ASPB News THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS Volume 35, Number 6 November/December 2008

President’s Letter Inside This Issue

New Officers/Committees ASPB Members and the U.S. President-Elect Assume Posts

Call for 2009 ASPB Award “Science offers a largely unexplored hin- Without diminishing these truly Nominations terland for the pioneer who has the tools historic dimensions, in the smaller for his [or her] task. The rewards of realm of our own profession, members Women’s Young Investi- such exploration both for the Nation of ASPB, both in the United States and gator Travel Awards and the individual are great. Scientific abroad, may now be wondering what Plant Biology 2009 progress is one essential key to our secu- an Obama administration will hold for Highlights rity as a nation, to our better health, to science in general and plant biology in Call for Abstracts: Plant more jobs, to a higher standard of living, particular. While it is impossible to Biology 2009 and to our cultural progress.” predict the future, we may turn for —Letter from Vannevar Bush, clues to previous statements and Call for Applications: SURF director of the Office of Scientific actions from Senator Obama and his Sally Assmann Research and Development, to campaign. Senator Obama currently President Franklin D. Roosevelt, July 1945 serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; the Senate Committee of Veterans’ Affairs; the Senate On September 25, 2008, 76 scientific Nobel laure- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- ates published an open letter to the American people sions; and the Senate Committee on Homeland in which they stated their support for Senator Barack Security and Governmental Affairs. He is thus not a Obama for the Presidency of the United States. In member of the Appropriations Committee and its their letter, these eminent scientists wrote, “The subcommittees that recommend spending bills for country urgently needs a visionary leader who can science, but Brian Hyps, ASPB director of public ensure the future of our traditional strengths in sci- affairs, notes that Senator Obama “has been support- ence and technology and who can harness those ive of funding for science.” Another hopeful note for strengths to address many of our greatest problems: the future is that Senator Obama assembled an energy, disease, climate change, security, and eco- impressive slate of prominent scientists to serve as nomic competitiveness.” scientific advisers during the course of his campaign. On November 4, 2008, the American populace Notably, ASPB and U.S. National Academy of Sci- spoke, electing Senator Barack Obama as the future ences member Dr. Sharon Long, a biology professor President of the United States by an estimated popular and former dean at Stanford University, served as margin of approximately 6% (the largest margin in 20 one of the members of this select team. years) and a margin in the Electoral College of 365 to Senator Obama (as well as Senator John McCain, 162 votes as of this writing. The election was ground- the Republican candidate), actively participated in breaking for many reasons, including the first election ScienceDebate2008 (www.ScienceDebate2008.com), of an African American president and a resurgence of in which the candidates answered 14 questions con- activism and voter participation by young Americans. continued on page 9 The ASPB News is delivered online as well as in print. Members will be alerted by e-mail when a new issue is posted. The ASPB News welcomes member feedback. Contact the editor at [email protected].

ASPB Executive Committee & Staff CONTENTS

President Sarah M. Assmann 814-863-9579 1 President’s Letter President-Elect Tuan-hua David Ho 314-935-4632 Immediate Past President C. Robertson McClung 603-646-3940 4 2008–2009 Committees Secretary Danny Schnell 413-545-4024 Treasurer Mark R. Brodl 210-999-7246 Chair, Board of Trustees Dan Bush 970-491-2442 Call for 2009 ASPB Award Nominations 5 Chair, Publications Committee Sally Mackenzie 402-472-6997 Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Judy Brusslan 562-985-8133 6 Announcing the Women’s Young Chair, Minority Affairs Committee MariaElena B. Zavala 818-677-3342 Investigator Travel Awards Chair, Education Committee Jane Ellis 864-833-8416 Chair, International Committee Leon V. Kochian 607-255-2454 7 Plant Biology 2009 Highlights Chair, Membership Committee Mel Oliver 573-882-9645 Chair, Committee on Public Affairs Gary Stacey 573-884-4752 Elected Members Steven Huber 217-265-0909 8 Call for Abstracts: Plant Biology 2009 Alan Jones 919-962-6932 Katherine W. Osteryoung 517-355-4685 11 Women in Plant Biology Sectional Representatives Midwestern John Kiss 513-529-5428 Northeastern Lawrence Smart 315-470-6737 12 Membership Corner Southern Timothy D. Sherman 251-460-7529 Mid-Atlantic Robert Donaldson 202-994-6094 15 SURF Call for 2009 Applications Western Anireddy S. N. Reddy 970-491-5773

17 Public Affairs Executive director Crispin Taylor, ext. 115 [email protected] Executive and governance affairs manager Donna Gordon, ext. 131 [email protected] 23 ASPB Education Forum Assoc. director of finance & administration Kim Kimnach, ext. 140 [email protected] Accounts receivable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, ext. 143 [email protected] 26 Obituary Junior accountant Jotee Pundu, ext. 144 [email protected] Director of meetings, marketing, & membership Jean Rosenberg, ext. 110 [email protected] Manager of marketing and web services Wendy Sahli, ext. 123 [email protected] Membership and marketing research assistant Shoshana Kronfeld, ext. 122 [email protected] Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, ext. 141 [email protected] Deadline for March/April 2009 Subscriptions assistant Linda Palmer, ext. 142 [email protected] ASPB News: February 5, 2008 Director of public affairs Brian M. Hyps, ext. 114 [email protected] Education foundation assistant Katie Engen, ext. 116 [email protected] Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, ext. 117 [email protected] Publications assistant Diane McCauley, ext. 133 [email protected] Managing editor John Long, ext. 119 [email protected] Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, 845-878-4570 [email protected] Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, ext. 130 [email protected] Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Leslie (Ash) Csikos, ext. 125 [email protected] News and reviews editor, The Plant Cell Nancy Eckardt, 970-495-9918 [email protected] Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, ext. 118 [email protected] Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, ext. 120 [email protected]

ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is published six ASPB News times annually, in odd-numbered months. It is edited and prepared by ASPB staff from material provided by ASPB members and other Headquarters Office interested parties. 15501 Monona Drive Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA month (for example, December 5 for January/February publication). Phone: 301-251-0560 Submit copy by e-mail whenever possible; submit all other copy by Fax: 301-279-2996 mail, not by fax. Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; [email protected]; 301-296-0904.

© 2008 American Society of Plant Biologists September 10th - December 15th

Free Shipping** Antibiotics with and Reduced Prices: Reduced Prices: IPTG: ** Ampicillin: $22/ 5 g (I2481C5-ASPB) $159/ 50 g (I2481C50-ASPB) $34/ 5 g (A0104-5-ASPB) $90/ 25 g (A0104-25-ASPB) $99/ 25 g (I2481C25-ASPB) $309/ 100 g (I2481C100-ASPB) $50/ 10 g (A0104-10-ASPB) Luciferin (Potassium or Sodium salt): Bialaphos: $69/ 100 mg (LUCK or LUCNA-100-ASPB) $199/ 100 mg (B0178-100-ASPB) $897/ 500 mg (B0178-500-ASPB) $169/ 300 mg (LUCK or LUCNA-300-ASPB) In Vivo $472/ 250 mg (B0178-250-ASPB) $249/ 500 mg (LUCK or LUCNA-500-ASPB) Quality! Carbenicillin: $399/ g (LUCK or LUCNA-1G-ASPB) $50/ 5 g (C0109-5-ASPB) $169/ 25 g (C0109-25-ASPB) X-Gluc: ** Kanamycin: $39/ 100 mg (G1281C-ASPB) $419/ 3 g (G1281C3-ASPB) $29/ g (K0126-1-ASPB) $76/ 10 g (K0126-10-ASPB) $149/ g (G1281C1-ASPB) $529/ 4 g (G1281C4-ASPB) $52/ 5 g (K0126-5-ASPB) $99/ 25 g (K0126-25-ASPB) $292/ 2 g (G1281C2-ASPB) $619/ 5 g (G1281C5-ASPB) Spectinomycin: $53/ 5 g (S0188-5-ASPB) $99/ 25 g (S0188-25-ASPB) Featured Products with Ticarcillin/Clavulanate: Great Prices: $32/ 2 g (T0190-2-ASPB) $331/ 25 g (T0190-25-ASPB) DTT: $35/ 10 g (DTT10-ASPB) $86/ 50 g (DTT50-ASPB) Additional Chemicals & $45/ 20 g (DTT20-ASPB) $139/ 100 g (DTT100-ASPB) Antibiotics with Great Prices: PMSF: *** AEBSF: *** $85/ 5 g (P4170-5-ASPB) $341/ 250 g (P4170-250-ASPB) $123/ g (A5440-1-ASPB) $337/ 5 g (A5440-5-ASPB) $192/ 100 g (P4170-100-ASPB) Cefotaxime: X-Alpha-Gal Reduced Price: $45/ g (C0111-1-ASPB) $429/ 25 g (C0111-25-ASPB) $69/ 250 mg (XA250-ASPB) $199/ g (XA1-ASPB) $92/ 5 g (C0111-5-ASPB) $129/ 500 mg (XA500-ASPB) Chloramphenicol: X-Gal Reduced Price: $66/ 25 g (C0113-25-ASPB) $106/ 100 g (C0113-100-ASPB) $35/ g (X4281C-ASPB) $140/ 10 g (X4281C10-ASPB) Coelenterazine: **nominal shipping charge for 5 g IPTG and 100 mg X-Gluc $74/ mg (CZ1-ASPB) $213/ 10 mg (CZ10-ASPB) MUG: $30/ 200 mg (MUG200-ASPB) $99/ g (MUG1-ASPB) NBT: $78/ g (NBT1-ASPB) $213/ 5 g (NBT5-ASPB) $134/ 2.5 g (NBT2.5-ASPB) $695/ 25 g (NBT25-ASPB) Phosphinothricin: $125/ 250 mg (P0159-250-ASPB) $379/ g (P0159-1-ASPB) Rifampicin: $51/ g (R0146-1-ASPB) $335/ 25 g (R0146-25-ASPB) $117/ 5 g (R0146-5-ASPB) Streptomycin: $56/ 50 g (S0148-50-ASPB) $71/ 100 g (S0148-100-ASPB) TCEP: $15/ g (TCEP1-ASPB) $199/ 25 g (TCEP25-ASPB) $29/ 2 g (TCEP2-ASPB) $378/ 50 g (TCEP50-ASPB) $59/ 5 g (TCEP5-ASPB) $749/ 100 g (TCEP100-ASPB) Tetracycline: $55/ 25 g (T0150-25-ASPB) $89/ 100 g (T0150-100-ASPB) ***hazardous fees apply

(800) 248.7609 10748 Indian Head Industrial Blvd. • St. Louis, MO 63132 F: (314) 890.0503 • [email protected] • www.goldbio.com®

Gold Biotechnology (U.S. Registration No 3,257,927), Goldbio (U.S.Registration No 3,257,926) and GBT (U.S. Registration No 3,258,073) are registered trademarks of Gold Biotechnology, Inc. Minority Affairs Committee Laurie G. Smith (11) ASPB Officers Assume Posts MariaElena B. Zavala (10), chair Neil E. Olszewski (12) Anthony DePass (09), adjunct Women in Plant Biology for 2008–2009 member Committee New ASPB officers and committee members assumed their responsi- Gregory Goins (09) Judy A. Brusslan (09), chair bilities October 1. Linda Different Cloud Jones (09), adjunct member Terrence Delaney (09) Adán Colon-Carmona (10) Marta Laskowski (09) Board of Trustees John C. Cushman (11) Elizabeth Pilon-Smits (09) Daniel R. Bush (09), chair Erin Dolan (11) John J. Harada (10) Eleanore Wurtzel (10) John Z. Kiss (10) Mark R. Brodl (09), treasurer Chad V. Jordan (11) Yuh-Ru Lee (11) Edgar P. Spalding (10) Mary E. Williams (11), adjunct Michele B. Garrett (11) Mary L. Tierney (11) member Nominating Committee EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tuan-hua David Ho (11), chair, Sarah M. (Sally) Assmann (10), Committee on Public Affairs International Affairs president Gary Stacey (09), chair Committee president-elect Sarah M. (Sally) Assmann (10), Tuan-hua David Ho (11), C. Robertson McClung (09), Leon V. Kochian (11), chair president-elect immediate past president Susan McCouch (09) president C. Robertson McClung (09), C. Robertson McClung (09), Richard T. Sayre (12) Eduardo Blumwald (10) immediate past president immediate past president Robert L. Last (09) Patricia Leon (10) Danny J. Schnell (09), secretary Martha C. Hawes (10) Jurandir Magalhaes (10) Program Committee Mark R. Brodl (09), treasurer Pamela Ronald (10) Sam Gudu (11) Danny J. Schnell (09), David E. Salt (11) Matt Hudson (11) chair/secretary Elected Members James N. Siedow (11) Tuan-hua David Ho (09), Steven C. Huber (09) Membership Committee Patrick S. Schnable (12) president-elect Alan M. Jones (10) Mel Oliver (09), chair Nicholas C. Carpita (09), Katherine W. Osteryoung (11) Constitution & Bylaws Carl J. Bernacchi (09) past secretary Committee Jeremy E. Coate (09) Sectional Representatives Judy Callis (10) Robert P. Donaldson (10), Douglas D. Randall (09), chair Colleen Doherty (09) Janet Braam (11) Alice C. Harmon (10) David P. Horvath (09) Mid-Atlantic Georg Jander (11) John Z. Kiss (10), Midwestern Tobias Isaac Baskin (11) Lawrence B. Smart (09) Todd C. Mockler (12) Robert P. Donaldson (10) Lawrence B. Smart (09), Education Committee John Z. Kiss (10) Publications Committee Northeastern Jane P. Ellis (09), chair Anireddy S. N. Reddy (10) Sally A. Mackenzie (09), Timothy D. Sherman (11), Jeffrey S. Coker (09) Timothy D. Sherman (11) chair Southern Lawrence R. Griffing (09), Stephen P. Long (10) Anireddy S. N. Reddy (10), adjunct member Caren Chang (11) Western 

Dennis R. Hoagland Award Lawrence Bogorad Award for 2008–2009 Awards Committees Jan E. Leach (12), chair Excellence in Plant Biology Following is a list of the membership of the ASPB awards committees Dennis Gonsalves (09), Research for 2008–2009 as announced by President Sally Assmann. Members past winner Steven C. Huber (10), serve for three award cycles unless otherwise noted. C. Robin Buell (15) past winner Kendal D. Hirschi (15) Marinus Pilon (10) ASPB–Pioneer Hi-Bred Charles F. Kettering Award Elizabeth E. Hood (15) Elizabeth A. Ainsworth (12) International Graduate Robert E. Blankenship (10), Early Career Award Martin Gibbs Medal Student Prize past winner Alice Y. Cheung (09), chair Richard B. Meagher (09), chair Roger P. Hangarter (09), chair Neil R. Baker (10) Ping He (09), past winner Richard Jorgensen (09), Patricia S. Springer (09), Elisabeth Gantt (10) Tai Ping Sun (10) past winner acting chair Keith Alan Mott (10) Ned Friedman (11) John A. Browse (11) A. Mark Cigan (09) Charles Reid Barnes Life Michael G. Palmgren (11) Sally A. Mackenzie (11) Julia Frugoli (09) Membership Award Neelima Sinha (13) Robert E. Sharp (09) Excellence in Teaching Award Russell L. Jones (10), chair Sabine J. Rundle (09), chair Stephen Hales Prize Adolph E. Gude, Jr. Award Tsuneyoshi Kuroiwa (09), Roger P. Hangarter (10), George E. Schaller (09), chair Julian I. Schroeder (10), chair past winner past winner Peter H. Quail (09), Winslow R. Briggs (10), Mark Estelle (10) Amy M. Clore (13) past winner past winner Kathleen J. Newton (11) Sharman D. O’Neill (13) Dawn S. Luthe (09) Patrick Masson (13) Raoul Ranjeva (11) T. Kaye Peterman (13) Simon Gilroy (10) Barbara J. Baker (16) Pamela Ronald (10)  Corresponding Membership Fellow of ASPB Award Charles Albert Shull Award Awards Committee Roger P. Hangarter (09), chair Steven C. Huber (09), chair Gloria K. Muday (11), chair Wendy Boss (12), acting chair Sheng Luan (09), past winner Chentao Lin (09) Ann M. Hirsch (09), past winner Richard D. Vierstra (10) Gayle Lamppa (10) Donald R. Ort (10) Karen S. Schumaker (11) Patrick Masson (11) Heven Sze (11) David B. Stern (11) Bo Liu (12)

4 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 Call for 2009 ASPB Award Nominations Your Chance to Honor a Fellow Plant Scientist!

The 2009 Call for ASPB Award Nominations award. Each nominee must attend a U.S.- the corresponding membership by majority will be sent to all members on January 2, accredited college or university and must vote. The president notifies successful candi- 2009. Nominations are due by Friday, Febru- demonstrate interest in the study of plant dates of their election. Election of a corre- ary 27, 2009. biology or a related discipline. Nominees sponding member is to be considered each ASPB encourages you to participate in must be PhD candidates, have successfully year and held if warranted, provided the our 2009 Awards Program by nominating passed their preliminary examinations, election will not increase the proportion of deserving individuals. Please watch for the demonstrate an excellent academic record, corresponding members beyond 2% of the “Call for Nominations” in early January in and be a member of ASPB. An individual dues-paying membership. your mailbox and on ASPB’s website (http:// may receive this prize only once. Early Career Award www.aspb.org/awards/nominate.cfm). In the Charles Albert Shull Award The Early Career Award was instituted by the meantime, please visit ASPB’s awards pages Created in 1971 to honor the Society’s found- Society’s executive committee in 2005 to rec- (beginning with http://www.aspb.org/awards/) ing father and the first editor-in-chief of Plant ognize outstanding research by scientists at so that you may see who among your col- Physiology, the Charles Albert Shull Award is the beginning of their career. This is a mone- leagues has received these awards in the past— designed to recognize young researchers. It is tary award made annually for exceptionally and determine who else may be deserving in a monetary award made annually and is given creative, independent contributions by a the future. member of the Society who, on January 1 of Nominations are submitted electronically for outstanding investigations in the field of the year of the presentation, is not more than as a single pdf file at http://www.aspb.org/ plant biology by a scientist who is under 45 five years post-PhD. awards/nominate.cfm. years of age on January 1 of the year of pres- entation, or who is fewer than 10 years from The names of the award recipients will be Fellow of ASPB Award the granting of the doctoral degree. The 2009 announced on or about March 29, 2009, via Established in 2007, the Fellow of ASPB recipient is invited to address the Society at e-mail broadcast to ASPB members. These Award may be granted to current members the 2010 annual meeting. awards, which recognize the major scientific in recognition of direct service to the Society contributions of recipients, will be presented Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership and distinguished and long-term contribu- during Plant Biology 2009 in Honolulu, The Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership is tions to plant biology. Areas of contribution Hawaii. Please make plans to attend the Pres- ASPB’s oldest award, established in 1925 at may include education, mentoring, outreach, ident’s Opening Address and Awards Cere- the first annual meeting of the Society research, and professional and public service. mony on July 18, 2009, at 1 p.m. Most of the through the generosity of Dr. Charles A. Examples of relevant Society service include, awards are monetary and, with the exception Shull. It honors Dr. Charles Reid Barnes, the but are not restricted to, service on editorial of the Fellow of ASPB Award, winners also first professor of plant physiology at the Uni- boards of ASPB journals and active involve- will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for travel versity of Chicago. It is an annual award for ment in ASPB meetings. Current members expenses to Honolulu. meritorious work in plant biology that pro- of ASPB who have contributed to the Society vides a life membership in the Society to an for at least 10 years are eligible for nomina- Awards to Be Given in 2009 individual who is at least 60 years old. Mem- tion. Recipients of the Fellow of ASPB honor, bership is not a requirement for the award, which may be granted to no more than 0.2% ASPB–Pioneer Hi-Bred International and, if appropriate, every fifth award should of the current membership each year, receive Graduate Student Prize be made to an outstanding plant biologist a certificate of distinction and a lapel pin. The ASPB–Pioneer Hi-Bred International from outside the United States. Stephen Hales Prize Graduate Student Prize, made possible by the This award honors the Reverend Stephen generosity of Pioneer Hi-Bred International Corresponding Membership Hales for his pioneering work in plant biolo- (http://www.pioneer.com), recognizes and The Corresponding Membership honor, ini- gy published in his 1727 book Vegetable Stat- encourages innovative graduate research and tially given in 1932, provides life member- icks. It is a monetary award established in innovation in areas of plant biology that ship and Society publications to distin- 1927 for a scientist, whether or not a mem- relate to important commodity crops. Three guished plant biologists from outside the ber of the Society, who has served the science $5,000 prizes will be given annually from United States. The honor is conferred by of plant biology in some noteworthy man- 2006 through 2009, with an additional election on the annual ballot. The committee ner. The award is made annually. The recipi- $1,000 awarded for prize recipients attending selects no more than three candidates, and the ASPB annual meeting in the year of their these are placed on the ballot for approval of continued on page 14

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 5 Announcing the Women’s Young Investigator Travel Awards CALL FOR The Women in Plant Biology Committee gators, five $1,000 travel grants will be APPLICATIONS (WIPB) is pleased to announce the Women’s awarded to help defray costs of attending the Young Investigator Travel Awards, a new Plant Biology 2009 meeting in Hawaii. ASPB Travel award program for young investigators in Applications will be due on February 13, Grant Program academia, government, and industry. An 2009 (the first abstract deadline) and will for Plant Biology 2009 in independent investigator’s first five years can include a research abstract, a two-page bios- Honolulu, Hawaii be particularly challenging, and many forgo ketch (NSF format), and a personal statement attending scientific meetings as demands on that describes professional obligations and Travel grant applications are them for excellence in research, teaching, and alternate sources of travel funds. More infor- now being accepted. administration increase. However, during mation and links to application forms will be these early years, meeting attendance is espe- available soon on the Plant Biology 2009 The submission deadline is cially critical, both for maintaining currency website at http://www.aspb.org/pb-2009/. January 2, 2009 and for networking. WIPB will review applications on the basis Although career pressures apply to both of quality of science and need. The committee All applications must be male and female young investigators, the per- encourages applications from women investi- submitted electronically at centage of women ASPB members drops as gators at research- and teaching-intensive www.aspb.org/meetings/ rank increases. Indeed, in June 2008, women institutions, as well as those in government pb-2009/travelawards/ constituted 47% of graduate student mem- labs and industry. Individuals who are within Recipients will be notified bers, 38% of postdocs, and only 28% of reg- the first five years as an independent investiga- by February 2, 2009. ular members. To demonstrate that ASPB tor are eligible for the Women’s Young Investi- values and encourages young women investi- gator Travel Awards. 

6 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 PARTNERING SOCIETIES Plant Biology 2009 The American Society of Plant Biologists is delighted to partner with the following Save the Date! organizations, whose mem- bers are invited to register at July 18–22, 2009 ASPB member rates: Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu Australian Society of Plant Scientists Joint Annual Meetings of the American Society of Botanical Society Plant Biologists and the Phycological Society of America of Korea Canadian Society of HIGHLIGHTS Plant Physiologists Six major symposia will be held in 2009: Chinese Society of Plant Physiologists ASPB-CSPP Joint Symposium Crop Functional Genomics Japanese Society of Jeffrey Bennetzen, University of Georgia, and Plant Physiologists Xioaya Chen, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology ASPB-PSA Joint Symposium New Zealand Society Genomics Approaches for Systematics, Energy Metabolism, and Acclimation in Algae of Plant Biology Sabeeha Merchant, UCLA, and Alison Sherwood, University of Hawaii President’s Symposium Sarah M. Assmann, Pennsylvania State University For more details and to register online visit Darwin’s Legacy: Evolution and Plant Biology Barbara Schaal, Washington University www.aspb.org/pb-2009/ Illuminating Plant Photomorphogenesis Richard Vierstra, University of Wisconsin Plant Natural Products—Chemical Evolution in Time and Space Robert Last, Michigan State University

KEY DATES Registration and abstract submission open: December 1, 2008

Early Bird registration fees (until April 24, 2009) Member $325 Nonmember $495 Postdoc $245 Nonmember Postdoc $365 Graduate Student $150 Nonmember Graduate Student $245 Undergraduate Student $50 PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY. (HTA) / TOR JOHNSON

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 7 Call for Abstracts PSA Poster/Talk Categories Algal Biotechnology Algal Cellular and Molecular Biology Algal Ecology and Population Biology Algal Phylogenetics and Taxonomy Plant Biology 2009 Algal Physiology and Biochemistry

July 18–22, 2009 ASPB Poster/Mini Categories Abiotic Stress Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu Agriculture & Crop Breeding Bioenergy Crops & Biofuels Cell Cycle & Division This abstract submission is for both ASPB posters/minisymposia consideration and the Cell Walls Phycological Society of America (PSA) posters/talk consideration. Individuals may submit to Cell-to-Cell & Long-Distance Signaling Cellular Growth only one of the categories listed to the right. Please indicate during submission if you wish Cellular Imaging Technologies to be considered for a talk. PSA talk categories are only for PSA talks, just as ASPB mini- Chromatin categories are only for consideration for ASPB minisymposia. Climate Change Biology Comparative Genomics The Plant Biology format will include six major symposia and up to 28 minisymposia based primarily Cytoskeleton Structure & Dynamics on the abstracts submitted under the topic categories listed to the right. The Program Commit- DNA Replication, Recombination, & Repair tee determines the titles and contents of the minisymposia after reviewing the submitted Dormancy abstracts. Poster presentations are also expected for those abstracts selected for presentation in Ecophysiology Education & Outreach minisymposia. Suggestions for minisymposia topics are welcomed and should be sent to Wendy Embryogenesis Sahli, [email protected], or Plant Biology Abstracts, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855 USA. Emerging Technologies Emerging Model Systems In addition to the scientific abstract submission, a field entitled “Broader Impacts” will invite par- Environmental Physiology ticipants to describe novel education outreach activities. This submission (600-character limit) will Epigenetics serve as the basis for selection for a special Education and Outreach minisymposium. Evolution of Development & Physiology Gene Regulation Mechanisms Genome Evolution Submission Deadlines Heavy Metals & Phytoremediation Herbicide Physiology • Abstracts must be submitted via the web at www.aspb.org/abstract, not before December 1, 2008. Hormone Biology • To be considered for inclusion in an ASPB minisymposium or PSA talk, submit abstract by Feb- Intracellular Signaling ruary 13, 2009. Lipids Medicinal Plant Biology • For inclusion in the Program Book, submit by April 24, 2009. Membrane Biology & Transport Metabolic Engineering * The online submission form provides an author the opportunity to request that an abstract be Mineral Nutrition presented only by poster. Modeling & Computational Biology Organelle Biology Instructions for submitting your abstract will be available online at www.aspb.org/abstract/. It is Organismal Evolution critical that you read and follow these instructions carefully. If you have any questions, contact Wendy Photoreceptors, Light Signaling, & Photomorphogenesis Sahli at [email protected] or 301-251-0560, ext. 123. Photosynthesis & Respiration Plant Biotechnology & Risk Assessment Guidelines Plant–Herbivore Interactions Plant–Pathogen Interactions • A member of ASPB, PSA, or a partnering society may submit or sponsor only ONE abstract. Plant–Symbiont Interactions • A nonrefundable $50 fee will be required for each abstract and can be credited to the registration fee. Plant Systems Biology Pollen Biology • Registration is required by the last day of preregistration, April 24, 2009. Otherwise, your abstract Primary Metabolism will be deleted from the online listing and no poster space will be reserved. Protein Modification & Turnover Protein Targeting & Vesicular Trafficking • The body of your abstract cannot exceed 1,800 characters (including spaces). Quantitative Traits • DO NOT include any graphics or tabular material in the body of your abstract. Reactive Oxygen & Nitric Oxide & Redox Regulation Reproductive Development • Follow the online instructions for inserting special characters and superscripts or subscripts. Rhizosphere Rhythms • Proofread your abstract, double-checking any special characters. Root Biology • Select a topic category from the list to the right. Secondary Metabolism & Natural Products Seed Biology • Press the "Submit" button. Acknowledgment will be sent by e-mail. Small Regulatory RNAs • If you wish your abstract to be considered for a minisymposium or talk, please indicate so on Translational Research, from Bench to Field Tropical Plant Biology the online form. Tropisms The abstracts and program details will be available for viewing and searching online in April 2009. Vascular Biology Vegetative Development The website will make it possible for you to prepare and print out a personal itinerary to guide you Water Relations at the meeting. 

8 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 President’s Letter decisions should be based on the best-avail- ing press releases on your research discover- continued from page 1 able, scientifically-valid evidence and not on ies to representatives, or participating in cerning science and technology. I was the ideological predispositions of…political public outreach/information activities impressed with the level of detail that the appointees.” Obama promises to strengthen through ASPB’s Committee on Public Affairs Obama team provided in its answers. I’d like the President’s Council of Advisors on Sci- are just two examples of mechanisms by to share just a few of these with you. ence and Technology (PCAST) through the which we can inform government of the A reply to a question concerning genetics appointment of independent experts. valuable contributions that plant biology is research includes the following viewpoint We can now hope that these campaign making. Inviting local representatives to visit regarding plant genetics: “New knowledge promises will turn into political realities. your lab is another mechanism, and one that about genes is already transforming medi- However, I found the most auspicious state- can have a twofold benefit: first, in allowing cine and agriculture.…Advances in the ment from the Obama campaign regarding government officials to see their tax dollars at genetic engineering of plants have provided science to be the following: “Federally sup- work in research and education, and second, enormous benefits to American farmers. I ported basic research, aimed at understand- in capitalizing on the energy and engage- believe that we can continue to modify ing many features of nature—from the size ment of the “GenY” members of your plants safely with new genetic methods, abet- of the universe to subatomic particles, from research group to further the outreach ted by stringent tests for environmental and the chemical reactions that support a living process. In other words, while only a very few health effects and by stronger regulatory cell to interactions that sustain ecosystems— of us may have the opportunity to catch the oversight guided by the best available scien- has been an essential feature of American life ear of the president (or his equivalent in oth- tific advice.” In a related document at for over fifty years. While the outcomes of spe- er countries), this does not mean that ASPB http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/ cific projects are never predictable, basic members are without the wherewithal to cre- FactSheetScience.pdf, the Obama campaign research has been a reliable source of new ate and influence science policy. provided a few more details. “As President, knowledge that has fueled important devel- At this point, I imagine that many of you Barack Obama will call for increased attention opments” [italics added]. The italicized who are reading this article and are already to the basic science that underlies crop and phrase suggests to me that Obama and his working incredibly hard in research, teaching, forest productivity, livestock health, and team grasp the essence of scientific research: K–12 outreach, university service, and related ecosystem stability. Basic research is needed to that it is not about past facts, but about missions may be thinking that adding yet understand how agricultural systems will future discoveries. This is a hopeful sign that another task to your day by working in the respond to changes in climate, the introduc- the next four years will create a climate in realm of public policy would constitute the tion of pests and disease, and bioterrorist inci- which U.S. science can flourish. proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. dents.…Obama will also support expanding Yet it is not enough simply to feel san- However, let me point out that this may not research to help address the challenges faced guine about the chances for improved federal be the case, at least for those of us who have, by farmers in developing countries, such as support and understanding of science in the or are applying for, funding from the U.S. developing drought-resistant crops and post-Bush era. In fact, in an editorial in the National Science Foundation (NSF). All affordable seed and fertilizer technology.” September 26 issue of Science, John Porter, a grants submitted to the NSF are evaluated Concerning support for innovation in sci- former U.S. congressman who chaired the not only on their scientific content, but also ence and technology, Obama made the fol- appropriations subcommittee that funds the on the criterion of Broader Impacts, which lowing promise: “My administration will National Institutes of Health, argues that sci- includes “efforts devoted to broadening par- increase funding for basic research in physi- entists can and should act to substantively ticipation in science.” Among the examples cal and life sciences, mathematics, and engi- influence science policy. Porter writes, “If all provided by NSF in the document “Merit neering at a rate that would double basic you do is vote, you’re definitely not doing Review Broader Impacts Criterion: Represen- research budgets over the next decade. We enough. Get off your chair, do something tative Activities” (http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/ will increase research grants for early-career outside your comfort zone, and make a dif- gpg/broaderimpacts.pdf), two of the listed researchers to keep young scientists entering ference for science.” activities caught my eye in the course of writ- these fields. We will increase support for Porter urges scientists to consider run- ing this article: “Present research and educa- high-risk, high-payoff research portfolios at ning for office themselves. While this may be tion results in formats useful to policy- our scientific agencies.” Senator Obama also just a bit too far outside the comfort zone for makers, members of Congress, industry, and pledges to triple the number of U.S. National most of us (serving as president of ASPB is broad audiences” and “Provide information Science Foundation graduate fellowships and quite daunting enough for me!), there are for policy formulation by Federal, State, or increase support for research on energy and other ways to contribute. Porter suggests that local agencies.” In short, the next time you are climate change, among other topics. scientists offer to serve on (or create) scien- drafting an NSF proposal, think about pursu- In a pointed statement regarding scientific tific advisory committees for state elected ing an activity that could inform public offi- integrity, Senator Obama explains that he officials, keeping in mind that many state cials regarding science issues! supports “the basic principle that government officials later serve at the federal level. Send- continued on page 14

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 9 AAAS/ASPB 2009 Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program

Are you interested in science writing? Do you want to help people understand complex scientific issues?

Apply for the AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program and learn how to increase public understanding of science and technology. Fellows in the 10-week 2009 summer program will work as reporters, researchers, and production assistants in mass media organizations nationwide. Deadline: January 15, 2009.

Former host sites include:

Chicago Tribune

The Los Angeles Times

Newsweek Visit http://www.aaas.org/ programs/education/ National Public Radio MassMedia/index.shtml for more details and to Popular Science download an application brochure, or call 202-326-6441 for more information.

Advancing the Science of Plant Biology Women in Plant Biology

A Winding Road to a Happy Academic Career by Elaine Tobin Professor, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles; [email protected]

Growing up in Louisville, Ky., lenging teachers. I was not the Winslow continued to be supportive of during the 1950s, there were no only female chemistry major at me throughout my graduate career. During role models for me to become a Oberlin; there was one other, the first year at Harvard, I met and married a scientist. My parents had come but there were still no exam- man who was just finishing his PhD and of age during the Depression ples of women in academic wanted to do a year of postdoctoral work at and went to work right after chemistry. the Weizmann Institute in Israel. Winslow high school, although one aunt I greatly enjoyed biology managed to find a fellowship for me to spend did go to university. However, a courses and thought that I a year there. few good teachers and our fam- would go to medical school Israel at the time was quite different from ily doctor, who arranged for me with the aim of discovering a the United States in that it was normal for to volunteer in a lab at the cure for cancer. (Yes, I was women to be scientists. Seeing for the first Elaine Tobin medical school one summer, really that naive!) One of the time not only female scientists, but female made a difference for me. enjoyable biology courses was taught by Tom scientists having babies and returning to I enjoyed my high school science courses, Scott, who had been one of Winslow Briggs’s work, made a difference in my view of my and I even took Chemistry II, a small class in first graduate students and who got me excit- own possibilities. And before I completed my which I was the only girl. What a different ed about the recently discovered plant photo- PhD, I had my first child. world it was then! My math teacher let me receptor phytochrome. Imagine: You could use After a brief postdoc at Brandeis and the learn trigonometry with him after school, light to cause a chemical change in a molecule birth of our second son, we managed to and I spent class time working on the school that then affected so many processes in the secure two positions at the University of Cal- newspaper or going to the university to audit plant. When I asked Professor Scott to write ifornia Los Angeles, in the biology depart- a class. At graduation, the chemistry teacher me a letter of recommendation for medical ment. My offer was managed as an affirma- awarded me a book with the inscription “To school, he said “No! You mustn’t go to tive action appointment, which meant that Elaine, a fine scientist and a girl at that.” This, medical school, because that will ruin you initially I wasn’t treated in quite the same of course, was long before “women’s lib,” a for research. You have to go to graduate way as my husband in terms of resources time when girls went to college to “get” a school.” made available to me. There was no lab for husband if they hadn’t managed to find When I arrived at Stanford, I discovered me when I arrived, but sitting at a graduate someone to marry after high school. that the faculty in the biochemistry depart- student’s desk that I could use while the stu- My high school counselor (the “girls’ ment, who gave marvelous lectures in the dent was off doing fieldwork, I wrote my first counselor”) thought that given my wonder- biochemistry course, thought that they were grant proposal to NIH. ful standardized test scores, maybe I could too good to waste their time on female grad- The suggestion to approach NIH for aspire to go to the University of Kentucky. uate students. (I kid you not—they thought funding came the previous year during a However, through a friend of the family, I they should be training Nobel Prize winners, dinner with Lawrence Bogorad and a semi- knew about Oberlin College, where he had and women “obviously” couldn’t achieve at nar speaker he was hosting. Laurie told me gone. And because a substitute math teacher that level!) when we were walking back from dinner that once brought her Radcliffe alumni magazine However, luckily for me, I took a plant NIH was willing to fund basic plant research to class for me, I knew about Radcliffe (then physiology course with Winslow Briggs and and that I should apply for a grant. NIH considered to be the “girls’ Harvard”). In any worked one quarter in his lab. In him, I funded my first proposal (and has funded case, I won scholarships and was thus able to found a mentor who was interested in the work in my lab continuously ever since), and go to college at Oberlin, which I chose after science for itself and who was doing fascinat- because NIH grants are generally larger than visiting both Oberlin and Radcliffe. I remem- ing science. Moreover, he didn’t think that those from NSF, Laurie’s advice has made a ber thinking that I wasn’t yet sophisticated being female disqualified one from doing sci- great difference in my career. enough for Radcliffe. ence. In fact, he made me feel that the exper- With funding in hand, I appealed to the Oberlin was a good choice. The college’s iments I was doing were important! So when head of the “space committee,” whose motto is “Learning and Labor,” and the pro- he moved to Harvard the next year, I fol- response was, “Identify space for yourself, fessors were dedicated, exciting, and chal- lowed him with enthusiasm. continued on page 14

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 11 Membership Corner

ASPB members share a common goal of promoting the growth, development, and outreach of plant biology as a pure and applied science. This column features some of the dedicated and innovative members of ASPB who believe that membership in our Society is crucial to the fu- ture of plant biology. If you are interested in contributing to this feature, please contact ASPB Membership at [email protected].

Name: Kristine ate to get a feel as to the sort of posi- 10. What are your hobbies? Hill tions that were out there. I posted my I study religions, old and new. I am Title: Postdoc- CV on the ASPB site at the beginning fascinated with gods, especially those toral Research of my job search and was pleasantly of the ancient Egyptians, and I am Associate surprised when several employers con- attempting to learn to decipher hiero- Place of Work tacted me. The ASPB meeting in glyphics. As an untalented artist, I or School: Dart- Chicago enabled me to meet with a create my own renditions of Egypt’s mouth College number of potential employers, includ- ancient mythologies, which incorpo- Research Area: ing my current one. rate my endeavors to learn some of the Cytokinin Sig- 5. Have you had any success at finding hieroglyphics. I write a lot, too, mostly naling candidates as a result of a job posting philosophy, and make sporadic Member since: 2006 at the meeting or via our online Job attempts to master Latin or Spanish. 1. Why has being a member of ASPB Bank? 11. What is your most treasured possession? been important to you? When I head my own research group, I I adore our cats, but really they own us. Posting my CV on the ASPB website will definitely take advantage of meetings I do treasure a cardigan that my grand- and networking at the 2007 meeting in to meet up with potential candidates. mother made for me. Chicago were instrumental to my find- 6. Do you read print journals? If so, 12. What do you still have left to learn? ing the right postdoctoral position, and where do you usually read them? When I was 15 years old, I was con- an ASPB travel grant enabled me to Rarely; if I want a hard copy of an arti- vinced I knew everything there was to attend the aforementioned meeting. It cle, I will print it off the web. Mostly I know. I have since learned that with was my time as an undergraduate read and take notes from electronic learning comes an increased awareness researcher that really got me hooked copies. of one’s own ignorance. On a more on science, so I like that the ASPB is a 7. What do you think is the next “big pragmatic note, I would really like to big advocate of undergraduate  thing” in plant biology? nail a second language. research. I believe that being connected I would love to figure that one out to the larger plant biology community before setting up my own research is important when it comes to nurtur- program! ing students, fostering collaborations, or considering career directions. 8. What person, living or deceased, do you most admire? 2. Was someone instrumental in getting Jane Goodall, because she defied con- you to join ASPB? vention when she traveled to Africa as No one person. I had been meaning to a young woman and when she gave join since I started grad school. I just names to the chimps she was studying, never got around to it until I was ready and because her achievements, energy, to graduate. and optimism are inspirational. 3. What would you tell colleagues to 9. What are you reading these days? encourage them to join? You mean other than science papers? I If they expressed an interest, I would am a big fan of Terry Pratchett, so it’s a certainly recommend they join. good bet I have one of his novels on 4. Have you enhanced your career using hand. Currently, I have just started ASPB job postings or through net- reading Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the working at an ASPB function? Mist, and I am working my way I had been browsing through the Job through several textbooks about Bank years before I was ready to gradu- medieval Europe.

12 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 Membership Corner

ASPB members share a common goal of promoting the growth, development, and outreach of plant biology as a pure and applied science. This column features some of the dedicated and innovative members of ASPB who believe that membership in our Society is crucial to the fu- ture of plant biology. If you are interested in contributing to this feature, please contact ASPB Membership at [email protected].

Name: Sandro yourself and your career by not joining of education and inspired me to want Jube ASPB. With the array of resources to become an educator and mentor as Title: M.Sc. available through a full membership in she was. On the professional level, I Place of Work the Society, such as access to various greatly admire the work of Dr. Ingo or School: Uni- publications and access to job offers Potrykus and Dr. Charles Arntzen, not versity of Hawaii online, the membership fee that we pay only for their fantastic careers, but also at Manoa to become a member is well worth the for their strong desire to benefit others Research Area: money. with their research. Plant Genetic 4. Have you enhanced your career using 8. What are you reading these days? Engineering ASPB job postings or through net- The books I have been reading lately working at an ASPB function? are Worth the Fighting For: A Memoir, Member since: 2004 By attending the annual ASPB meet- by John McCain, and Dreams from My 1. Why has being a member of ASPB ings, I enhanced myself as a researcher Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, been important to you? through interaction with other by Barack Obama. I chose books writ- Being a member of ASPB has been researchers and by watching the pre- ten by both presidential candidates in extremely important for a variety of sentations and seminars. Now that I an effort to understand better the men reasons. First and foremost, ASPB is am nearing completion of my PhD behind the politicians. I think it is the leading society in the field of plant work, I will most certainly start looking essential to be well informed in order biology. Through my membership in for available jobs and postdoc positions to make a good decision. Both books ASPB, I was able to attend and partici- at the Job Bank on the ASPB website. are actually surprisingly good reads. pate in meetings where I had the 5. Do you read print journals? If so, 9. What are your hobbies? chance to learn about new research where do you usually read them? My favorite thing to do is to spend ideas in my area and also was able to Yes, I do read print journals. I read time with my wife and my unborn, 24- interact with other scientists from all them mostly at home at night, after week-old son and to have breakfast over the world. This is especially work. with them on Sunday mornings, as well important for me, since I am conduct- 6. What do you think is the next “big to read the newspaper at a local coffee ing research in Hawaii, which is a geo- thing” in plant biology? shop. I also like to ride motorcycles, graphically isolated place. In research, Since my interest lies in plant genetic play the acoustic guitar, and donate my the exchange of ideas is of utmost engineering and the expression of spare time to the Institute for Human importance, and ASPB offers a venue important compounds in plants, I Services, which is a charitable organiza- for this exchange to take place. believe that the next “big thing” in tion that provides shelter and meals to 2. Was someone instrumental in getting plant biology will be the renewed inter- homeless people in Hawaii. you to join ASPB? est in pharming, mainly due to 10. What is your most treasured possession? Yes, my primary investigator and men- enhanced expression of exogenous pro- My most treasured material possession tor, Dr. Dulal Borthakur, stressed early teins in plants, using a transformation is my motorcycle, which is the best on in my research career the impor- method called “magnifection.” Also, (and most affordable) mode of trans- tance and benefits of belonging to a accelerated research on the use of portation in the always-sunny Hawaii. professional society such as ASPB. plants as efficient biofuels will be the But without a doubt, my family is my 3. What would you tell colleagues to next “big thing” in plant biology for most treasured possession. encourage them to join? many decades to come. 11. What do you still have left to learn? I would say that if you plan to succeed 7. What person, living or deceased, do That is a difficult question to answer, in the field of plant research, be it in you most admire? since I think I am still at the early academia or in the private sector, you In my personal life, I admire most my stages of my career and I have so much would be doing a huge disfavor to mother, who instilled in me the value continued on page 14

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 13 President’s Letter Call for Award Nominations The Dennis R. Hoagland Award continued from page 9 continued from page 5 This monetary award, established by the In addition, NSF itself highlights ent of the 2009 award is invited to address Society in 1985 with funds provided by the activities by its awardees to inform the the Society on a subject in plant biology at Monsanto Agricultural Products Company, public and elected officials about devel- the 2010 annual meeting in Montreal. honors Dr. Dennis R. Hoagland, recipient of opments in science and their positive The Martin Gibbs Medal the first Hales award, for his outstanding consequences for the public good. For contributions and leadership in plant miner- This monetary award, initiated in 1993, hon- example, Dr. Gerry Berkowitz, a faculty al nutrition. The award, to be made not more ors Martin Gibbs for his outstanding service member at the University of Connecticut frequently than triennially, is for outstanding to the Society as editor-in-chief of Plant and an NSF program director in physio- plant research in support of agriculture. logical and structural systems, recently Physiology from 1963 to 1992. This award is to be given biennially to an individual who wrote to me that he is working with the Please contact Donna Gordon with any has pioneered advances that have served to NSF Office of Legislative and Public awards questions or comments, 301-251-0560, establish new directions of investigation in Affairs (OLPA) to develop public presen- ext. 131, or e-mail [email protected]. the plant sciences. The 2009 recipient will tations on two research projects by ASPB Thank you for participating in our 2009 receive the medal and will be invited to con- members: Dr. Curt Hannah’s research (at awards program!  the University of Florida) on ADP glu- vene a Martin Gibbs Symposium at the 2010 cose pyrophosphorylase in corn and Dr. annual meeting in Montreal. Clint Chapple’s work on lignin biosyn- thesis (at Purdue University). Finally, while I realize that the content of this article has been most directly rele- WIPB ing the first year, I was doing exactly what I continued from page 11 vant to U.S. members of ASPB, as biolo- wanted to do and was thrilled to be able to gists we know that the community of sci- and we will approve it.” I was very lucky to be do it. The fact that throughout my career I ence is truly international. I expect that helped during my first year by the kindness have had wonderful postdocs and students, most of you have regular communica- of Karl Hamner, who was about to retire and as well as continuous grant support from tions, if not collaborations, with scientists who even used some of his last grant money NIH, meant that I have been able to enjoy around the world. The perspective that to hire a technician for me. So I was able to research and, I hope, make lasting contribu- science is a truly global endeavor and that move into his laboratory, just below that of tions. I can’t imagine a better way to have plant science has much to offer in meeting Sam Wildman, who also treated me as a sci- spent my life!  global challenges, such as energy and cli- entist from the very beginning. mate change is a perspective that ASPB Despite the problems of establishing child hopes to develop and foster. Accordingly, care, teaching a large class for the first time, the Executive Committee of ASPB recently and getting my research off the ground dur- voted unanimously to organize and sup- port a “global summit” of the leaders of plant biology societies worldwide. The summit will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii, Membership Corner general need to become better communi- in July 2009, immediately prior to the continued from page 13 ASPB annual meeting. In this summit we cators in order to educate the public more to learn. It would probably be easi- will undoubtedly learn much about how about the potential benefits and impacts er to answer what I do know rather than ASPB international members and interna- of their research. In my opinion, the what I don’t. Probably, one important tional plant science societies are informing widespread anti-genetically modified thing that I still need to learn is how to science policy in their own countries and organism sentiment in the general popu- be a more effective communicator. My how we all may work together to better lation is a perfect example of our poor goals are to become a teacher and a men- achieve this goal. ability, as scientists, to communicate in a Sally Assmann tor, and communication is a very impor- manner that is well understood by the [email protected] tant skill. In fact, I think that scientists in public and the decision makers.  November 10, 2008

Acknowledgments I am very grateful to Sharon Long, Gerry Berkowitz, Mel Oliver, Crispin Taylor, Brian Hyps, and Sarah Nilson for their input and suggestions on this article.

14 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 SURF ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) The 2009 SURF Application Process will open on December 12, 2008.

SURF fellowships are designed to assist promising undergradu- Need a Mentor? ate students in conducting meaningful research in plant biology Students without plant biology faculty at their home institu- early in their college careers. Ideally, students should conduct tion may apply to SURF by collaborating with a mentor at their SURF-funded research the summer following their second another institution. Such students are encouraged to seek a year. Exceptionally well-prepared first-year students and third- mentor by checking ASPB’s Diversity Bank at http:// year students who provide evidence of a strong commitment to www.aspb.org/DiversityBank/ or reviewing the list of institu- plant biology will also be considered. Students must work with a tions with plant biology programs at http://www.aspb.org/ mentor who is an ASPB member. All students (including any fol- resourcelinks/scripts/cats2.cfm?cat=34. Further assistance for lowing nontraditional calendars or in the Southern Hemisphere) finding a mentor can be initiated by contacting Katie Engen. will complete their SURF research for presentation at Plant Biol- Contact Katie ([email protected]) very early in the process (prior ogy 2010, held July 30–August 5, 2010, in Montréal, Canada. to writing the proposal). A mentor cannot be found at the Funding deadline. Each fellowship provides a $3,000 student stipend, $500 for mentor’s lab supplies, a one-year student membership in Proposal Evaluation ASPB, and a $500 travel allowance to attend the ASPB national The proposed SURF project should clearly support and meeting. The student must be a coauthor of an abstract regis- enhance the goals of the mentor’s ongoing research program, tered at the conference to qualify for the travel money. Stu- be appropriately targeted for undergraduate work, and guaran- dents traveling overseas or who have very limited travel tee the student regular access to appropriate research facili- resources may contact Katie Engen ([email protected]) to initi- ties. Preference is given to proposals that demonstrate the ate a case for additional travel funds. mentor’s close supervision along with the institution’s finan- cial commitment to the work. Eligible Students Application is open to all undergraduate students who are ASPB supports undergraduates at all types of institutions. enrolled full-time and seeking a degree. International students Therefore, the proposals are grouped according to the appli- or students following nontraditional academic calendars will cant’s institution type within the Carnegie classification scheme. have the opportunity to define their status on the application. Group A is for research and doctoral universities. Group B is for Applicants must propose a research project to be pursued in all other colleges and universities. The number of proposals the laboratory of a faculty mentor. Applicants may not receive awarded funding in each group will be weighted according to other direct financial support for their research (institutional the number of proposals received. The Carnegie Foundation has stipend, Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research, Council on updated its system to include more classification factors. Appli- Undergraduate Research Fellowship, etc.). cants who cannot designate Group A or B can find their school’s Selection Criteria category at http://www.carnegiefoundation.org/classifications/ Competitive student applicants should have high academic index.asp?key=807 or select a category from the list of institu- achievement, strong motivation for research, skills for con- tional descriptions at http://www.carnegiefoundation.org/ ducting the research, and career objectives relevant to the classifications/sub.asp?key=786. aims of the fellowship program. Applications Faculty Mentors Students and their mentors can apply online at Students cannot apply without first securing a mentor. A men- www.aspb.org/education/summerundergrad.cfm. tor must be a member of ASPB and have an ongoing research program. Mentors should demonstrate a commitment to SURF 2009 applications will be accepted undergraduate education and research and be conducting a December 12, 2008–February 27, 2009. research program that is of high scientific merit. Mentors will actively guide the student’s proposal writing and so must be Questions? secured at the onset of the project. Contact Katie Engen at [email protected], 301-251-0560, ext. 116. 

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 15 Introducing the LI-6400XT Portable Photosynthesis System

LI-COR continues to innovate on the proven LI-6400 platform.

I Faster 400 MHz processor The expansion slot can be used to insert CF cards... I New OPEN 6 Software

I Removable data storage with Compact Flash memory slot

I Ethernet connection for drag-drop file transfer from instrument to computer or to connect to your Local Area Network (LAN). I Internet connection enables remote diagnosis by LI-COR staff All of this and more is available with the LI-6400XT. I On-board creation of Excel data files For more information go to www.licor.com/6400XT. I Bar code reader support for rapid entry of coded data

The LI-6400 platform is a proven performer and is the most cited photosynthesis instrument in scientific literature. Now the LI-6400XT offers additional flexibility 800-447-3576 for both research and teaching applications. LI-6400 is covered by patents pending. © 2008 LI-COR Biosciences Public Affairs

Democrats Capture White House, Build on Majorities in House and Senate

For the second consecutive trolled 58 of the Senate’s 100 challenge to Democrats will come more from election, Democrats built on seats, falling short of a super intraparty differences than from the minori- their majorities in the House majority. Democrats would ty party. House Majority Whip James and Senate. Combine these need to run the table on the Clyburn (D-S.C.) said that intraparty feuds significant majorities with the two remaining contested are a natural outcome of successful elections. election of Senator Barack seats to attain the super Although Republicans will be in a smaller Obama (D-Ill.) as our next majority. minority in both the House and Senate next president, and it is apparent In the House, Democrats Congress, the Committee on Appropriations that Democrats will take the gained at least 19 seats, has traditionally been bipartisan in shaping lead in shaping legislative including the seats of several spending bills for science and other areas. policies in Washington for at veteran Republican incum- ASPB members represented by senators and least the next two years. bents and open seats former- representatives from either party will need to The only major campaign ly held by Republicans. Vot- continue to urge their support for science in objective still outside the Barack Obama ers polled on what influenced the next Congress. Democrats’ grasp (as of their votes cited the slumping On the campaign trail, Senator Obama November 7 counts of election results) was economy, fueled by the crisis in financial frequently cited support for alternative ener- the ambitious quest for a super majority in credit markets, as the dominant issue. With a gy, including biofuels. Democrat priorities in the Senate of 60 or more Democrats. A super Republican in the White House, many voters Congress are expected to include support for majority can quash a minority party fili- attributed blame for the faltering economy to energy alternatives (which is receiving bipar- buster, which can bring Senate legislative Republicans. tisan support), comprehensive health care, proceedings to a halt, making it an effective Political parties don’t often score such and an end to the war in Iraq.  tool when the minority has at least 41 sena- gains in the House and Senate in two consec- tors. As of December 1, Democrats con- utive elections. Some observers said that the

Nine ASPB Member PIs Win Grant Awards from NSF Plant Genome Research Program

NSF has announced 20 new awards from the Grant Cramer to Uncover the Network That Regulates 2008 Plant Genome Research Program in University of Nevada–Reno Long-Distance Signaling in Potato this, the 11th year of the program. The fol- RCN: An International Research and Educa- $2.75 million lowing ASPB member principal investigators tional Collaboration for Grape Functional Daniel Kliebenstein have received awards: Genomics University of California, Davis $509,000 Phil Benfey The Generation of Complex Epistasis by Duke University David Gang Metabolic Networks Genome-Wide Analysis of Root Traits University of Arizona $1.31 million $4.3 million Rhizomics—Comparative Functional Sally Mackenzie Genomic and Proteomic Analysis of Rhizome Clay Carter University of Nebraska, Lincoln $4.33 million University of Minnesota–Duluth An Integrative Study of Plant Mitochondrial Functional Genomics of Nectar Production David Hannapel Biology in Brassicaceae Iowa State University $1.42 million $1.33 million Transferring Research from a Model System continued on page 21

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 17 Public Affairs

ASPB Member Hake and Colleagues Discover Low-Lignin, High-Biomass Gene in Corngrass Discovery Could Lead to Superior Energy Crops

ASPB member Sarah Hake, director of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS)/Univer- sity of California–Berkeley Plant Gene Expression Center in Albany, and her col- leagues have discovered and cloned a gene in Corngrass that controls production of lignin and biomass. The gene carries the instructions that the George Chuck and plant uses to form a microRNA. In turn, this Sarah Hake, plant molec- microRNA likely controls at least seven ular geneticists at the genes, Hake and colleagues discovered. Those Plant Gene Expression seven or so genes make Corngrass different Center, Albany, Calif., see from conventional corn in terms of biomass, sustainable fuel produc- lignin levels, and other features needed to tion deriving from genes of Corngrass. They are create standout biofuel crops. holding a root-covered Hake conducted the research with George stem that has been Chuck, a plant molecular geneticist with the propagated in the pot to Plant Gene Expression Center; Koy Saetuern, the left. formerly at the center; and A. Mark Cigan of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Johnston, Iowa. Corngrass—a somewhat grassier- looking version of your typical towering corn- stalk—may hold a key to fast, cheap, ecofriendly ways to squeeze more cellulosic ethanol from corn and other bioenergy crops. Corngrass is the same species—Zea mays—as the corn grown on millions of acres of U.S. farmland. A healthy, naturally occurring mutant of those familiar plants, Corngrass has several traits that might be plants have in their tougher foliage. That’s a from ARS, UC–Berkeley, and a new grant suitable for moving into other plants to plus for Corngrass, because lignin presents a from the U.S. Department of Energy. Among make them superior biofuel crops. stumbling block to producing cellulosic their collaborators is Christian M. Tobias, a Scientists are interested, for example, in the ethanol efficiently. Lignin doesn’t yield easily plant molecular biologist with ARS’s Western ability of Corngrass to create more biomass— to the deconstruction tactics typically used to Regional Research Center in Albany, Calif. plant material that can be converted into convert plants into the fermentable sugars Tobias plans to shuttle the Corngrass biofuels—than conventional corn plants. from which ethanol is produced. “Corngrass microRNA into switchgrass and then deter- Corngrass does that by forming significantly retains its juvenile features longer—includ- mine whether that move boosts switchgrass’s more branches, or shoots, called “tillers.” ing the tenderness of its leaves,” Chuck said. value as a bioenergy source. They grow from the base of the stalk and The research findings were published in a See http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/ make their own roots, known as “prop 2007 issue of Nature Genetics. archive/nov08/corngrass1108.htm for the roots.” Now, Chuck and Hake are taking an even story as it appeared in the Nov./Dec. 2008 Corngrass has less lignin in its tender, closer look at the microRNA and the genes it issue of Agricultural Research.  youthful leaves than conventional corn influences. They’re doing that with funding

18 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 Public Affairs Improved Crop Genomics Tools Among Key Agricultural Technologies for Africa and Asia

Late in September, the National Research roster). This committee included a number of These technologies may seem somewhat Council’s Board on Agriculture and Natural other prominent plant biologists, as well experts impersonal. But the discussion made clear Resources (BANR) issued a report entitled in soils, hydrology, climatology, and animal that many of those involved in writing and “Emerging Technologies to Benefit Farmers in husbandry. Larkins also chaired the public commissioning the BANR report recognize Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia” (see http:// meeting, along with Nina Fedoroff, science the vital importance of taking a broad, inte- dels.nas.edu/ag_technologies/index.shtml). and technology adviser to the U.S. secretary grated approach, as well as the enormous The report, which was commissioned by the of state, who moderated the discussion. value of robust connections among the vari- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was the As described in detail in the report (and ous stakeholders who are invested in subject of a discussion by several of its as summarized at http://dels.nas.edu/ag_ improving agricultural productivity in sub- authors and other discussants during a pub- technologies/technologies.shtml), those tech- Saharan Africa and South Asia—all the way lic presentation at the National Academy of nologies deemed to have the greatest potential from the scientists carrying out basic Sciences in Washington, D.C., on September impact fall into the general areas of managing research on site-specific gene integration to 29, 2008. the natural resource base for agriculture, par- the farmers and aid workers on the ground Brian Larkins, a fellow of ASPB, former ticularly soil and water; improving the genet- in the targeted areas.  ASPB president, and former editor-in-chief ic profile of crops and livestock; reducing the of The Plant Cell, chaired the committee of adverse impacts of weeds, pests, and diseases; experts that wrote the report (http://dels.nas. improving weather forecasting; and providing edu/ag_technologies/background.shtml# inexpensive renewable energy for farmers.

The following article is reprinted by permission from Nature Publishing Group: Nature Biotechnology, Volume 26, 1084 (October 2008). A Timely Marriage Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food by Pamela C. Ronald and Raoul W. Adamcha Reviewed by David McElroy

Having spent most of the past 25 years work- tell you from painful experience that “It pays ing in agricultural biotechnology, I cringe well,” is never a well-received justification. each time I find myself trapped in some Once, while having breakfast in Des inextricable situation where a complete Moines, Iowa, in the mid-1990s, I tried to stranger asks me what I do for a living. I head off the issue by telling my waitress that I know that an honest answer to a seemingly was a plant breeder—assuming that someone innocent question inevitably brings forth an from the Midwest would know what a plant uninvited litany of urban myths, unsubstan- breeder does, and that my answer would dis- tiated opinions, technological misconcep- courage further comment. No such luck: the tions and other half-baked nonsense best left waitress put down her pot of coffee, set down to the pages of The National Enquirer. What’s the Marlboro that until then I assumed was worse, the inquisitive stranger will usually superglued to the lower left corner of her expect me to defend my career choice. I can continued on page 20

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 19 Public Affairs

Tomorrow’s Table fornia Certified Organic Farmers, and ture. However, I have not had one single continued from page 19 Ronald’s husband. The book successfully European visitor show up at my home with mouth, looked me straight in the eye and integrates the knowledge and insights of a their luggage packed full of enough non-GM informed me that if I asked for her opinion practicing plant geneticist and the practical foods to support them through their lengthy plant breeding was simply, “Half genetics…and training of a long-time organic farmer to stay in the United States. On the contrary, half heredity!” She then menacingly chal- consider a range of arguments both for and they consistently display no hesitation about lenged me to tell her something different. But against organic farming and genetic engineer- benefiting from the ample supply of GM- now comes a book that sets out to provide the ing in a manner that is conversational and derived foods in my kitchen, all prepared with general reader with a fair and balanced informative, rather than confrontational or lavish helpings of GM canola oil, presumably account of what folks in my line of business overly biased. Ronald and Adamchak suggest so they can generate the energy needed to actually do, set within the intriguing frame- that both approaches to modern farming will stuff their bulging suitcases full of affordable work of a discussion between married practi- contribute significantly towards the sustain- GM cotton goods for the trip back home. tioners around the benefits and issues associ- able production of food in the future, and Tomorrow’s Table is not just another biolo- ated with two supposedly antagonistic trends argue that the continuing sustainability and gy textbook posing as a general reader in a in modern farming: transgenics and organics. productivity in agriculture will benefit from shallow attempt to garner extravagant royalty The authors of Tomorrow’s Table: Organic the integration of the most useful aspects of payments for their academic authors, but one Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food are transgenic crops, such as the reduction in the of the best, most balanced accounts of trans- Pam Ronald, a University of California, Davis, need for crop protection chemicals, the genic agriculture that I have read. It will geneticist, who has spent her professional potential reduced water and nitrogen fertiliz- appeal to laypeople, seasoned practitioners career dissecting disease resistance and flood- er requirements of next-generation agronom- and anyone who cares about the future of sus- ing tolerance in rice (disclaimer: I’ve known ic trait products, with the more productive of tainable farming. It also includes an intimate Ronald for over 20 years including, while at a organic farming practices, including a height- look into the private lives of the authors, their previous employer, helping to spin out her ened awareness of environmental stewardship family and friends—and furthermore, it’s also venture from UC–Davis back when she was a issues and a focus, whether real or perceived, a cookbook! Chapters are generously pep- budding tenurepreneur—an academic who on food quality. pered with details of the elaborate meals the mitigates the employment risk of starting a Who could argue with this well-reasoned couple assemble on a nightly basis. All of this new company by not giving up their tenured position? Well, as most readers of this publica- makes for an even more interesting read. My faculty position—and more recently as a sci- tion are aware, some consumers, especially only regret is that this kind of book wasn’t entific advisory board member at Targeted those living in Europe, take exception to available when I was having breakfast back at Growth); and Raoul Adamchak, an organic transgenic agriculture, viewing genetically Denny’s in Des Moines, but the good news is farmer for over 25 years, manager of the cer- modified (GM) crops as unnatural, potential- that going forward I’ll be providing my Euro- tified organic farm on the UC–Davis campus ly unsafe to eat, environmentally disruptive or pean visitors with a copy of Tomorrow’s Table and an inspector and past president of Cali- aiding the corporatization of global agricul- for their flights home. 

General Jones Links Next Generation of Biofuels to National Security

General Jim Jones, U.S. Marine Corps for an acceleration of technologies like plug-in Jones pointed out that during the first oil (retired), who now runs the U.S. Chamber of hybrids and for the expansion of mass transit. crisis in 1973, the U.S. imported 40% of its Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy “Nations like Venezuela and Iran can use oil. Today, we import 60%. and has recently been nominated by President- oil and gas as political and economic weapons “We’re like someone who won’t go to the elect Obama to be his National Security by manipulating the marketplace,” Jones said. dentist until he feels pain,” Jones said. Adviser, said that the United States needs to “Half of our trade deficit goes toward buying Jones was supreme allied commander of accelerate the next generation of biofuels to oil from abroad, and some of that money NATO. His comments were published in a contribute to national security. He also called ends up in the hands of terrorists.” Parade magazine article on August 24, 2008.

20 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 Public Affairs Weatherwax Appointed Director for DOE Biological Systems Science Division

Sharlene Weatherwax has been selected as the Genomics: GTL program dealing with plant biology and subsequently as an inde- division director for Biological Systems Sci- plant and microbial biology, and more pendent researcher included the study of ence (BSSD), Office of Biological and Envi- recently, the Bioenergy Research Centers. She light- and hormone-regulated plant gene ronmental Research (BER) of the Depart- was an organizer for the joint Office of Sci- expression. ment of Energy effective November 9. In ence/Office of Energy Efficiency and Renew- ASPB President Sally Assmann comment- announcing the selection, BER Associate able Energy Research research agenda laid ed, “Sharlene continues to play an integral Director Dr. Anna Palmisano said she is out in Breaking the Biological Barriers to Cel- role in BER’s acclaimed research efforts that “confident that Sharlene will provide out- lulosic Ethanol and has participated in a will lead to sustainable, home-produced bio- standing leadership to the division during a number of interagency initiatives. Prior to fuels, including fuels derived from plant bio- critical time in BER history. Sharlene will joining BER, she was a program manager for mass—a hugely abundant and renewable bring her in-depth knowledge of plants and the Energy Biosciences program in the Office source. Sharlene blends her talents as an microbes, as well as her trademark energy of Basic Energy Sciences. accomplished scientist and superb adminis- and enthusiasm, to this new role.” Weatherwax earned her BS in Biochem- trator to the great benefit of science and the “Sharlene has a wonderful background istry from the University of California, Los nation. We’re all lucky to have her serving as for her new position,” Dr. Palmisano said. Angeles, and her PhD in biochemistry on director for the DOE Biological Systems Sci- “Since joining BER in March 2005, she has microbial genetics and enzymology from the ence Division.”  served as a program manager in BSSD with University of California at Berkeley in 1989. responsibilities for managing components of Her work as an NSF postdoctoral fellow in

ASPB Members Win Grant Awards “Plant biologists continue to make signifi- ASPB has led support in the science com- continued from page 17 cant conceptual and theoretical advances in munity for the Plant Genome Research Pro- Paula McSteen our understanding of basic biological gram since before it was first enacted in Pennsylvania State University processes using plants,” said James Collins, 1997. Senator Kit Bond (R-Mo.) has champi- Genetic and Genomic Approaches to NSF assistant director for biological sciences. oned the program since its inception, togeth- Understanding the Role of Auxin in Shoot “It is clear that 21st-century biology has er with Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.). Development become increasingly quantitative and inter- For the NSF news release on the 2008 $4.75 million disciplinary. The latest projects funded awards, please visit http://www.nsf.gov/news/ Steven Whitham through the Plant Genome Research Pro- news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=112545&govDel Iowa State University gram reflect this shift and will integrate =USNSF_51. High-Throughput Functional Analysis of innovative, cutting-edge research with the The complete list of Plant Genome Soybean Defense Pathways by Virus-Induced training of the next generation of plant sci- Research Program principal investigator Gene Silencing entists at both research universities and small 2008 awardees is at http://www.nsf.gov/bio/  $2.11 million teaching colleges and universities.” pubs/awards/pgr.htm#Awards2008.

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 21 March 21–22 Important Dates in 2009 Midwestern Section Meeting, Wildlife Prairie State Park, Peoria, Illinois January 2 2009 call for ASPB award and Executive Committee nominations April 24 Early-bird registration cutoff for Plant Biology 2009 January 2 Travel Grant Application deadline April 24 Abstract deadline for Plant Biology 2009 program book February 6 Mid-Atlantic Section Meeting, University of Maryland, May 1–2 College Park Northeast Section Annual Meeting, SUNY, Plattsburg http://www.aspb.org/sections/washington/meetings.cfm May 29 February 13 Executive Committee election closes Abstracts (minisymposia) deadline for Plant Biology 2009 June 5 February 27 Preregistration cutoff for Plant Biology 2009 Award and Executive Committee nominations deadline July 15–16 February 27 International Plant Science Society Summit, Honolulu, Hawaii Deadline for ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow- http://www.aspb.org/meetings/2009 ship (SURF) applications July 18–22 http://www.aspb.org/education/summerundergrad.cfm Plant Biology 2009, Honolulu, Hawaii February 28–March 2 http://www.aspb.org/meetings/pb-2009 Southern Section Annual Meeting, Doubletree Guest Suites, September (date to be determined) Austin, Texas Mid-Atlantic Section Crab Feast, ASPB Headquarters Rockville, Maryland

22 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 ASPB Education Forum

“Worth His Salt,” Says Science

As part of its highly competitive 2008 Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, Science has awarded its Interactive Media award to the Genomics Digital Lab (GDL), a gaming module on plant cells cocreated by ASPB member David Salt (Purdue University). Full details of the competition are available at http://www.nsf.gov/newsspecial_reports/ scivis/index.jsp?id=win2008. Salt collaborated with Tommy Sors (Purdue a virtual plant’s survival using different light, Want to play the GDL? Free downloads University) and Jeremy Friedberg (Spongelab) gas, and water conditions, the GDL player are available at www.aspb.org/education. ASPB to develop the GDL as part of a larger gets to live through and delight in the molec- will distribute the original Genomics Digital Genomics Explorer museum exhibit. Cofunded ular changes that occur in the chloroplast, Lab modules for free when used for educa- through the 2005 ASPB Education Founda- mitochondrion, and nucleus under the dif- tional purposes through the Society’s web- tion Grant Awards Program (GAP) and NSF, ferent environmental situations he or she has site. The option of paying for Spongelab’s Salt’s interactive, walk-through plant cell selected. The concept is simple and very more advanced versions is also available via exhibit has been displayed at various venues effective in that a felt or sensed experience is links at http://www.genomicsdigitallab.com/ with great success. (Full acknowledgment of more memorable than any factual knowledge gdl/default.cfm.  the GDL designers can be viewed at http:// gained from passively reading or memorizing www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/sci;321/ a textbook.” 5897/1768/DC2#genomics.) It is only fitting that Science has now recognized that the GDL is a valuable resource in and of itself. Salt reported, “We used a third of our GAP award to subcontract Spongelab (then known as vive Technologies) to program the GDL based on a design from Tommy Sors. The agreement between Spongelab and Pur- due was that Purdue could use the original GDL free for educational purposes and that Spongelab could develop it further for com- mercial use. I am happy to say that we have deployed the original GDL in our exhibit to great success and also that Spongelab has gone on to develop the concept further and has started to distribute it to a broader com- munity commercially.” Although it was the current Spongelab version of the GDL that caught the eye of the 2008 Visualization Challenge reviewers, both game sets are engaging and informative. Sors explained, “Game players are submerged deep within a living plant cell to experience the astonishing complexity and beauty of One of many dynamic images from the digital plant game module at http://www. life’s most fundamental processes. By testing genomicsdigitallab.com/gdl/default.cfm?thePage=about.

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 23 Education Forum Future ASPB Barbeque, Blues, and the ASPB Booth at Meetings NABT in Memphis!

Once again this year, ASPB Plant Biology 2009 exhibited at the National Asso- ciation of Biology Teachers Pro- Honolulu, Hawaii fessional Development Confer- July 18–22, 2009 ence. The conference was held in Memphis, Tenn., October 15–18. Biology educators from around the country met to dis- cuss the latest pedagogy and try out the newest lab techniques. They attended symposia on evolution, climate change, pan- demic influenza, and others. Of course, most everyone also Teachers at NABT learn how labs with simple materials managed to enjoy some classic can teach significant plant biology principles. Memphis barbeque and blues HAWAII PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) / TOR JOHNSON. music. Amid all this activity, our ASPB booth www.aspb.org/education/NEWK12.CFM, was an instant classic! Every booth visi- including a new handout on the plants found tor—including teachers, other exhibitors, in candy bars and the 12 Principles of Plant Plant Biology 2010 and even conference staff members—want- Biology in both Spanish and Chinese. ed to make the Lilliputian garden necklaces. Also during this conference, the first six Montreal, Canada Many classroom educators gathered up our labs of the 12-part project Inquiry-Based July 30–August 5, 2010 handouts, bookmarks, and materials for Activities to Accompany the 12 Principles of Joint Annual Meeting of the their students. Other group leaders had Plant Biology were presented in a workshop. American Society of Plant Biologists plans to use these same materials in after- This project, sponsored by the ASPB Educa- and the Canadian Society of school programs, scout meetings, and fami- tion Foundation’s Grant Awards Program, Plant Physiologists/Société ly events. was developed by Jeffrey Coker, Mary Canadienne de Physiologie Végétale Many booth visitors commented that Williams (Harvey Mudd College), and Jane the ASPB exhibit had the most useful mate- Ellis. During the workshop, Coker and Ellis rials. They appreciated that so much of introduced teachers to specific methods for For more information go to what the Society offers could be used helping students explore six of the 12 key http://www.aspb.org/meetings/ immediately in their classrooms. Booth plant biology principles developed by ASPB. workers Jan Haldeman (Erskine College), Ellis reported, “We were excited to see so graduate student Anna Stevenson (Okla- many teachers wanting to use the hands-on, homa State University), ASPB Education inquiry-based plant labs in their classrooms.” Committee member Jeffrey Coker (Elon Join the fun! Be a booth volunteer at our University), and ASPB Education Commit- next event: AAAS Family Science Days in tee Chair Jane Ellis (Presbyterian College) Chicago in February 2009 (see http:// were constantly busy showing how to do www.aaas.org/meetings/2009/program/fsd/). bioassays, handing out corn and radish seeds Contact Katie Engen (301-251-0560, ext. 116 for these experiments, helping booth visi- or [email protected]) to learn how you can help tors put together 5× hand lenses, and mak- share plant science with a very eager audience ing the necklaces. Many of these activities of young scientists and their families.  MONTREAL PHOTO COURTESY OF © AVENTURE STUDIO and handouts can be found at http://

24 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 Education Forum Teaching Tips for Higher Education

The ASPB Education Committee will offer You can request a picture if you wish, but Before the midterm exam, give back to an occasional series of articles providing this is usually not necessary unless the class is the class, in random order (to give students teaching tips for university or college very large. Asking about the student’s specific anonymity), the same stack of 3 × 5 cards instructors. These simple ideas can help you career goals expresses individual attention. from Teaching Tip 1. Ask the students to create a motivating classroom atmosphere Asking for the student’s interests in specific write down three things they like and dislike for your students. Not only will this enhance topics can help you customize the course about the course on the back of the card: your teaching and improve their learning, content to ensure but it just may cause a few of your students that you meet student List three things you like about the course: to say, “Hey, this plant science class is pretty expectations about 1)______cool—I can see myself majoring in this!” the course during the semester. 2)______Teaching Tip 1: “Getting to Know You” Finally, ask stu- For most faculty or teaching assistants, each 3)______dents for the profes- semester brings a new set of students to class List three things you dislike about the course: sional courtesy of and a new set of challenges. Personalize even informing you ahead 1)______large classes by learning the names and inter- of time if they have ests of each student. Learning outcomes can 2)______to miss class (e.g., ill- be enhanced if you show students that you 3)______ness, death in the are directly interested in their academic suc- family). Express to cess and progress. Forging this connection the students the early on helps each student feel recognized as importance of attending each and every class Review the responses after class. During an individual and can also improve retention so that they not only get their money’s worth the next class session, go over the responses and attendance. for ever-increasing tuition and fees, but also with the entire class. Reassure students that During the first day of class, have each won’t miss any of the cool plant biology info you do not know who made which sugges- student fill out a 3 × 5 card with the follow- you have to share. tions and that the responses will remain ing information: anonymous. Discussing the students’ lists Teaching Tip 2: will often elicit additional likes and dislikes Midterm Feedback Name: ______Career goal? from the group and reinforce which ones are E-mail address: ______from Students most important to the students. Campus address:______Collecting feedback Department: ______Many academic institutions evaluate fac- Why are you taking this course? from students Adviser (graduate students):______ulty teaching quality and effectiveness solely ______halfway through the ______on the basis of student evaluations. If this is ______semester is easy, yet the case at your institution, taking the time ______critically important to solicit your students’ input before the Specific topics you would like to in prompting stu- midterm exam can mean the difference learn about this semester: dents to consider the ______between a poor evaluation and an excellent Optional: ______impact of the course Picture of student evaluation. Of at least equal importance, ______on them and to pro- this exercise focuses you and your students vide input on how on the progress they are making in your you are doing as an course.  Collect the cards at the end of the first instructor. Collecting class, and use them to take attendance during feedback tells your students that you care the first few weeks of class. Taking atten- about their opinion and allows you the dance using the cards will help you associate opportunity to make corrections in teaching names with faces and communicates that style, course content, format, and workload you care about each individual student and before the final student evaluations come that it is important to be in class. due at the end of the semester.

ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 • 25 Obituary

Anthony G. San Pietro his connections with Washington and East Asia to good use, coordinating national ASPB member Anthony San Pietro died on efforts to bring Indiana and East Asian scien- Saturday, September 13. He had been a pro- tists together for fruitful meetings and fessor at Indiana University since 1968, where research collaboration. As science adviser, he he settled after work at the Kettering Research provided important insights and expertise to Institute and the Johns Hopkins University. the president regarding the strengths and Tony arrived at IU to chair the Depart- needs of the scientific enterprise within the ment of Plant Sciences; he directed its activi- IU system. ties and development until it became part of Throughout his career, Tony tirelessly the newly formed Department of Biology in promoted many avenues of scholarly com- 1977. As a biochemist who nevertheless munication. His editorship of the photosyn- appreciated the contributions of taxono- thetic volumes of Methods in Enzymology, his mists and evolutionists, he played an impor- part in organizing several meetings here and tant role in moving what was a relatively abroad, and his advisory role with interna- classical department in the direction of tional programs of the National Science modern plant biology. Foundation will long be remembered by his In addition to serving as department fellow scientists. These accomplishments chairman, he established and maintained an have placed the name of Indiana University active laboratory for investigating the mecha- prominently on the international map. nisms of the light-dependent reactions of Anthony San Pietro. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE In 1975, Indiana University honored Tony photosynthesis. During the course of his INDIANA UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES. by appointing him distinguished professor of career, he published over 160 papers on the plant biochemistry. He was recognized at the mechanism of hydrogen-transfer reactions, national level for his outstanding scientific photosynthetic electron transport and pho- world. Graduate students and postdocs from achievements by being elected to the U.S. tophosphorylation, the chemistry of pyridine his lab went on to develop productive, visible National Academy of Sciences in 1983. He nucleotide coenzymes, biological solar ener- careers as faculty members at such places as was married for 50 years to the late Alice San gy conversion, and the use of biosaline envi- Duke University, the University of Michigan, Pietro.  ronment and resources for chemical and fuel and the University of Tokyo. In 1980, Tony was appointed science Contributed by production. His outstanding research Professor Jeffrey D. Palmer achievements attracted postdoctoral fellows adviser to the Office of the President of IU. Indiana University and visiting scientists from all over the From that vantage point he was able to put

NOTICE George Rédei died November 10, 2008, in Nashville, Tenn. A tribute by Csaba Koncz and a personal remembrance by Chris and Shauna Somerville will appear in the January/February issue of the ASPB News. Memorials may be made to the George Rédei Plant Growth Facility in Life Sciences Center Fund, 401 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211, or to Alive Hospice Inc., 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203.

26 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 6 Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number 3. Filing Date

ASPB News 1 5 3 5_ 5 4 8 9 10/27/08

4. Issue Frequency 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6. Annual Subscription Price bi-monthly 6 $30

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4®) Contact Person Nancy Winchester American Sociey of Plant Biologists Telephone (Include area code) 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2678 301-251-0560 x117 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer)

same as above

9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address)

Crispin Taylor, ASPB

Editor (Name and complete mailing address)

Nancy Winchester, ASPB Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address)

n/a

10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Full Name Complete Mailing Address American Society of Plant Biologists 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box x None Full Name Complete Mailing Address

12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: x Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) PS Form 3526, September 2007 (Page 1 of 3 (Instructions Page 3)) PSN 7530-01-000-9931 PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com

13. Publication Title 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below American Society of Plant Biologists September/October 2008

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation No. Copies of Single Issue Average No. Copies Each Issue Published Nearest to During Preceding 12 Months Filing Date

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) 4373 4692

Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541(Include paid distribution above nomi- (1) nal rate, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange 2556 2718 copies)

b. Paid Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Circulation (2) Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal n/a n/a (By Mail rate, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange copies) and Outside the Mail) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales (3) Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter 1763 1924 Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS®

(4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®) n/a n/a

c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)) 4319 4642

Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County (1) Copies included on PS Form 3541 n/a n/a d. Free or Nominal Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included (2) Rate on PS Form 3541 Distribution n/a n/a (By Mail and (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Outside Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) the Mail) 10 12

(4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) 40

e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)) 14 12

f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) 4333 4654 g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)) 40 38 h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) 4373 4692

i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100) 99% 99% 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership

x If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed Publication not required. in the ______Nov/Dec 2008 issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner Date

October 27, 2008

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

PS Form 3526, September 2007 (Page 2 of 3) ASPB Headquarters Telephone Extensions and E-Mail Directory

For your convenience, keep this listing of extension numbers and e-mail addresses handy when you contact ASPB headquarters so that you can reach the person best able to assist you. Our office telephone number is 301-251-0560 Crispin Taylor / ext. 115 / ext. Crispin Taylor [email protected] 131 / ext. Donna Gordon [email protected] 110 / ext. Rosenberg Jean [email protected] 140 / ext. Kimnach Kim [email protected] 144 / ext. Pundu Jotee [email protected] 143 / ext. Liu-Kuan Stephanie [email protected] 141 / ext. Cholwek Suzanne [email protected] 114 / ext. Brian Hyps [email protected] 117 / ext. Winchester Nancy [email protected] 119 / ext. Long John [email protected] 120 / ext. Kessler Annette [email protected] 125 / ext. Csikos (Ash) Leslie [email protected] 123 Sahli / ext. Wendy [email protected] Missing journal issues Subscriptions, institutional and individual Plant Physiology (except missing issues) Disposition of a manuscript All other questions The Plant Cell (except missing issues) Disposition of a manuscript All other questions ASPB News Advertising Plant Physiology The Plant Cell ASPB News Membership Accounts payable Accounts receivable Accounts payable/receivable problems ASPB meetings Public affairs/government relations Education Society governance ASPB Education Foundation International issues Awards Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants Website Online orders

PERIODICALS ASPB News POSTAGE PAID AT ROCKVILLE MD American Society of Plant Biologists AND ADDITIONAL 15501 Monona Drive MAILING OFFICES Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA

ASPB News (ISSN 1535-5489; Online ISSN 1544-9149) is published bimonthly by the American Society of Plant Biologists, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA, tele- phone 301-251-0560, fax 301-279-2996. Members’ dues include a subscription price of $2 per year to ASPB News. Subscription price to nonmembers is $30 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA.