROCCOLI Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

House Appropriators Hold priating at that level “would by Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Administration’s National Hearing on NSF Budget undermine [the] collaborative authorizes NSF to support Integrated Drought Information Following the release of the presi- process, and jeopardize our abil- recruitment and development System. dent’s fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget ity to pursue the most promising efforts for women in commer- In addition, the White House request in February, House and opportunities.” Honda’s question cial settings. The purpose of this released a federal action plan Senate appropriations committees echoes concerns from the scien- legislation is to support workforce detailing renewed efforts to have held a number of hearings to tific community about proposals initiatives to help women with implement resilience initiatives from House Science, Space, and across multiple agencies, includ- review proposed budget levels for STEM degrees pursue careers Technology Committee Chairman ing the Environmental Protection federal agencies. The Bipartisan within the field. The INSPIRE Lamar Smith (R-TX) to cut fund- Agency, the Department of Budget Act of 2015, a two-year Women Act, introduced by ing for NSF’s Geosciences and Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), Commerce, the Department agreement passed into law last Social, Behavioral, and Economic directs NASA to prioritize initia- of the Interior, USDA, and fall, provided relief from seques- directorates. In comments after tives that promote women and the Department of Homeland tration for FY2016 and FY2017, the hearing, Culberson attempted girls in STEM disciplines. Security. Although the action plan but despite this agreement, some to distance himself from Smith’s does not include new funding fiscal conservatives in the House Source and Additional Information efforts, hinting that he was not in streams, it does provide insight are demanding reductions in agreement with the controversial • The press release with further into the research priorities agen- overall discretionary spending. approach. information on the legislation cies will be implementing in the This demand is anticipated to stall is available at http://tinyurl. next year and highlights existing the appropriations process. In Sources and Additional Information com/z9ztfbp. initiatives, such as the Agriculture terms of funding projections, fed- and Food Research Institute’s eral science agencies like NSF and • The full archived video of the Administration Announc- Water for Agriculture program. USDA will likely experience flat hearing is available at http:// es Executive Actions to Sources and Additional funding or very minor increases tinyurl.com/hnso3ak. Combat Drought Information to their budgets in FY2017. • A related Science Insider article On March 22, the White House On March 16, the House is available at http://tinyurl. released a memorandum titled • The presidential memorandum Appropriations Subcommittee com/haofq8p. “Building National Capabilities can be found at http://tinyurl. on Commerce, Justice, Science, for Long-Term Drought com/jesos7l. and Related Agencies held a House Passes Bipartisan Resilience” to expand federal • The partnership action plan is hearing on the FY2017 budget Bills to Promote Women in resilience efforts first announced available at http://tinyurl.com/ request for NSF. Following open- Science in the 2013 executive order on jo9kq3o. ing statements by Chairman John On March 22, the House of the impacts of climate change. Culberson (R-TX) and Ranking Representatives passed two The memorandum was released • The 2013 executive order can Member Mike Honda (D-CA), pieces of legislation to promote in conjunction with the White be found at http://tinyurl.com/ NSF Director Dr. France Córdova and support women in sci- House Water Summit, an event jok7um3. testified before the subcommittee ence: the Promoting Women in highlighting federal, academic, State Department Ap- on the administration’s funding Entrepreneurship Act (H.R. 4742) and private commitments and ef- points New U.S. Special request for the agency. and the Inspiring the Next Space forts to support water resilience. Envoy for Climate Change During the hearing, Honda Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, The memorandum institution- asked for Córdova’s input on and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women alizes the National Drought On March 21, the State recent congressional efforts to Act (H.R. 4755). Both bills passed Resilience Partnership, an in- Department announced the ap- allocate funding for individual with bipartisan support. teragency initiative established pointment of Jonathan Pershing directorates within NSF. Córdova The Promoting Women in in 2013 to build on the National responded that Congress appro- Entrepreneurship Act, introduced Oceanic and Atmospheric continued on page 20 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  19 Science Policy

POLICY UPDATE in FY2017 include an expected to bring together partners across able at http://tinyurl.com/ continued from page 19 contribution of $8.5 million from a region or around a common jzhseys. NSF to fund additional proposals. topic or research theme (e.g., as U.S. Special Envoy for Climate • The full solicitation is available The second solicitation is data science or clean energy) Change. Pershing will replace at http://tinyurl.com/hdy6376. for Early Concept Grants for to advance a specific goal with Todd Stern. Pershing served • The dear colleague letter is Exploratory Research (EAGER) measurable objectives. as senior climate advisor to available at http://tinyurl.com/ proposals that deal with the devel- NSF plans to award 30–40 Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz. jf5ew7y. opment of transformative agricul- pilots, which will then be eligible In this role, Pershing will act as ture phenotyping technologies. to compete for much larger alli- • Information on INCLUDES the Obama administration’s chief Studies can be “high-risk, high- ance awards in FY2017. Alliance from the FY2017 budget climate negotiator, representing payoff.” There is $6 million avail- proposals will build on a pilot request is available at http:// the country at international cli- able for approximately 20 awards. to expand partners or networks, tinyurl.com/ztwhjaw. mate conferences and supporting Individual awards are predicted to combining existing teams and policy development in this area. EPA Releases Solicitation be $300,000 over two years. organizations to “form new alli- for National Environmen- Source and Additional Information Sources and Additional ances with common goals and tal Education and Training purposes and collective impact- • The full press release is avail- Information Program style approaches, with a strategy able at http://tinyurl.com/ The Environmental Protection • The full PBI solicitation is for how the effective practices zv9va46. Agency (EPA) released a request available at http://tinyurl.com/ of the Alliance are likely to be for proposals for its national hr7jacy. deployed at scale.” Alliances will USDA and NSF Release Environmental Education and • More information on the PBI design and implement strate- Joint Plant–Biotic Interac- Training Program. Through this is available at http://tinyurl. gies to achieve their goals related tions and Transformative program, EPA intends to award com/j8xm4g8. to breaking down barriers for Technologies Funding one cooperative agreement to op- underrepresented groups in Opportunities • More information on the erate the program. STEM and nurturing new talent. EAGER solicitation is available The program provides envi- USDA’s National Institute of Food In addition to the pilots and at http://tinyurl.com/ha8thgs. ronmental education training and Agriculture and NSF released alliances, NSF plans to support through classes, workshops, two joint solicitations concerning NSF Releases INCLUDES a “backbone organization” that conferences, and so forth. the exploration of plant–biotic Pilots Solicitation will drive INCLUDES “vision Additionally, the program interactions and transformative development, alignment, shared NSF released a solicitation to es- provides “long-term support to technologies. measurement practices, imple- tablish Design and Development the [environmental education] The Plant–Biotic Interactions mentation research, evaluation, Launch Pilots for the Inclusion field through finding and dissem- (PBI) program will support public support and engagement, across the Nation of Communities inating best practices, implement- research on basic plant processes policy change and implementa- of Learners of Underrepresented ing certification programs, and and the mechanisms that guide tion, leveraging of funding, and Discoverers in Engineering and identifying quality resources.” plant–biotic interactions in addi- Science (INCLUDES) initiative. communication between and tion to translational research This is the first solicitation for across the set of Design and Sources and Additional benefiting agriculture. Projects INCLUDES, a major priority of Development Launch Pilots and Information can be purely basic or applied or NSF Director France Córdova Alliances.” NSF plans to release • The full request for proposals have elements of both perspec- originally announced in the a dear colleague letter in the is available at http://tinyurl. tives. The overarching goal of FY2016 budget request. Córdova near future to further define the com/jv7h9jn. this solicitation, and the PBI, is also released a dear colleague process for establishing the back- • Additional information on the to improve agriculture through letter to accompany the so- bone organization, which will program is available at http:// a deeper understanding of the licitation outlining her vision for include a call for conference and tinyurl.com/jbuxras. n interactions between plants and INCLUDES. workshop proposals to inform the their environment. The Design and Development design of the organization. This program includes two Launch Pilots will develop models Sources and Additional initial competitions. For the first or prototypes for collective action Information competition, $6 million is avail- efforts to increase participation in able from USDA for FY2016. STEM areas by underrepresented • More information on the Plans to expand the program groups. These pilots are intended INCLUDES program is avail- 20  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 Science Policy

Reach Out to Your Senators and Representatives During the August Congressional Recess BY LAUREN BROCCOLI Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

ongress plays a critical sentatives will spend the bulk of ages all members to participate congressperson and guidance role in shaping the U.S. their time in their district, and in these local events, which can on meeting with and writing to Cresearch portfolio by pre- many will host specific events for serve as a catalyst for future members of Congress. In addi- scribing funding levels for research constituents. Events like town outreach opportunities, such as tion, the website provides the programs and, often, by directing halls and office hours present inviting a senator or representa- Society’s most current position policy. New scientific instruments, ASPB members with opportuni- tive or appropriate staff member statements, which can be used research grants, graduate fellow- ties to cultivate relationships to visit a laboratory or facility. in these interactions. For more ships, and scientific centers and with elected officials and express To aid these efforts, the ASPB details or questions, contact institutes are created and funded ASPB’s priorities for policy and Science Policy section of the Tyrone Spady at tspady@aspb. by Congress each year. federal research funding. To take website provides a suite of advo- org or visit http://tinyurl.com/ As the 2016 election cycle maximum advantage of these cacy tools, including zip code k6pzh5v. n ramps up, senators and repre- opportunities, ASPB encour- matching to determine your

Science Policy Committee Meets in Washington, DC BY TYRONE SPADY ASPB Legislative and Public Affairs Director

n March 21, the how plant biology provides the treatments and protecting our est possible support for the ASPB Science Policy foundation for advancement in environment, as well as advancing Directorate for Biological OCommittee (SPC) met in agriculture and the bioeconomy, our fundamental understand- Sciences, including the Plant Washington, DC, and conducted mitigation of the impacts of cli- ing of plant biology. Given the Genome Research Program meetings with congressional mate change, and development tight fiscal environment facing (PGRP), which not only fur- offices. The focus of the ASPB of new medicinal compounds the nation, the SPC expressed its thers fundamental knowledge congressional visits was (1) to involved in the treatment and appreciation for the bipartisan but also helps us enhance advocate for funding in the fiscal prevention of diseases (see the congressional support of the agricultural productivity, grow year (FY) 2017 appropriations Decadal Vision at http://tinyurl. federal research agencies and the nutritious foods, and diminish process for the major agencies com/p9dapxv). relative protection from budget the effects of devastating plant that support plant science re- The SPC urged congressional cuts received by many. parasites. Sustained funding search, (2) to communicate the offices to support sustainable SPC members shared the growth over multiple years for importance of plant science to funding growth at federal agen- following specific appropriations PGRP will be critical to ad- the economic well-being of the cies to allow researchers to work requests in each congressional visit: dress many challenges of the nation and the world, and (3) to toward revolutionary break- • National Science Foundation: 21st century. discuss the ways that ASPB can be throughs in producing nutri- ASPB supports the requested • Department of Energy’s of support on issues of shared in- tious foods, sustainable energy, level of $8 billion in FY2017 Office of Science: ASPB sup- terest. Additionally, we discussed and new medicines and medical and encourages the great- continued on page 22 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  21 Science Policy

SCIENCE POLICY COMMITTEE Research Initiative (AFRI), during the visits was that robust Mississippi, Missouri, North continued from page 21 the full amount authorized investments in these agencies and Carolina, Pennsylvania, and in the 2008 Farm Bill. AFRI programs are vital to ensuring Tennessee. These offices represent ports the requested level of administers competitive fund- America’s ability to meet critical a small fraction of congressional $5.672 billion in FY2017. ing for innovative research on challenges such as developing offices, and we need your help to ASPB supports the FY2017 issues such as food security, energy independence, increas- take the message to your states request for the Office of Basic global health, and renew- ing crop production sustainably and districts. We encourage all Energy Sciences at $1.936 able energy. ASPB also sup- in a changing environment, plant scientists to engage their billion and the Office of ports the FY2017 requested training the next generation of congressional representatives Biological and Environmental level of $1.256 billion for the scientists and engineers to lead during this year’s longer-than- Research at $661.9 million. Agricultural Research Service. the 21st-century global economy, usual August recess (see the These offices support dynamic • National Institutes of Health: and improving science education. article on p. 21 on how you can research at the interface of ASPB supports sustained These investments also will help get involved). Please share your plant biology and other scien- funding growth and advocates drive future economic success efforts and their outcomes with tific disciplines. for increased support for plant and job growth. ASPB by emailing me at tspady@ n • Department of Agriculture: science research within NIH’s As part of the congressional aspb.org. ASPB supports the FY2017 centers and institutes to help visit day, ASPB held dozens of requested level of $700 million fight disease and obesity. meetings with offices repre- for the Agriculture and Food The SPC’s core argument senting California, Minnesota,

Call for Papers

2017 Focus Issue on Stomata

Edited by Keiko Torii, Timothy J. Brodribb, and Mike Blatt For more information, go to http://bit.ly/1TnDPiv Deadline for Submission: December 5, 2016 To submit an article, go to http://pphys.msubmit.net

Image by: Haruko Hirukawa

22  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 Education Forum

White House Easter Egg Roll 2016: #Let’s Celebrate … Plants! BY KATIE ENGEN ASPB Education Coordinator

Many Thanks to Our Amazing Volunteers!

ASPB celebrates the amazing volunteers from the ASPB mem- bership, Society leadership, and “Let’s Celebrate” was the theme of plant-interested community! the 2016 White House Easter Egg Many thanks to the following Roll (http://1.usa.gov/1NKy8b6) people: on March 28. This action-packed, It was a pleasure to interact with so many children and see how they ASPB Membership health-oriented day celebrated the are interested in plants and, yes, healthy foods. holiday and the First Lady’s Let’s Daniel Czerny —Julian Schroeder, ASPB Immediate Past President Move! initiative (http://www.lets- Molly Hanlon Stephanie Klein move.gov/). The children were very excited to grow garden necklaces. We took Janet Slovin From our spot down by the the time to ask each child if they knew what plants need to grow (air, First Lady’s garden, the ASPB soil, sun, and water), and I was impressed that many of them could Society Leadership booth celebrated plants with the tell me! It was also fun when they came to the booth and exclaimed, Alan Jones happy youngsters and families “Oh, I made these last year!” You could tell it was a hit! What a Julian Schroeder who visited during each of the great experience! Plant-Interested Community five 2-hour visitor shifts (~3,000 —Natalie Henkhaus, ASPB Staff Jimmy Jiang ticketed entries per shift). They It was incredibly rewarding to see this excitement in all of the kids. Bonnie Jones came to the ASPB booth to And I was really impressed that so many of them already knew the Cathy Jones • create a minigarden cup neck- basic things plants need to grow and actually have their own gardens Justin Kuan lace of lettuce, radishes, or car- at home. I’d love to [volunteer] again next year! Ryan Myer rots, which grow in the First —Stephanie Klein, Penn State University Angelina Reid Lady’s garden Christian Reid Many of our enthusiastic young visitors knew at least three things • talk about how plants keep Elsa Reid that plants needed to grow (air was the tricky fourth component). themselves and all living Julia Schroeder We had some return visitors from last year who said that their things healthfully hopping plants grew great and they were excited to grow something again Nicola Schroeder along each day this year. Parents were excited, too, including a few players from the Marion Spors • collect a copy of My Life as a Washington Redskins who enthusiastically joined their children in ASPB Staff Plant creating garden necklaces. Watching 6ʹ6˝ offensive tackle Morgan Natalie Henkhaus • poke their face through the Moses sprinkle lettuce seeds into a cup was entertaining. Stephanie Liu-Kuan photo op banner for a plant- —Molly Hanlon, ASPB Member Tyrone Spady tastic photo. Crispin Taylor n ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  23 The New Photosynthesis System from LI-COR is Here Introducing the LI-6800 Portable Photosynthesis System

We can’t wait to show you. See it for yourself at www.licor.com/6800-in-action Education Forum

Announcing the 2016 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) BY KATIE ENGEN ASPB Education Coordinator

he ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research TFellows (SURF) program funds undergraduate students to conduct 10 consecutive weeks of plant biology research with a men- tor during the early part of their college career. This year’s SURF re- cipients will present their research during the undergraduate and regular poster sessions at Plant Biology 2017. SURF recipients have high Cairo Archer Julia Brose Snigdha Chatterjee academic achievement, strong motivation and skills for conduct- ing research, and career objectives SURFers from Doctoral Julia Brose, University of Snigdha Chatterjee, Syracuse showing interest in or close rele- Granting Institutions Missouri–Columbia University vance to plant biology. Reviewers Mentor: Elizabeth Sattely, As- Mentor: Ramesh Raina, Chair, also consider the contribution Cairo Archer, Boyce Thompson sistant Professor of Chemical Department of Biology of the project to the mentor’s Institute Engineering, Stanford University Project: DDR1, an Arabidopsis research program, the institution’s Mentor: Georg Jander, Professor Project: Discovery of indole phyto- histone demethylase, negatively commitment to the proposed Project: Functional analysis of the alexins in roots of crop Brassicas regulates cell death, drought, and research, and the mentor’s terpene synthase TPS2 in maize– I am very excited to receive a defense against Pseudomonas commitment to undergraduate aphid interactions syringae SURF grant from ASPB. This will research. The funding provided by the allow me to take part in research This award will enable me Proposals are evaluated in SURF program will allow me at Stanford University and discov- to conduct research over the two groups based on whether to further cultivate my research er more about the plants that summer and will provide me the research will be conducted skills and learn new lab tech- fascinate me. with an opportunity to attend at a primarily undergraduate or niques that will benefit me and present my research at Plant doctoral granting institution. throughout my research career. Biology 2017. These experiences Awards reflect the ratio of appli- I will also be introduced to the will help me toward my goal of cants in each group. invaluable network of scientists getting a PhD in plant molecular Congratulations to these 15 affiliated with ASPB, which will biology followed by a postdoc- SURF fellows and their mentors! expose me to the many possible toral fellowship after I graduate research careers within the field from Syracuse University. of plant sciences.

continued on page 26 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  25 Education Forum

Alexander Clarke Cole Folstad Erin Hartzell Johanna L’Heureux

SURF 2016 experiments that I would not have continued from page 25 been able to do otherwise. This will be a wonderful and challenging Alexander Clarke, University of opportunity, and I am very excited! Missouri–Columbia Mentor: Antje Heese, Associate Erin Hartzell, West Virginia Professor, Division of Biochem- University istry Mentor: Michael Gutensohn, As- Project: Defining clathrin- sistant Professor of Horticulture dependent protein networks using Project: Genetic analyses of an ENTH-vesicle adaptor subcellular metabolic crosstalk in I am honored to have been award- the plant terpenoid biosynthetic ed a SURF grant, through which network Helen Liu Iris Mollhoff I have the opportunity to practice Being honored with a SURF protein purification by affinity fellowship has given me so much chromatography and immunoblot hope for my future. I view this I have become most passionate. secure and nutritious global food analysis, which are both widely fellowship as just a part of a long My project, which involves inves- supply. It also provides me more used biochemical techniques. career in plant–insect interac- tigating the mechanism of a plant experience for a career in plant Perfecting my capability with tions. More importantly, I hope it antimicrobial peptide, aligns well biology research and outreach. fundamental experiments and gives me the ability to reach out, with my future interest of leading increasing my knowledge in educate, and help bridge the gap a research lab focused on protect- Iris Mollhoff, University of molecular biology will be key to California, Davis between everyday people and the ing plants against pathogens in a my success in graduate school Mentor: Philipp Zerbe, Assistant science community. sustainable fashion. and my long-term career goal of Professor of Plant Biology working in plant biotechnology. Johanna L’Heureux, University of Helen Liu, University of Illinois Project: Structural–functional Massachusetts–Amherst at Urbana–Champaign analysis of plant diterpene Cole Folstad, University of Mentor: Dong Wang, Assistant Mentor: Donald R. Ort, Robert metabolism Minnesota Twin Cities Professor, Department of Bio- Emerson Professor in Plant Biol- Applying for the SURF award Mentor: M. David Marks, Professor chemistry and Molecular Biology ogy and Crop Sciences has allowed me to experience the Project: Engineering a new biofuel Project: Determining the mode Project: Silencing of XRCC4 using grant-writing process inherent feedstock: Domesticating pennycress of action of a novel antimicrobial VIGS for T-DNA insertion by ho- to a career in scientific research. peptide from legumes As a budding scientist, receiving mologous recombination facilitated ASPB support will provide me by CRISPR/CAS9 genome editing a SURF award allows me not only Receiving the SURF award with the resources to work on an system to interact with established profes- provides the means for me to individual project concerning the sionals and grow as a professional, spend 10 weeks of the summer This award allows me to set my biochemical diversity in plants. but also to perform awesome studying something about which ideas into motion for a more 26  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 Jeremy Pardo Amanda Shurzinske Meghan Bacher Geneva Lee SURFers from Primarily Undergraduate Jeremy Pardo, Cornell University Institutions Mentor: Taryn Bauerle, Associate Meghan Bacher, University of Professor, College of Agriculture Puget Sound and Plant Sciences Mentor: Bryan Thines, Assistant Project: Genetic basis of stomatal Professor of Biology conductance under water stress in Project: Investigating the FBS1 a portion of the maize nested as- and 14-3-3 interaction with BiFC sociation mapping population I plan to earn a PhD in molecular Receiving a SURF grant will allow and cellular biology after graduat- me to conduct research on the Anna Tsui ing from the University of Puget Davon Whitest genetic control of drought toler- Sound. The SURF fellowship ance in maize. The experience from gives me the opportunity to begin my summer project will be invalu- research this summer that will Anna Tsui, North Carolina State practical field and lab skills, better able in my future career as I pursue become the foundation of my University preparing me for graduate school graduate research in the field of senior thesis. environmental stress physiology. Mentor: Anna Stepanova, and my future career. Assistant Professor of Plant Geneva Lee, Mills College Davon Whitest, Rochester Insti- Amanda Shurzinske, Ball State Biology and Genetics Mentor: Sarah Swope, PhD, As- University Project: Uncoupling the roles of sistant Professor of Biology tute of Technology Mentor: Bethany Zolman, Associ- auxin and ethylene in cotyledon Project: Consequences of vary- Mentor: Michael G. Coleman, As- ate Professor of Biology, Univer- and leaf epinasty ing levels of genetic diversity and sistant Professor of Chemistry sity of Missouri–St. Louis Project: Synthesis and phenotypic I am extremely grateful to ASPB subpopulation isolation on popu- Project: Changes in gene expres- characterization of 2-halo-1-ami- and my mentor for giving me lation growth and persistence in sion mediate auxin responses in Streptanthus glandulosus niger nocyclopropane carboxylic acid the opportunity to continue my Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) derivatives in Arabidopsis thaliana: research on cotyledon epinasty Receiving the SURF award is an Potential radiotracer imaging agents this summer with the Alonso– I plan on continuing my educa- honor, and I am so grateful for The SURF application process Stepanova Lab at North Carolina tion in graduate school, either in this opportunity. The fellowship was my first experience applying State University. With this fellow- ecological genetics or conserva- will allow me to conduct further for and securing external fund- ship, I will be able to develop my tion biology. Receiving the SURF research in a plant system with ing for my very own independent skills as a scientist and a critical award allows me to continue my greater independence. It also undergraduate research project. thinker, as well as enhance my research on Streptanthus glan- will provide me with experience This was a unique opportunity for educational experience in prepa- dulosus niger, combining aspects presenting research to a larger of both ecological genetics and me to learn about the professional ration for graduate school. scientific audience. conservation biology. This gives expectations to be a successful me the opportunity to gain more independent research scientist. n ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  27 New Staff

Chris Mayfield Joins ASPB as Digital Project Manager

hris Mayfield joined in Washington, DC. Before that University of Maryland, is a certi- ASPB’s staff on April 12, Chris worked for the American fied project management profes- C2016, as digital project Society of Civil Engineers in sional by the Project Management manager. Chris will be joining Reston, Virginia, as a web de- Institute, and is a member of the in our efforts to enhance ASPB’s veloper and as an online pub- Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, online presence. Chris’s most lishing project manager for the volunteer­ing for the Shenandoah recent experience is as a network Optical Society of America in National Park. n administrator for the law firm Washington, DC. Chris has a BA Cohen, Milstein, Sellers & Toll in Middle East history from the

Chris Mayfield

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28  ASPB NEWS | MAY/JUNE 2016 Obituary

Remembering Chu-Yung Lin 1928–2015 BY HEVEN SZE, University of Maryland, SHU-HSING WU, Academia Sinica, Taiwan, and TUAN-HUA DAVID HO, Academia Sinica, Taiwan

hu-Yung Lin (林秋榮) proportion of polyribosomes that through the education and men- passed away peacefully were dissociated by ribonuclease toring of his students, trainees, Cin Taipei on October 22, treatment, suggesting ribosomes and colleagues. This contribution 2015. He was 87. Chu-Yung was were held together by RNA, later is relatively invisible to the inter- instrumental in introducing bio- shown to be mRNA. Initially it was national community. chemistry and molecular biology thought that auxin stimulated RNA Many of us were fortunate to to the study of plant physiology in expression by enhancing RNA be among the first undergradu- Taiwan starting in the mid-1960s polymerase I. These studies laid ates in Chu-Yung’s courses. His until his retirement in 1999. the groundwork for later discover- lectures were clear, logical, and Consequently, many undergradu- ies of small auxin up-regulated stimulating. More importantly, ates he taught were well equipped RNAs and their promoters by Tom he brought the topics to life to enter graduate schools in the Guilfoyle and colleagues. through his knowledge of the United States and elsewhere and Chu-Yung’s laboratory later scientists and his clear descrip- have become successful in various studied the basis of heat stress in tions of the experiments and science professions, including as plants. His group found that many evidence supporting the concepts, leaders in academia, research, and Chu-Yung Lin small proteins were induced by including for DNA replication, industry. Chu-Yung continued to heat in soybean and rice seedlings transcription, and translation. be active as professor emeritus at plant physiology to life science and confirmed that these small His exams were refreshing as they the National Taiwan University students until his retirement. In heat shock proteins are required for tested our ability to solve prob- (NTU) until two weeks before addition, he served as chair of the the establishment of thermotoler- lems, to reason, and to deduce. his passing. His beloved wife had Department of Botany (1976– ance. Chu-Yung has a long record No doubt he stimulated much passed away two years earlier. 1982) and dean of the College of of publications in journals such interest in biochemistry and Born in Taiwan in August Science (1990–1993). After retire- as Plant Physiology, Proceedings of molecular biology. Some students 1928, Chu-Yung received his ment, he remained active, taught the National Academy of Sciences, got their first taste of research in undergraduate education at graduate-level seminar courses, and Journal of Molecular Biology. his laboratory. Although labora- NTU majoring in chemistry. He attended international meetings, This record is remarkable as the tory equipment was limited then, became a teaching assistant in the and never ceased to enhance facilities, resources, and research the future of biochemistry and Department of Botany, where he education and research in plant environment in Taiwan were molecular biology was bright and was first exposed to plant biology, biology. considerably limited in the early promising. Chu-Yung’s lectures before going abroad for gradu- stages of his professional career. and laboratory training contin- ate studies. He received a PhD at Research Highlights and In recognition of his accom- ued to make a strong impact on the University of Oklahoma in Contributions plishments, he was elected as an countless young minds until his the Department of Botany and With a strong background in bio- Academician of the Academia retirement and beyond. Microbiology and carried out chemistry, Chu-Yung pioneered Sinica in 1998, and in 2008 he Chu-Yung was approachable postdoctoral research with Joe investigations to study the molec- became a corresponding member and enjoyed many laughs with Key at Purdue University. ular basis of protein biosynthesis of ASPB, the first Taiwanese scien- students who sought advice. He He started his academic career in plants and the molecular action tist to receive this honor. predicted that some of us had in 1966 at NTU, where he offered of the hormone auxin. These potential and encouraged many the first course in biochemistry studies opened the way to the Teaching and Mentoring: to pursue graduate degrees. He at the university. He continued to beginning of plant molecular bi- Impact on Students directed us to some of the best teach courses related to biochem- ology. As early as 1966, he showed Perhaps Chu-Yung’s most ex- istry and molecular biology and that soybean root tips had a high ceptional achievement has been continued on page 30 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 43, NUMBER 3  29 CHU-YUNG LIN Retirement Years ued to take an interest in the teaching and was particularly continued from page 29 Chu-Yung maintained his interest development of the Institute influential in attracting some of plant research laboratories in the in plant research and the profes- of Plant Biology at National the brightest people in Taiwan world, including Michigan State sional development of his mentees. Taiwan University and the to the field of plant biology. In University and the University The sharp intellect, natural curios- Institute of Plant and Microbial 2014, the CY Lin Foundation for of California at Berkeley and at ity, and enthusiasm for learning Biology and the Agricultural Plant Science and Education was Davis. His letters of recommenda- remained unchanged for over 40 Biotechnology Research Center established jointly by Academia tion had impact because his name years! At annual meetings of ASPP at the Academia Sinica. The Sinica and the National Taiwan was recognized by plant biolo- and later ASPB, he would always countless plant biologists who University Academic Development gists. Later, he would proudly want to know what was new and were mentored by him or were Foundation ([email protected]). introduce us to other established had incisive questions about novel inspired by his example include The primary mission of this foun- plant scientists at annual meetings developments. Invariably, he Zinmay Renee Sung (University dation is to provide scholarships when we were still unknown as would also talk about results com- of California, Berkeley), Anthony and awards to promising young graduate students or postdocs. ing from his own laboratory and Huang (University of California, plant biologists. Chu-Yung had a passion for discuss possible interpretations. It Riverside), Teh-hui Kao We feel fortunate and grate- science and for the good life, was amazing to see him at annual (Pennsylvania State University), ful to have had such a mentor. taking students to well-known meetings of ASPB (e.g., Seattle or Jen Sheen (Harvard University), He will be missed, yet his legacy eateries for delicacies and wines, Boston) interacting and going to Yi-Fang Tsay (Academia Sinica), lives on in many trainees and enjoying coffee he personally talks, even though he had been and many other plant biologists colleagues in Asia as well as on n brewed in his office, playing golf, retired for years. in major universities and research other continents. listening to classical music, and A hallmark of a distinguished institutes in Taiwan. Most of them watching opera. To most students, scientist is revealed most clearly are active members of ASPB. he was an unusual professor who when one has passed retire- Chu-Yung had a long record was young at heart at all times. ment age. Chu-Yung contin- of contributions in research and

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