Time to Speak up Get Set

November/December 2014 • Volume 41, Number 6

p. 4 p. 7 p. 17 ASPB Officers Assume Plant Biology 2015 ASPB issues Policy Posts for 2014–2015 Reflections and Statements on GE New ASPB Officers and innovations for 2015 Foods and Diversity Committee Members as of October 1

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS

President’s Letter On Your Mark, Time to Speak Up Get Set . . . Get JULIAN SCHROEDER Nominating! University of California, San Diego It Will Soon Be Time to Recognize Our Fellow

t is an honor to be elected For the plant biology Plant Scientists your new president and to community to provide its Iwork in support of our com- most effective contributions mon goals. It has been a produc- to ensure a sustainable future, he 2015 Call for ASPB award nomina- tive year as president-elect, and basic research into underly- tions will be sent to all members on it is a pleasure to share timely ing plant mechanisms and TJanuary 5, and nominations will be due thoughts with you here. networks should not be short- by Monday, February 16. ASPB encourages No question: This is an excit- changed, unless we want to you to participate in the 2015 awards pro- ing time to be a plant scientist. reach these goals more slowly. gram by nominating deserving individuals. There are numerous unanswered The “war on cancer” is a Please watch for the Call for Nominations in but important fundamental prime example, where initially your e-mail inbox and on our website. In the Julian Schroeder research questions and diverse rapid solutions were sought— meantime, please visit ASPB’s awards pages new and powerful research tools at our and over four decades later, the community (http://my.aspb.org/?page=AF_Awards) so disposal. Furthermore, plant research is has come to realize that any substantial gains that you can see who among your colleagues having, and will play, an ever-growing role in that have been made are derived directly has received these awards in the past and addressing sustainable solutions for our plan- from basic scientific insights. I would argue determine who might be most deserving et. Goals that were once considered lofty are that on a global scale plant biology research in the future. All that is required to make a now being pursued with a vengeance, even cannot afford to lose much time, given the nomination for ASPB’s awards is a one- to if some will take time to deliver. Examples growing world population; the continu- two-page letter of nomination and a detailed

include developing C4 photosynthesis in C3 ing increase in incomes in many countries CV of the nominee. However, nomina- plants, enhancing biotic and abiotic stress requiring increased resources; and the tion committees may opt to go back to the tolerance, nitrogen fixation—you name it. expected climate change–linked stresses nominator to ask for additional information if But make no mistake: addressing these seem- on food, fiber, and bioenergy production. they deem it necessary. Nominations should ingly applied questions will require in-depth Advances in the plant sciences will not only be submitted electronically as a single PDF understanding of the underlying fundamen- be key to addressing these challenges, but (https://awards.aspb.org). The names of the tal principles and mechanisms of plant life. continued on page 3 continued on page 5 Contents ASPB staff are dedicated to serving our members. We welcome your questions and feedback. For quick response, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit our FAQ at www.aspb.org/faq. ASPB Executive Committee 1 President’s Letter President Julian Schroeder Immediate past president Alan M. Jones 1 On Your Mark, Get Set…Get Nominating President-elect Rick Dixon Secretary Karen Koch 4 ASPB Officers Assume Posts for 2014–2015 Treasurer Karen Koster Chair, Board of Trustees Rob McClung 5 2014–2015 Awards Committees Chair, Publications Committee Neil Olszewski Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Marisa Otegui Chair, Minority Affairs Committee Adán Colón-Carmona Plant Biology 2015 Chair, Education Committee Kathleen Archer Chair, International Committee Tuan-hua David Ho 7 YOUR Plant Biology Meeting Chair, Membership Committee David Horvath 9 Call for Abstracts Chair, Science Policy Committee Patrick Schnable Elected members Elizabeth (Lisa) Ainsworth Joe Kieber MariaElena B. Zavala People Sectional Representatives 11 Exploring the Rich History of Plant Science Midwestern Ed Cahoon Northeastern Om Parkash Dhankher 13 Around the Web Southern Rebecca Dickstein Mid-Atlantic Hemayet Ullah 14 Andrew Benson Honored on Birthday No 97 Western Camille Steber ASPB Staff Membership Corner Executive director Crispin Taylor, [email protected] 15 Mohammad Salehin Director of finance and administration Kim Kimnach, [email protected] Executive and governance affairs administrator Sylvia Lee, [email protected] Accounts receivable and payable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, [email protected] Science Policy Senior staff accountant Jotee Pundu, [email protected] Director of meetings and events Jean Rosenberg, [email protected] 17 ASPB Issues Position Statements on Genetically Director, digital strategy and member services Susan Cato, [email protected] Engineered Plants and Diversity Manager, Member Services Shoshana Kronfeld, [email protected] Meetings, marketing, and membership assistant Melanie Binder, [email protected] 19 Policy Update Legislative and public affairs director Tyrone Spady, [email protected] Education coordinator Katie Engen, [email protected] Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, [email protected] Education Forum Publications assistant Diane McCauley, [email protected] 22 ASPB and PlantingScience: A Perennial Partnership Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, [email protected] Subscriptions assistant Linda Palmer, [email protected] 25 New Higher Education Journal: CourseSource Launches Managing editor Patti Lockhart, [email protected] December 1! Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, [email protected] Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, [email protected] 26 Planting Seeds: Teacher Development for Engaging 21st Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Ashton Wolf, [email protected] Century Learning and Inspiring Careers Senior features editor, The Plant Cell Nan Eckardt, [email protected] Features editor, The Plant Cell Mary Williams, [email protected] 27 DC Teachers’ Night at the U.S. Botanic Garden Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, [email protected] Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, [email protected]

29 Outreach Is a Hybrid: What Transpires When Scientists The ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is also available online. It is published six times annually in odd-numbered months. Its purposes are to keep membership Reach Out? informed of ASPB activities and to reinforce the value of membership. The ASPB News is edited and produced by ASPB staff from material provided by members and other 30 Engaging Students and the Public interested parties. Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered month (for example, December 5 for January/February publication). Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; [email protected]; 301-296-0904. © 2014 American Society of Plant Biologists

2  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 PRESIDENT’S LETTER tists and newly started compa- GPC and is working closely with address to Tyrone Spady, ASPB’s continued from page 1 nies already going full bore. The the GPC in supporting this goal on director of legislative and public they also will be the drivers of powerful solutions to our present behalf of ASPB members around affairs ([email protected]). Tyrone future economic growth. and future problems will come in the world. The GPC’s blog (http:// will then be able to alert you of One of the questions affect- large part from discovery research, blog.globalplantcouncil.org) is an new developments and provide ing plant biologists while also which will include, among others, increasingly rich source of informa- you with helpful information on vexing funding agency managers gene discovery, targeted mecha- tion, and its Twitter feed (https:// possible actions. ASPB will inform and political representatives in nistic research, omics revolution- twitter.com/GlobalPlantGPC) is you of federal budget decisions many countries is, “What is the based systems biology, and active and well-populated. In the and other relevant congressio- best mix of fundamental research quantitative genetics illumination following, I would like to propose nal activities and ask for your and applied research for creat- of trait improvements. a first step at how we can assist rapid response to help influ- ing a better future and a stronger Investment in research, whether our U.S. membership to make our ence Congress’s thinking before economy?” Not a simple question, discovery or applied, is also critical voices heard. decisions are made. In the past, to be sure. Given the importance for maintaining a strong training With a new Congress set to ASPB has communicated new of innovative discovery research, platform for young scientists who convene in the United States in developments to a smaller group certain funding agencies in some will be the future leaders and inno- January 2015, now is an excellent of the ASPB membership, and I countries have the mission to vators. A recent opinion piece in time for the ASPB community to am enthusiastic about enabling support basic research and have The Scientist by ASPB past presi- stay informed and get involved to engagement of our broader been the drivers of the modern- dent Alan Jones has summarized influence key congressional deci- membership now. You may decide day global economy using this the need for increased training of sions such as funding for federal to write an op-ed piece for your approach (for example, the NSF in the next generation of plant and research agencies (NSF, DOE, local newspaper, meet with your the United States, JSPS in Japan, agronomic scientists (http://tinyurl. USDA-NIFA, and NIH). Congress congressperson, or come up with DFG in Germany, and others). At com/m6chbrr). receives input from ASPB. For other creative ideas. the same time, other agencies that example, every member of To aid your connection with are in dire need of transforma- What Can ASPB Do For You? Congress received a copy of congressional representatives, tive discoveries are being pushed What can ASPB’s plant scientists, Unleashing a Decade of Innovation ASPB has created the Communi to direct a larger percentage of educators, industry members— in Plant Science: A Vision for cating with Congress page (http:// their funds into applied research. all of our members—do to help 2015–2025 after it was published tinyurl.com/ASPB-Congress). Fol- Fundamental and applied research elected officials make good deci- by ASPB last summer, and our lowing are some of the resources go hand-in-hand and are not sions for the innovation enter- Science Policy Committee has posted on that page: easily separable. Nevertheless, prise? And importantly, what can been following up in various ways • Meeting request and advocacy while there is a clear need for ASPB do to help you—our mem- since. However, policy makers letter templates applied research, past experience bership—connect with policy also want to hear from scientists • General talking points and shows that fundamental basic makers (in addition to the many in their respective districts, from communications tips research has led to the develop- other ongoing efforts that ASPB is trainees on their own paths to • Links to match your zip code ment of entirely new sectors of the already making)? At the interna- becoming the educators, research- to your congressperson economy and to completely new tional level, ASPB has been work- ers, and entrepreneurs of tomor- “disruptive” technologies providing with and providing strong row and from ASPB members at Communicating and meeting ing previously improbable and support for the Global Plant any stage of their careers. Your with elected officials and their powerful solutions. One recent Council (GPC; http://globalplant individual, personal perspective staff are important activities to example is the cascade of discover- council.org/home). The GPC is a and your personal story, back- educate our representatives about ies of genome editing technologies, coalition of plant and crop science ground, and motivation will make the sheer excitement you bring including TALENs (discovered societies from around the globe a difference. to your research, as well as the during basic plant pathogen that aims to coordinate and bring While there is much we can economic impact of plant biol- research) and the CRSPR/cas greater visibility to plant scientists’ do, as a first step in ASPB serv- ogy discoveries. Those commu- system (discovered during basic efforts to address pressing global ing your interests, I ask that nications also will increase the microbiological research). These issues, including hunger, energy, those ASPB members interested influence of plant biologists and technologies emanating from basic and climate change. One of the in becoming more engaged and amplify the voices of our commu- research promise to revolutionize GPC’s core missions is effective proactive (at any stage of your nity. Members of Congress are every aspect of the plant, life, and global advocacy for plant science career and training) please contact regularly in their home districts health sciences, with many scien- research. ASPB is a member of the ASPB and provide your email continued on page 6 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  3 ASPB Officers Assume Posts for 2014–2015 Listed below are governance committee members for the current year. The year in which each committee member’s term ends is indicated in parenthesis.

Board of Trustees Executive Committee Publications Committee Women in Plant Biology Rob McClung (2017), chair Sectional Representatives Neil E. Olszewski (2017), chair Committee Karen Koster (2015), treasurer Om Parkash Dhankher (2015), Steve Rodermel (2015) Marisa Otegui (2017), chair Sally Assmann (2015) Northeastern Georg Jander (2016) Diane C. Bassham (2015) Jonathan Monroe (2016) Camille M. Steber (2016), Western Pamela J. Hines (2017) Michael M. Neff (2015) Hemayet Ullah (2016), Mid-Atlantic Katie Dehesh (2019) Elli Wurtzel (2016) Constitution and Bylaws Ed Cahoon (2017), Midwestern Kathy Osteryoung (2017) Brian Larkins, (2015), chair Science Policy Committee Becca Dickstein (2017), Southern Laura Wayne (2017) Debby Delmer (2016) Patrick S. Schnable (2016), chair Mary Lou Guerinot (2017) International Committee Alan Jones, (2015), immediate past Tuan-hua David Ho (2016), chair president Education Committee Ousmane Boukar (2015) Sally A. Mackenzie (2015) Kathleen Archer (2015), chair Theresa Fulton (2015) David Stern (2015) Burkhard Schulz (2016) Jaswinder Singh (2015) Hallie Thompson (2015), early Sarah Wyatt (2016) Jeff Bennetzen (2016) career rep Subhash Minocha (2017) Yunde Zhao (2017) Dean DellaPena (2016) Stacey Simon (2017) Daniel Peterson (2017) Erin Friedman (2018) Membership Committee Nathan Springer (2017) Ken Helm (2018) David Horvath (2015), chair José Dinneny (2018) Scott Woody (2018) Leeann Thornton (2015) Harry Klee (2018) Sandra Paulina Smieszek (2015), EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE graduate student member Officers Jill Deikman (2017) Julian Schroeder (2016), president Prateek Tripathi (2018), postdoc Alan Jones (2015), immediate past member president Committee on Minority Affairs Richard Dixon (2017), president- Adán Colón-Carmona (2017), chair elect Michael Gonzales (2015) Karen Koch (2016), secretary John Harada (2015) Karen Koster (2015), treasurer Beronda L. Montgomery (2015) Elected Members Gustavo Macintosh (2016) MariaElena Zavala (2015) Valerie Sponsel (2016) Lisa Ainsworth (2016) Tyrell Carr (2017) Joe Kieber (2017) Nominating Committee Committee Chairs Rick Dixon (2017), president-elect; Rob McClung (2017), Board of chair Trustees Julian Schroeder (2016), president David Horvath (2015), Membership Alan Jones (2015), immediate past Committee president Adán Colón-Carmona (2017), Program Committee Committee on Minority Affairs Karen Koch (2016), secretary; chair Neil E. Olszewski (2017), Rick Dixon (2015), president-elect Publications Committee Alice Harmon (2018), secretary- Marisa Otegui (2017), Women in elect Plant Biology Committee Andrew Bent (2015) Kathleen Archer (2015), Education Bonnie Bartel (2016) Committee Phil Taylor (2017) Tuan-hua David Ho (2016), Maria Harrison (2018) International Committee Patrick Schnable (2016), Science Policy Committee 4  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 2014–2015 Awards Committees Listed below are awards committee members for the current year. The year in which each committee member’s term ends is indicated in parenthesis.

ASPB Innovation Prize for Corresponding Membership Eric E. Conn Young Martin Gibbs Medal Agricultural Technology Awards Committee Investigator Award Wolf Frommer (2019), chair Chris Somerville Hiroo Fukuda (2017), chair Bijay Singh (2015), chair Jen Sheen (2015), past winner (four award cycles), chair Gerald Edwards (2015) Rob Last (2015) Gerald Berkowitz (2017) Jeff Dangl (two award cycles) Karen Koch (2015) Christophe Maurel (2019) Alice Cheung (2017) Jane Langdale (three award cycles) Gynheung An (2016) Danny Schnell (2019) Stephen Hales Prize Toni Kutchan (three award cycles) Luis Herrera-Estrella (2016) Excellence in Education Award Maarten Koornneef (2016), chair Elliot Meyerowitz (two award cycles) Leon Kochian (2016) Amy M. Clore (2015), chair Mike Thomashow (2015), Charles Albert Shull Award Dennis R. Hoagland Award Brent Buckner (2015), past winner past winner Steve Briggs (2017), chair Mary Lou Guerinot (2021), past Kenneth Korth (2016) Chentao Lin (2016) Libo Shan (2015), past winner winner, chair Paul Overvoorde (2016) Alex Webb (2017) Ralph Panstruga (2016) C. Robin Buell (2015) Fellow of ASPB Award Summer Undergraduate Research John Shanklin (2017) Kendal D. Hirschi (2015) Jaakko Kangasjärvi (2017), chair Fellowship Elizabeth E. Hood (2015) Charles Reid Barnes Life Alice Cheung (2015) Burkhard Schulz (2017), co-chair Katie Dehesh (2021) Membership Award Dan Bush (2016) Michael Campbell (2017), co-chair Bob Buchanan (2017), chair The Early Career Award Janet Braam (2017) Joseph Jez (2018) James Siedow (2015), past winner Michael Hahn (2017), chair Devi Venkateswara (2018) Jack Preiss (2016) Jing-Ke Weng (2015), past winner Amy S. Verhoeven (2018) Barbara Mazur (2017) Bob Sharrock (2016) Keiko Torii (2017)

GET NOMINATING of the highest-quality science of presentation or is fewer than for the award, and, if appropriate, continued from page 1 performed by industry scientists, 10 years from the granting of the every fifth award should be made 2015 award recipients will be an- whether or not they are members doctoral degree. Breaks in careers to an outstanding plant biologist nounced in mid-April via e-mail of the Society upon nomination, will be considered when address- from outside the United States. broadcast to ASPB members, and and showcases the opportunities ing the age limit of this award. The the awards themselves will be pre- and rewards of this career path. recipient is invited to address the Corresponding sented during Plant Biology 2015 The Innovation Prize, which is Society at the annual meeting the Membership in Minneapolis, Minnesota. made biennially, is a monetary following year. This honor, initially given in award that also provides a one- 1932, provides life membership year membership in the Society. Charles Reid Barnes Life and Society publications to dis- Awards to Be Given Membership Award tinguished plant biologists from in 2015 Charles Albert Shull Award This award was established in 1925 outside the United States in rec- This award was initiated in 1971 by at the first annual meeting of the ognition of their contributions to ASPB Innovation Prize for the Society to honor Dr. Charles Society through the generosity ASPB and to plant biology. The Agricultural Technology A. Shull, whose personal interest of Dr. Charles A. Shull. It honors honor is conferred by election on This prize was inaugurated in and support were largely respon- Dr. Charles Reid Barnes, the first the annual ballot. The committee 2015 to recognize the outstanding sible for the founding and early professor of plant physiology at the selects no more than three candi- work of industry scientists in com- growth of the Society. It is a mon- University of Chicago. It is an an- dates, and these are placed on the panies of all sizes who translate etary award made annually for nual award for meritorious work ballot for approval of correspond- discovery research into real-world outstanding investigations in the in plant biology; it provides a life ing membership by majority vote. outcomes that benefit agriculture. field of plant biology by a member membership in the Society to an The president notifies success- The award additionally acts as a who is generally under 45 years individual who is at least 60 years ful candidates of their election. vehicle to increase the awareness of age on January 1 of the year old. Membership is a requirement continued on page 6 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  5 GET NOMINATING pendent contributions by an indi- mentoring, and/or educational 0.2% of the current membership continued from page 5 vidual, whether or not a member outreach in plant biology by each year, receive a certificate of Election of a corresponding mem- of the Society, who is generally not an individual, whether or not distinction and a lapel pin. ber is to be considered each year more than seven years post-PhD a member of the Society. It is a and held if warranted, provided on January 1 of the year of the monetary award to be made an- Martin Gibbs Medal the election would not increase the presentation. Breaks in careers will nually in recognition of excellence This monetary award, initiated number of corresponding mem- be considered when addressing the in teaching, leadership in curricu- in 1993, honors Martin Gibbs bers beyond 2% of the dues-paying time limit of this award. lar development, or authorship of for his outstanding service to the membership. Membership is a effective teaching materials in the Society as editor-in-chief of Plant requirement for this award. Eric E. Conn Young science of plant biology. Physiology from 1963 to 1992. Investigator Award This award is to be given bienni- Dennis R. Hoagland Award The Eric E. Conn Young Investiga- Fellow of ASPB Award ally to an individual, whether or This monetary award, established tor Award, first given by the Soci- Established in 2007, the Fellow of not a member of the Society, who by the Society in 1985 with funds ety in 2011, honors Eric E. Conn’s ASPB Award may be granted to has pioneered advances that have provided by the Monsanto Agri contributions in plant biology current members in recognition served to establish new directions cultural Products Company, by recognizing young scientists of direct service to the Society and of investigation in the plant sci- honors Dr. Dennis R. Hoagland, who will be inspired to follow in distinguished and long-term con- ences. The recipient is invited to recipient of the first Hales award, his footsteps. The award recog- tributions to plant biology. Areas organize a symposium at the an- for his outstanding contributions nizes demonstrated excellence in of contribution may include edu- nual meeting the following year. and leadership in plant mineral outreach, public service, mentor- cation, mentoring, outreach, re- nutrition. The award, to be made ing, or teaching by plant scientists search, and professional and public Stephen Hales Prize not more frequently than trienni- at the beginning of their careers. service. Examples of relevant This award honors the Reverend ally to an individual, whether or This award is a monetary award Society service include, but are Stephen Hales for his pioneering not a member of the Society, is for made biennially for demonstrated not restricted to, service on or on work in plant biology published in outstanding plant research in sup- commitment by a member of the behalf of ASPB committees, ser- his 1727 book Vegetable Staticks. port of agriculture. Society who is not more than five vice on editorial boards of ASPB It is a monetary award established years post-PhD on January 1 of journals, and active involvement in in 1927 for an ASPB member Early Career Award the year of the presentation. It also ASPB meetings. Current members who has served the science of plant biology in some noteworthy The Society’s executive committee provides a one-year membership of ASPB who have contributed to manner. The award is made annu- instituted the Early Career Award to the Society. and been members of the Society ally. The recipient of the award is in 2005 to recognize outstanding for at least 10 years cumulative invited to address the Society on a research by scientists at the begin- Excellence in Education prior to their nomination are eli- subject in plant biology at the next ning of their careers. This award is Award gible for nomination. Recipients of annual meeting. n a monetary award made annually This award, initiated in 1988, the Fellow of ASPB honor, which for exceptionally creative, inde- recognizes outstanding teaching, may be granted to no more than

PRESIDENT’S LETTER with your congressperson, meet- in organizing a meeting with your clear to me how hard working continued from page 3 ing with their staff is very much congressperson, or have ideas ASPB’s staff is, and how moti- during weekends, recess periods, worthwhile, as the staff is highly about how we can improve our vated the staff is to support the and just prior to congressional influential in shaping policy. advocacy efforts, please send your diverse missions of our members. elections. These represent great As a former member of ASPB’s contact information to Tyrone I hope with this first letter that opportunities to engage them Science Policy Committee, I can ([email protected]). This is a great we can help you engage and have directly and possibly to establish tell you that outreach and meeting opportunity, and I am happy to be your voice heard. I am looking longer-term communication chan- with policy makers are critical to working on this initiative. forward to serving ASPB during nels, and I highly encourage you ensure that our scientific enterprise As a final comment, the past this year. n to pursue these opportunities. If stays strong. If you are interested year of activities as president-elect you are unable to meet directly in getting involved, want assistance for ASPB has made it abundantly 6  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 YOUR Plant Biology Meeting Reflections and Innovations for 2015! BY PHIL TAYLOR Monsanto

very year at Plant Biology, There was a lot of feedback most things go well, some on the major symposia this year. Ego great, and some things Some felt that the “grand chal- leave us with stories to tell for lenge” talks added important years to come (anyone else see the perspectives, while others wanted balance was maintained between good talk. Then, as the talks are president dancing in Portland?). more science-focused presenta- areas and types of speakers reviewed, ranked, and debated, In order to make YOUR meeting tions. Although it’s true there was (diversity, career stage, country everyone in the room gets pulled better and better each year, the a large focus on policy-type talks of origin, and so on). Although into the discussion. As the draft Program Committee is always this year, I for one would suggest no process is perfect, I can assure minisymposia start taking shape, seeking input and feedback. that as a community we never you that science drives the discus- each candidate abstract is taped Thanks to all of you who took the pass up an opportunity to engage sion, and there are several checks to a wall under a potential time to fill out the survey after in dialogue like this. Plant biology and balances in the system. First, minisymposia topic area and heading home from Portland. as a discipline can and needs to every abstract is read and careful- the committee goes around and The Program Committee mem- have a huge impact on the global ly reviewed by at least two, if not around looking to ensure balance bers spent hours digesting the community. That said, the major three, members of the Program and diversity of both science and information separately and then symposia in Minneapolis will be Committee (special thanks to our presenters. For Portland, this a whole weekend together in per- more science rich and carefully colleagues from the Canadian process took an entire day. So, if son discussing your feedback and timed relative to other activities. Society of Plant Biologists for you were selected to give a talk in coming up with ideas to improve Some people wanted to know helping this year!). They look Portland, congratulations—you the agenda and plans for next more about how minisymposia for something that piques their and your abstract survived a year’s meeting in Minneapolis, talks were selected and how the interest and will make for a continued on page 8 Minnesota. One of the major areas people mentioned was posters. Some wanted more time at posters, some wanted clearer arrangements for when to stand with their poster and when to go mingle, and some simply wanted better snacks. So, new for Minneapolis, we’re planning two morning and two afternoon poster sessions so people have prime-time opportunities to share their excitement about their latest discoveries. We’re even going to arrange a little fun to go with it. (left to right) Karen Koch, Steve Moose, and Carl Douglas debate minisymposia talks. ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  7 YOUR PLANT BIOLOGY MEETING diverse talks, but not too many. And coffee! We will have some quality time with your continued from page 7 Let us know what you think! plenty of it next year! We have community will be good for rigorous and arduous process. Some people requested less already started working on this you—and your career. Abstract As the committee is made up of topic overlap among simultane- for Minneapolis. Coffee for more submission begins soon, so now scientists, we’re interested in the ous talks in different concur- than 1,000 people? No problem! is the time to be thinking about data on this, so in Minneapolis rent sessions. We find that In fact, we’re hoping to have throwing your hat in the ring we will be adding a career-stage some overlap is inevitable, but coffee ready for you when you to be part of the action. If you checkbox to the abstract submis- attendees should know that the arrive for major symposia first have questions or comments, feel sion form. This will enable us to Program Committee works hard thing in the morning to get you free to contact Phil Taylor (phil. provide data afterwards on exact- every year to minimize it. We ready for a great day of talks, [email protected]) or any ly how many graduate students, are looking forward to being posters, and fun. other member of the Program postdocs, new assistant profes- at the Convention Center in Everyone seemed to enjoy the Committee (http://my.aspb. sors, and senior scientists were Minneapolis, where the mini- final party this year. I can’t give org/?G_Leadership#program). chosen for speaking slots. symposia rooms will be bigger it away just yet, but I think we We’re looking forward to Some people requested fewer (no more huddling outside the may just have a few tricks up our reading your abstracts! See overlapping sessions, but the door of a packed room trying to sleeve to ensure next year’s clos- you at #PlantBiology15 in arrangement of the past few see the slides!) and closer togeth- ing party is even better. Minneapolis! n years (five simultaneous sessions er for easier movement from one I hope that by reading this, during periods of concurrent to another for those of you (like you’re now even more convinced talks) seems, on the whole, to me) who find themselves bounc- that making the trip to beauti- be popular. We aim for many ing around different sessions. ful Minnesota next July to spend

2015 Program Committee members

Karen Koch, secretary; chair ([email protected]) Richard Dixon, president-elect ([email protected]) Alice Harmon, secretary-elect ([email protected]) Andrew Bent ([email protected]) Bonnie Bartel ([email protected]) Phil Taylor ([email protected]) Maria Harrison ([email protected])

(left to right) Anja Geitman, Julian Schroder, Carl Douglas, Julia Bailey- Serres, and Karen Koch figure out how to put 30 different minisymposia into an already packed agenda to avoid any unnecessary overlap.

8   ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 Poster Neighborhoods: Abstract Submission Categories

Applied Plant Biology Plants and Human/Societal Health Biotechnology, Molecular Breeding Genome Editing Genetics and Genomics Genetics Epigenetics Comparative Genomics, Domestication Molecular Evolution Gene Regulation and Molecular Biology Systems, Synthetic, and Bioinformatics Call for Abstracts Computational Biology Submission Open Now Biochemistry Biochemistry and Metabolism http://plantbiology.aspb.org/abstracts Specialized Metabolites BioEnergy ASPB invites the submission of abstracts that report new scientific research Signal Transduction developments in the areas of plant biology. Abstracts are welcome from scientists and students in all sectors, including academia, industry, government, Hormone Biology and education. Cell Biology: General Plastids and Organelle Biology All abstracts submitted for consideration for a minisymposium talk are re- Development: General viewed by the Program Committee (http://tinyurl.com/pb15committee), who Transcriptional Networks will select a scientific program of 28–30 minisymposia. Complete abstracts Root Biology will be online ONLY. Fruit Biology Seed Biology Abstract submission is separate from the Annual Meeting registration. Please Pollen Biology and Mating Systems Space Biology register for the Annual Meeting at the conclusion of your abstract submission. (Registration opens January 15, 2015, but you may submit an abstract Biotic Interactions before that date.) Plant–Insect Plant–Microbe Submission Deadlines Environmental Stress General Abiotic To be considered for inclusion in a minisymposium, Light submit abstract by February 16, 2015. Temperature Water For inclusion in the printed registration materials, Salt and Minerals submit by June 1, 2015. Whole Plant Biology Whole Plant and Ecophysiology Abstracts must be submitted via the web at Climate Change Tree Biology http://plantbiology.aspb.org/abstracts. Education and Outreach ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  9 Opti-Sciences Inc. 8 Winn Avenue Hudson, NH 03051 www.optisci.com 603-883-4400 Technology leadership Look to Opti-Sciences for the latest advances in plant measurement. Integrated Fluorometer iFL

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Kramer lake model Hendrickson lake model Puddle model Quenching relaxation People

The following article first appeared on the Biodiversity Heritage Libraries bloghttp://tinyurl.com/lx99cqd ( ). Exploring the Rich History of Plant Science GRACE COSTANTINO Biodiversity Heritage Libraries

n 1682, the first known mi- Teaching Tools in Plant Biology croscopic depiction of pollen (http://tinyurl.com/85j3mq7). Iappeared in Nehemiah Grew’s The series connects advanced Anatomy of Plants (http://tinyurl. undergraduate students to current com/koobugt). Grew, now known research in plant sciences through as the “Father of Plant Anatomy,” textbook-style review articles, revolutionized botanical science diagrams, and images. with his studies of plant struc- A comprehensive biologi- ture. Exploiting the power of the cal education is not just about microscope, he outlined key mor- current research, however. phological differences in plant “Educating students about science stems and roots and proposed involves more than teaching them the hypothesis that stamens are a our current models,” explains plant’s male reproductive organs. Dr. Williams. “We also have to Science has progressed signifi- help them learn to synthesize cantly since the 17th century. information and Microscopes are no longer novel develop their but commonplace, and scientists own models. One occupy their minds with theories way to do this is about dark matter and quarks. by asking them Yet despite the centuries that to examine how have elapsed, today’s advances are our ideas and founded squarely on the discover- understanding ies of these bygone eras. Likewise, have changed modern theories often cause us with time. As to re-examine assumptions from an example, the past. students can read Dr. Mary Williams is particu- Vegetable Staticks Mary Williams demonstrating the size of giant hog- larly drawn to this interplay (http://tinyurl. weed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). between historic and modern com/nlpo2rx), scientific study, specifically in published in (left) Drawings of a grapevine stem showing the the field of botany. Dr. Williams 1727 by Stephen transport vessels, from Nehemiah Grew’s The has been studying and educat- Hales, who is Anatomy of Plants (1682). ing people about plants since she considered one began her PhD in plant molecular of the pioneers biology 30 years ago. Serving as a of plant physiology. This book is Biodiversity Heritage Library her to several digitized classics professor at Harvey Mudd College an account of his studies of water (BHL) has become an impor- in the BHL collection, which has from 1995 to 2009, Dr. Williams transport in plants. In spite of tant resource for satisfying Dr. since transformed into monthly is now a features editor for ASPB, having only simple tools, he made Williams’ need for historic botan- searches for materials. BHL’s writing a series of educational key discoveries and developed ical literature. Some serendipitous Twitter account, @BioDivLibrary, articles about plant biology called models that are still useful.” Google searching in 2012 brought continued on page 12 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  11 People

HISTORY OF PLANT SCIENCE continued from page 11 has also proven helpful for uncov- ering hidden gems in the collection. Dr. Williams includes links to relevant material and images in her teaching articles. “BHL makes great scientific works available for students to explore,” lauds Williams. “It can be both fascinating and challeng- ing to see how early scientists conducted experiments and described their results. I particularly like to direct students to The Power of Movement in Plants (http://tinyurl.com/l7cb7xx), written by Charles Darwin and his son Francis. Reading it reveals how these exceptional scientists Investigations into the forces Drawings of a grapevine stem and leaf first observe a phenomenon and and nature of xylem sap, from showing the transport vessels, from then set out to understand it. Vegetable Staticks, published in Nehemiah Grew’s The Anatomy of Plants Their investigations of phototro- 1727 by Stephen Hales. (1682). pic movement of Phalaris canar- iensis are brilliant studies that set the stage for the discovery of the favorite BHL qualities. “Although will include enhanced search ings is fantastic. Because of their plant hormone auxin.” it would be possible to learn functionality incorporating text simplicity in some ways these Providing access to historic from a transcribed document, mining, semantic metadata, and centuries-old line drawings are literature isn’t the only thing that somehow seeing the original result visualizations. clearer and easier to comprehend makes BHL an important resource publications with the old type and So, which books would a than an image taken today using for Dr. Williams. The diversity especially the old drawings has botanical educator choose as a powerful microscope. When I and openness of the collection are so much more impact and makes her favorite within a collection look at these books I am struck equally important. “I wrote an arti- me feel connected to the writers of more than 150,000 volumes? by the power of the giants whose cle about medicinal plants and was across the centuries.” “It would have to be the two shoulders we stand on.” able to draw on BHL for access to Her one complaint? “It would important plant anatomy books We couldn’t have said it better dozens of books from across the be nice if it were easier to search from the 17th century, Marcello ourselves. world and across the ages. Also, within a book (although I do Malpighi’s Anatome Plantarum Thank you, Dr. Williams, for the fact that many of the resources enjoy scrolling and browsing).” (1675; http://tinyurl.com/ taking the time to tell us how are in the public domain makes Improved search is a compo- k9mm2rk) and Nehemiah Grew’s BHL has impacted your work. Do them easier to share.” nent of the Mining Biodiversity, The Anatomy of Plants (1682; you use BHL regularly? Tell us The ability to see the primary Digging Into Data project (http:// http://tinyurl.com/koobugt),” about it by writing to feedback@ sources as they were originally tinyurl.com/q2hqy5d) that BHL is asserts Williams. “The detail and biodiversitylibrary.org. n published is another of Williams’ currently engaged in. Deliverables observational quality of the draw-

12  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 People

Around the Web TYRONE SPADY ASPB Director of Legislative and Public Affairs

iven the enthusiastic re- highlights diseases such as stem sponse to ASPB immedi- rust in wheat and citrus green- Gate past president Alan ing in citrus trees. Though most Jones’s column in the July/August commercialized transgenic crops issue of the ASPB News on the ur- are either resistant to insect pests gent need for more plant scientists or to herbicides, the GLP points (http://newsletter.aspb.org/2014/ out that plant biotechnology can julaug14.pdf), Alan penned a also produce crops that are disease follow-up article that appeared in resistant. Three particular catego- the October 1 issue of The Scientist ries of plant disease are thought to (http://shar.es/1m3rXd). Alan’s be particularly amenable: piece posits that “academia is not 1. Systemic diseases spread by producing sufficient PhDs in the insect vectors plant sciences to solve the crop 2. Diseases of crops for which production challenges facing a conventional breeding is far rapidly growing population.” The too slow and/or disruptive to article was conceived as a response key quality attributes to the editorial published in PNAS by Bruce Alberts, Marc Kirschner, 3. Crop diseases that are not Shirley Tilghman, and Harold amenable to safe and effective Varmus on the structural flaws of chemical control the U.S. biomedical research enter- To access the fully interac- prise. Not surprisingly, Alan’s ini- tive infographic or download tial article has also received a fair a flat version, visit http://bit. amount of attention in the broader ly/1rdCvUz. nonmedical life sciences commu- On September 1, the New York nity and was distributed by NSF Times profiled the work of ASPB to members of the Directorate member Michael Knoblauch for Biological Sciences Advisory of Washington State University Committee as preparation for their (http://nyti.ms/1za9TLx). discussion of these issues at their Sources: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Panama Michael’s work seeks to test the September 10 meeting. Disease.org; U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspec- phloem pressure flow hypothesis On the other side of the world, tion Service; National Geographic; USABlight.org; Florida Department developed in 1930 by Ernst Münch China’s Ministry of Agriculture of Agriculture and Consumer Services; University of California Pest that nutrients passively flow from has refused to allow researchers at Management Guidelines; International Cocoa Organization; Plant Manage- areas of high pressure to areas of Huazhong Agricultural University ment Network. Advised by Steve Savage, infographic by XiaoZhi Lim. low pressure. Although elegant in and the Chinese Academy of its simplicity, Münch’s hypothesis Agricultural Sciences’s Biotech- permits were allowed to lapse, transgenic plants across the world, has remained largely untested. nology Research Institute to some fear that growing public the Genetic Literacy Project (GLP) Michael, however, has developed continue to grow transgenic rice skepticism of transgenic crops has released an infographic titled an approach using microscopic and corn. The permits to grow may be to blame (http://tinyurl. “9 Plant Diseases That Threaten glass needles and pico-scale the two varieties of rice and one com/lsx5xz2). Your Favorite Foods and How volumes of oil to measure the pres- of corn expired on August 17. In an effort to stem the tide Genetic Engineering Can Help.” sure and flow of nutrients as they Though it is unclear why the of growing public opposition to The interactive infographic move through the phloem. n ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  13 People

The following article first appeared in Photosynthesis Research.

Tribute Andrew Benson Honored on Birthday No 97 BY BOB BUCHANAN, University of California, Berkeley and ROLAND DOUCE, Université de Grenoble

This brief tribute to Andrew Benson work on plant lectins and their role on his 97th birthday was invited, in improving crop productivity edited, and accepted by Govindjee, (Nonomura and Benson, 2014). for the History and Biography sec- During the dinner and the tion of Photosynthesis Research. get-togethers that followed at the Benson home later that evening e present a brief ac- and at breakfast the next morn- count of the 97th ing, family and guests reminisced Wbirthday celebration of about Andy’s 90th birthday that Andrew Benson, a scientific legend was celebrated at the Le Procope who is known, among other con- restaurant in Paris (Lichtenthaler tributions, for his pioneering work Dee and Andy Benson at the birthday Julian Schroeder enjoying et al., 2008). They also recalled the on the path of carbon in photosyn- dinner, September 24. the traditional birthday editorial marking his 93rd birth- thesis (the Calvin–Benson cycle). apple pie at the gathering in day (Govindjee, 2010). All agreed Andrew was honored on his the Benson home. that Andy’s steadfast levelheaded- 97th birthday, September 24, with a ness, his relationship with people, dinner held at the La Jolla Country his talent of being appreciated by Club, La Jolla, California. Members all, and his sheer joy in science of Andy’s family were joined by have been key to his success and several of his close friends and longevity. He is, indeed, a model former collaborators for the occa- for all of us. n sion. In addition to Andy and his References wife Dee, the dinner list included Andy’s stepdaughter, Wendy Neri; Buchanan, B.B., Douce, R. (2014) two former postdocs, Barry Holtz Andrew Benson honored on birthday No. 97. Photosynthesis Research. doi and one of us (Roland Douce); a 10.1007/s11120-014-0053-1. long-time friend, Carole Mayo; a collaborator, Arthur Nonomura; Govindjee. (2010). Celebrating Andrew Benson’s 93rd birthday. and the corresponding author (Bob (left to right) Roland Douce, Barry Holtz, Bob Buchanan, and Arthur Photosynthesis Research 105: 201–208. Buchanan). Among other pioneer- Nonomura after breakfast in the Benson home the morning after the ing contributions, Andy is known birthday dinner. Lichtenthaler, H. K., Buchanan, universally for his work that led B. B., and Douce, R. (2008). Honoring Andrew Benson in Paris. to the discovery of the Calvin– vintage wine and the traditional Sponsored by Brandt iHammer, Photosynthesis Research 96: 181–183. Benson cycle in photosynthesis. apple pie that Wendy has baked the honor consisted of a 15-ruby Nonomura, A. M., and Benson, A. A. Andy received birthday annually for his birthday for the watch handcrafted in Germany (2014). The path of carbon in photo- greetings from his wide circle of past two decades. Andy was also in the mid-19th century and a synthesis, XXXI. The role of lectins. national and international friends. honored with the first Andrew A. check for $25,000.97 (the 97 cents Journal of Plant Nutrition 37: 785–794. He also received a number of gifts Benson Award for “Conferring reflecting his 97th birthday). The For a hard copy reprint of the article, that included several bottles of the Greatest Benefit on Mankind.” award highlighted Andy’s recent contact [email protected]. 14  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 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 future of plant biology. If you are interested in contributing to this feature, please contact ASPB Membership at [email protected].

Mohammad Salehin

Professional Title: Postdoctoral Fellow Member Since: 2010 Place of Work or School: Mark Estelle Lab, Division of Biological Sciences and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Diego Research Area: Auxin Signaling, Plant Development, Growth Regulation, and Genetics

What would you tell colleagues Why has being a member of Do you still read print journals? • Use of FRET-based nano- to encourage them to join ASPB been important? If so, where do you usually read sensor by Wolf Frommer to ASPB? The main reason is that it has them: work, home, library, in unravel novel glucose and su- It is essential to be under the been a way for me to connect the car, on the bus? crose transporters. Rice patho- umbrella of a flagship association with as many plant people as Most of the time I read online gens exploit these transporters such as ASPB for networking and possible. versions. But sometimes I do using their effectors for their future career development. print them out, mainly when I sugar demand. It has tremen- What are you reading these need to focus very hard. dous practical implications. What do you think is the next days? • Development of flood tolerant “big thing” in plant biology? Mostly literature on crosstalk What do you think is the most rice by Julia Bailey-Serres and I think the next big thing will be between two classic plant important discovery in plant colleagues. It has far-reaching the translation of basic knowledge hormones. I’m also reading about biology over the past year and implications in agriculture- in plant biology from the lab to plant stem cells. why? based countries like India and the field to improve crop yield and There are so many, and since I can- Bangladesh. provide food security to the esti- What are your hobbies? not single them out, I will list a few: What could ASPB do better? mated 9 billion people by 2050. My hobbies are watching cricket • Advent of CRISPR-Cas9 based and reading Bengali literature. genome editing as a tool in crop ASPB could provide an opportu- What advice would you give to a improvement to circumvent the nity for more young scientists to plant scientist just starting out? What do you still have to learn? pressing issues related with ge- present their research during the Always dream big and never hesi- Learning is a lifelong process, and netically modified foods. annual meeting. n tate to question existing knowledge. I am always trying to learn some- • Demonstration of regulated thing new. proteolysis in hormone signaling by Mark Estelle. This became a recurrent theme for several plant hormone signal transductions.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  15 ASPB/AAAS 2015 Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program

Are you interested in science writing? Some former host sites Los Angeles Times Do you want to help people understand Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel complex scientific issues? National Geographic National Public Radio (NPR)

Apply for the ASPB/AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows NOVA Program and learn how to increase public understanding of science and Philadephia Inquirer technology. Fellows in the 10-week 2015 summer program will work as Raleigh News & Observer reporters, researchers, and production assistants in mass media organizations nationwide. Deadline: January 15, 2015. Sacramento Bee

Scientific American Visit http://www.aaas.org/MassMedia for more details and to download an application brochure, or call 202-326-6441 for more information. The Oregonian WIRED

Slate Science Policy

ASPB Issues Position Statements on Genetically Engineered Plants and Diversity Position statements are an important means of communicating ASPB’s official view on a range of topics. Further, position statements are an invaluable opportunity for the Society to contribute formally to the public dialogue on a particular issue and are regularly referenced by policy makers and the media. ASPB’s position statements can be accessed via http://bit.ly/1qaPfEw.

Revised Position Statement on Plant Genetic Engineering TYRONE SPADY ASPB Director of Legislative and Public Affairs

dvances in agriculture for the transfer into a plant of well- tion of no-till (conservation) agri- GE crops can provide are cumulative and build characterized genes. The precision cultural practices made possible major health benefits to people Aon the integration of new of this technology, coupled with by herbicide-resistant GE crops throughout the world, especially approaches with established breed- the knowledge of the specific (Cerdeira and Duke, 2010; Duke in developing countries where ing techniques and farming prac- nature of the manipulated genetic et al., 2012) and reductions in food insecurity and malnutri- tices. The Food and Agricultural information, makes the risks of the amount and toxicity of insec- tion are still prevalent. Examples Organization anticipates the need unintended consequences of this ticides applied to GE crops. For include enhancing the vitamin for a 70% increase in agricultural type of gene transfer comparable example, insecticide usage on corn and mineral content of staple productivity to meet the food, to or less than the random mixing decreased 10-fold in the 15 years foods (Fitzpatrick et al., 2012) and feed, fiber, and fuel needs of an of genes that occurs during clas- since introduction of GE insect- developing crops with enhanced ever-growing world population, sical breeding (National Research resistant corn (Fernandez-Cornejo water and nitrogen efficiency without further degrading the en- Council, 2004). et al., 2014). or tolerance to environmental vironment (Food and Agricultural GE crops were first introduced GE herbicide- or insect-resis- stresses such as drought, which has Organization, 2009). into the U.S. market in 1996 and tance traits are subject to the same a disproportionate impact on the ASPB supports the continued have been adopted rapidly (Center selection pressures as non-GE world’s poorest farmers (Fedoroff responsible use of genetic engi- for Agricultural Science and traits, potentially giving rise to pest et al., 2010), but that are also of neering (GE) as an effective tool Technology, 2012). As of 2013, GE populations able to overcome the value in industrialized countries. for advancing food security and varieties were being grown in 28 trait (Heap, 2014). Just as over- In many cases, conventional reducing the negative environmen- countries, including 20 develop- reliance on individual non-GE breeding cannot achieve these tal impacts of agriculture. ASPB ing countries. In the United States, traits or practices can limit their needed improvements because also supports the continued use GE cultivars account for more effectiveness, as demonstrated with the genetic diversity in such and further development of appro- than 90% of the corn, soy, canola, overuse of certain pesticides, over- traits does not presently exist in priate, science-based procedures sugar beet, and cotton acreage. A reliance on individual GE traits available compatible germplasm. and regulations to assess the risks recent comprehensive report by will similarly lead to loss of efficacy Worldwide, GE plants could also and benefits of all new agricultural the National Research Council in the field (Center for Agricultural be increasingly useful in nonfood technologies and products, includ- (2010) reviewed scientific stud- Science and Technology, 2012; applications. These applications ing those developed using GE. ies on the impact of GE crops on National Research Council, 2010; include cleaning up toxic envi- The use of GE to modify plants farm sustainability and found that Tabashnik et al., 2013). GE traits ronmental pollutants and creat- represents an important advance GE crops can provide substantial should therefore be used judicious- ing compounds presently made in plant science and agriculture net environmental and economic ly as one of many components of using nonrenewable resources, such as industrial oils, fuels, and that builds on centuries of human benefits compared to non-GE integrated agricultural manage- chemicals, or compounds that involvement in the genetic modi- crops. Such benefits include ment systems in order to maximize fication of crop species. GE allows reduced soil erosion due to adop- their efficacy and longevity. continued on page 20 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  17 Science Policy

Position Statement on Diversity TYRONE SPADY ASPB Director of Legislative and Public Affairs

he study of plants is es- Several studies have docu- in ASPB and in science in general and instructors at minority-serv- sential for a comprehensive mented that diversity in the to be a problem that must be ing institutions. Third, to enhance Tunderstanding of biology. workforce promotes innova- addressed. the inclusiveness at the annual Many fundamental discoveries in tion and achievement (Denson ASPB believes that enhancing meeting and in the Society, molecular, cell, organismal, evo- and Chang, 2008; European the climate of inclusiveness will WIPB and MAC both sponsor lutionary, and ecological biology Commission, 2003; Hong and help to increase the diversity of events with keynote speakers have been made using plants as Page, 2004). Despite the obvious the membership. We recognize who address issues of diversity model systems. Moreover, plant advantages, ASPB recognizes that each individual is unique and and inclusiveness. Fourth, ASPB biologists will play vital roles in obstacles associated with building deserves respect and that everyone sponsors the MAC Symposium addressing many of the most diversity into the workforce and must be given equal opportunities at its annual meeting, which pressing problems facing human- membership. For example, stud- and treated equally. The goal of highlights the scientific accom- ity. For example, Unleashing a ies have documented gender and enhancing inclusiveness must be plishments of underrepresented Decade of Innovation in Plant racial biases in hiring practices to appreciate similarities between minorities. Fifth, to enhance Science: A Vision for 2015–2025, and the awarding of grant fund- individuals from diverse groups the pool of underrepresented the report developed by repre- ing (Bertrand and Mullainathan, and also to value, respect, support, minorities who are positioned to sentatives of the plant science 2004; Ginther et al., 2011; Moss- and utilize the differences. By be recruited by ASPB, MAC has community through a strategic Racusin et al., 2012; Sheltzer and making inclusiveness para- obtained federal grant support visioning process, highlights the Smith, 2014). These inequities mount within the Society, ASPB to offer professional develop- issues of climate change, food in- have been attributed to “implicit will create an environment that ment workshops aimed primar- security, and diminishing natural biases” that affect our actions welcomes all individuals to actively ily at undergraduate students at resources and describes how plant and decisions in an unconscious participate in plant biology. minority-serving institutions. The science can be brought to bear manner based on our attitudes ASPB has made it a priority goal of these workshops has been to help develop solutions (Plant and stereotypes. Thus, immediate to increase diversity and estab- to build the skills and knowledge Science Research Summit, 2013). and sustained efforts are needed lish a climate of inclusiveness, base needed to apply to and ASPB strongly believes that to increase the participation of and many of its current activities succeed in graduate school. meeting the serious challenges diverse individuals, particularly reflect these commitments. First, ASPB has further committed faced by humanity will require from groups underrepresented in ASPB has established societal to efforts to enhance inclusive- groups of scientists that exhibit the sciences. ASPB considers the committees, the Women in Plant ness and build diversity in order diversity in their age, race, gender need to increase diversity among Biology Committee (WIPB) and to attain and maintain a diverse expression and identity, nation- its membership to be an oppor- the Minority Affairs Committee community. Diversity will be ality, ethnicity, religion, educa- tunity for investment. We believe (MAC), whose activities focus strongly considered in making tional background, and physical that diversity enriches the intel- on the recruitment, retention, assignments to societal commit- and mental abilities. In other lectual, professional, and social and inclusiveness of women and tees, encouraging individuals words, it is essential that plant experiences of the membership underrepresented minorities in to run for leadership positions, biology, as well as science more by providing individuals with ASPB. Second, ASPB encour- nominating individuals for soci- broadly, draw upon the most different experiences, perspec- ages and enables women and etal and external awards, selecting comprehensive pool of intel- tives, and cultural backgrounds individuals from minority groups speakers for sessions at annual lectual talent society has to offer. the opportunity to learn and work to attend its annual meeting meetings, and hiring personnel. Therefore, ASPB is committed collaboratively to solve problems through competitive travel grant Being inclusive will enhance to supporting and cultivating an creatively and make informed programs. WIPB provides travel ASPB’s ability to create an atmo- inclusive scientific enterprise that decisions. We consider the awards to deserving female appli- sphere that fosters scientific maximally leverages the full soci- underrepresentation of African cants, and MAC offers recogni- creativity in plant biology as well etal spectrum of experiences and Americans, Hispanic/Latino tion travel awards to individuals as a broader societal under- insights. Americans, and Native Americans from underrepresented groups continued on page 20 18  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 Science Policy

Policy Update LAUREN BROCCOLI Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

Congress Passes Short- and mandates for the program visit ASPB’s science policy blog at The committee’s statement of Term Continuing Resolu- and to review the program’s prog- http://tinyurl.com/nv6poa3. task involves a broad review of tion to Fund Government ress in developing innovation and available information to examine New Assistant Director of into FY2015 competition in the nation’s food the history of GE crops domesti- and agriculture system. NSF Biological Sciences cally and internationally; assess any On September 18, the U.S. Senate The NRC committee’s general Directorate Announced; negative effects and technologies approved a continuing resolution consensus is that AFRI serves a Advisory Committee Meets associated with GE crops; evalu- (CR) to fund the federal govern- unique and vital role, recogniz- NSF announced James L. Olds as ate the benefits and technologies ment into the new fiscal year (FY), ing that agricultural research the new assistant director of the associated with GE crops; review which began October 1. The pas- and development is essential for Directorate for Biological Sciences scientific foundation of current sage of the short-term CR ensures producing necessary food, fuel, (BIO). Currently, he serves as a assessments and related technolo- that the government will continue and fibers to meet the growing director and chief academic unit gies; and explore new technologies operating through December 11, population. However, the commit- officer at the Krasnow Institute and developments in the field. 2014. This action cleared the CR tee concluded that AFRI does not for Advanced Study and is a During the first public meeting, for President Obama, who signed receive adequate resources to meet professor of molecular neurosci- expert speakers from academia, the bill into law. To offset the costs current and future food and agri- ence at George Mason University. industry, and nonprofits presented of the spending associated with the cultural challenges. Additionally, He assumed the role of assistant on a variety of topics related to GE various provisions added to the the committee determined that the director in October. Prior to his crops over the course of two days. bill while staying within the overall structure of AFRI is complicated appointment at Krasnow Institute, The committee hosted a series of spending cap, the CR includes a and recommends better priority he served as CEO of the American webinars in October, and public 0.0554% across-the-board reduc- setting as well as reconfiguring Association of Anatomists. meetings, are scheduled for Decem tion. The administration will have programs to better align with In September, the BIO ber 10–11 and early March 2015. some flexibility in how these re- AFRI’s mission. Directorate met for a two-day The committee’s findings will ductions are allocated, and the cut As part of the report’s rollout, Advisory Committee (AC) meet- identify any information gaps is not likely to significantly affect the National Academies hosted ing that included a visit from NSF and may recommend research to science and research activities. For a public webinar that provided director France Córdova. Efforts “fill gaps in safety assessments, a full report, visit the ASPB science an overview of the report and to outline specific action items increase regulatory clarity, and policy blog at http://tinyurl.com/ its findings. During the report’s for the BIO AC for 2014–2015 improve innovation in and access nv6poa3. public roll-out, the committee included developing a strategic to GE technology.” The agenda, along with an National Research Council acknowledged that the matching plan, increasing participation, requirement for non–land-grant and clarifying metrics for evaluat- archived webcast for each presen- Releases Report Review- institutions contained in the 2014 ing broader impacts. For the full tation, is available at http:// ing AFRI Farm Bill effectively deters new press release, visit http://tinyurl. tinyurl.com/mm2zf47. On September 9, the National researchers from pursuing AFRI com/ovdxcbv. Feed the Future Autho- Research Council (NRC) released awards and thwarts academia- rization Legislation In- a report titled Spurring Innovation workforce growth. National Research Council in Food and Agriculture: A Review The report’s recommendations Studies Genetically Engi- troduced in House and of the USDA Agriculture and Food are organized into four main areas: neered Crops Senate Research Initiative Program. The Need for Food and Agriculture On September 15–16, the NRC On September 18, legislation was purpose of the NRC report was Research; Realignment of Program Committee on Genetically introduced in both the House twofold: to assess the effective- Structure to Match Mission, Engineered (GE) Crops held (H.R. 5656) and Senate (S.2909) ness of the Agriculture and Food Mandate, and Budget; Strategy its first public meeting at the “to authorize the Feed the Future Research Initiative (AFRI) with and Collaboration; and Program National Academy of Sciences Initiative to reduce global pov- respect to the congressional goals Management. For a full report, (NAS) in Washington, D.C. continued on page 21 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  19 Science Policy

PLANT GENETIC ENGINEERING the 1990s, ASPB recommends Fedoroff, N. V., et al. (2010). DIVERSITY continued from page 17 that the federal regulatory agen- Radically rethinking agriculture for continued from page 18 the 21st century. Science 327(5967): require sophisticated biochemical cies responsible for oversight of standing of science. ASPB will 833–834. processes, for example, vaccines GE crops review and potentially actively support diversity within Fernandez-Cornejo, J. et al. (2014). and pharmaceuticals. revise the current regulatory its membership to help build Genetically engineered crops in the Concerns raised about the framework to reflect these data United States. Economic Research generations of valued, skilled and National Research Council use of GE and its products in Service Report No. ERR-162. professionals who are cognizant agriculture include food and reports. Specifically, regulatory Fitzpatrick, T. B. et al. (2012). of how diversity can promote environmental safety issues, as scrutiny should focus on the Vitamin deficiencies in humans: Can creativity. n potential for new risks, irrespec- well as socioeconomic and ethi- plant science help? The Plant Cell 24: References cal matters (Lemaux 2008, 2009). tive of the method of introduc- 395–414. To the extent that scientific tion of the trait, taking into Bertrand, M., and Mullainathan, Food and Agricultural Organization. data can be gathered to address account existing familiarity with S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg more (2009). How to feed the world in 2050. employable than Lakisha and Jamal? these concerns, ASPB supports the crop species and the trait http://tinyurl.com/5ranufw. and encourages such investiga- being introduced. A field experiment on labor market Heap, I. (2014). http://weedscience. tions. When GE crops were first ASPB endorses continued discrimination. American Economic org/Graphs/SOAGraph.aspx. Review 94: 991–1013. introduced, regulatory agencies, responsible development and namely the USDA, the Food science-based oversight of GE Lemaux, P. G. (2008). Genetically Denson, N., and Chang, M. J. engineered plants and foods: A sci- and Drug Administration, and and other food production (2008). Racial diversity matters: The entist’s analysis of the issues (Part I). impact of diversity-related student the Environmental Protection technologies and practices. Annual Review of Plant Biology 59: engagement and institutional con- Agency, exercising an excess of Additionally, ASPB encour- 771–812. text. American Educational Research precaution, demanded extensive ages federal funding to support Lemaux, P. G. (2009). Genetically Journal 46: 322–353. safety testing of new GE food generation of the science-based engineered plants and foods: A sci- Ginther, D. K., et al. (2011). Race, products. In contrast, conven- information needed for the entist’s analysis of the issues (Part II). ethnicity, and NIH research awards. tional and organic crops created government, the private sector, Annual Review of Plant Biology 60: Science 333: 1015–1019. by classical breeding undergo no NGOs, consumers, educators, 511–559. Hong, L., and Page, S. E. (2004). safety testing. Since the commer- and other stakeholders to make National Research Council. (2000). Groups of diverse problem solvers cial introduction of GE crops in informed choices about the Genetically modified pest-protected can outperform groups of high- 1996, there has not been a single products resulting from GE tech- plants: Science and regulation. ability problem solvers. Proceedings Washington, D.C.: The National documented instance of harm nologies. ASPB believes that GE of the National Academy of Sciences Academy Press. to human health. Furthermore, products will continue to bring USA 101: 16385–16389. thousands of scientific studies National Research Council. (2002). many significant health and envi- Moss-Racusin, C. A., et al. (2012). from the academic, government, Environmental effects of transgenic ronmental benefits to the world Science faculty’s subtle gender biases plants: The scope and adequacy of and private sectors have been and its people. n favor male students. Proceedings of regulation. Washington, D.C.: The performed on various aspects the National Academy of Sciences National Academies Press. of GE crops. These data have References USA 109: 16474–16479. National Research Council. (2010). been comprehensively assessed Council for Agricultural Science and European Commission. (2003). Impact of genetically engineered in multiple National Research Technology. (2012). Issue Paper 49: Costs and Benefits of Diversity. Council reports: Genetically Herbicide-resistant weeds threaten crops on farm sustainability in the United States. Washington, D.C.: The Luxembourg: Office for Official Modified Pest-Protected soil conservation gains: Finding a bal- Publications of the European ance for soil and farm sustainability. National Academies Press. Plants (2000), Environmental Communities. http://tinyurl.com/7tjj6o4. National Research Council and Effects of Transgenic Plants Plant Science Research Summit. Cerdeira, A. L., and Duke, S. O. Institute of Medicine. (2004). Safety (2002), Safety of Genetically (2013). Unleashing a decade of in- (2010). Effects of glyphosate-resistant of genetically engineered foods: Engineered Foods: Approaches novation in plant science: A vision crop cultivation on soil and water Approaches to assessing unintended to Assessing Unintended Health for 2015–2025. http://tinyurl.com/ quality. GM Crops 1(1): 16–24. health effects. Washington, D.C.: The Effects (2004), and Impact of National Academies Press. mje7vlz. Genetically Engineered Crops on Duke, S. O., et al. (2012). Glyphosate effects on plant mineral nutrition, Tabashnik, B. E., Brevault T., and Sheltzer, J. M., and Smith, J. C. Farm Sustainability in the United crop rhizosphere microbiota, and Carriere, Y. (2013). Insect resistance (2014). Elite male faculty in the States (2010). plant disease in glyphosate-resistant to Bt crops: Lessons from the first life sciences employ fewer women. Because the current regulatory crops. Journal of Agricultural and Food billion acres. Nature Biotechnology Proceedings of the National Academy framework was put in place in Chemistry 60(42): 10375–10397. 31(6): 510–521. of Science USA 111: 10107–10112. 20  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 Science Policy

POLICY UPDATE reintroduced next year. Additional ommendations for the long-term bill before Senator Rockefeller continued from page 19 information on the Feed the stability of the nation’s science retires at the end of this year. The erty and hunger in developing Future Initiative is available at and engineering system to ensure Restoring the Foundation report countries on a sustainable basis.” http://www.feedthefuture.gov/. maximum benefit from federal is available at http://tinyurl.com/ The Initiative was first proposed investments in research. lddsp9d. n by President Obama in 2009. It New Report Highlights To help drive economic focuses on improving agriculture in Role of Research in Foster- growth, the report specifically the developing world, particularly ing Innovation; Recom- calls for federal spending on basic for small rural farmers. Feed the mendations Reflected in research to be 0.3% of gross Future is led by the U.S. Agency Senate COMPETES Bill national product by 2032. Senator for International Development On September 16, AAAS is- John Rockefeller (D-WV) has (USAID) and includes efforts from sued a report titled Restoring the included many of the report’s the State Department, USDA, the Foundation, which urges lawmak- recommendations in his version Peace Corps, and other partners. ers to increase the federal invest- of the America COMPETES Act, The legislation is not likely ment in research to ensure U.S. which reauthorizes NSF and other to move this year; however, it is preeminence in science and inno- science agencies. However, the expected that both bills will be vation. The report provides rec- Senate is unlikely to consider the

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ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  21 Education Forum

ASPB and PlantingScience: A Perennial Partnership Announcing the 2014–2015 Master Plant Science Team By KATIE ENGEN ASPB Education Coordinator

lantingScience (PS) is an MPST members are selected online platform where upon successfully completing a Pmiddle and high school competitive process to demon- students reflect with scientists strate their ability to collab- on plant-based research projects oratively engage and guide the conducted in their classrooms. students through the PS research (See the modules at http://www. modules and the online platform. PlantingScience.org.) ASPB These collaborations rely on clear, became an official PS partner engaging, time-sensitive, and in 2006 and began sponsoring nondirective communication with members of the Master Plant the students and, to a lesser degree, Science Team (MPST) when it was their classroom teachers. Along established in 2008. The MPST is with helping highly motivated Eli Borrego Rhodesia Celoy a special cohort of graduate and students conduct meaningful postdoc students who mentor research, the MPST members also PS students. ASPB has grown its enrich ASPB by contributing to an What the MPST Means sponsorship commitment from active cohort of Society members to Some of Its Members five to up to 12 MPST awards each reaching out to their individual academic year. campus and community networks. Rhodesia Celoy Great and successful mentors inspired me to be who I am. And so I have to continue the tradition of Congratulations to these 2014–2015 MPST mentoring to inspire others. members sponsored by ASPB Ravendra P. Chauhan Eli Borrego, Texas A&M University It is a privilege to serve as a Rhodesia Celoy, University of Georgia member of the MPST. The MPST Ravendra P. Chauhan Ravendra Chauhan, Oklahoma State University program provides a unique platform for interaction among Christina Garcia, Baylor College of Medicine/USDA-ARS brilliant brains in plant biology. one of the most important of all Children’s Nutrition Research Center Bringing scientist mentors and the requirements for making the Mike Geiger, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Horticulture school students together for on- future of plant biology brighter. Department line interactions will benefit the Additionally, the program has a plant biology community in the diverse background of scientists in Jonathan Gilkerson, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies long term. Designing successful the MPST cohort, which is another George Littlejohn, University of Exeter execution of the experiments and salient feature of the community Jesse Mayer, University of Nevada Reno analytical evaluation of the find- facilitating the interactions among Bastian Minkenberg, Pennsylvania State University ings will hone the young minds the scientist mentors to broaden and simultaneously propel them their horizons. I look forward to Prateek Tripathi, University of Southern California to explore the possibilities in the serving in my capacity as a scien- discipline. I believe that this is tist mentor. 22  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 Education Forum

Christina Garcia Michael B. Geiger George Littlejohn Jesse Mayer

MPST Member Benefits • Free ASPB membership for 1+ year • 50% off the registration fee for the subsequent Plant Biology annual meeting • Unique professional development and networking experiences • Collaborations that will inspire you—the student researchers— and your teachers • A chance to shape the future of your profession and prepare students to use 21st century inquiry-oriented skills and science content

Bastian Minkenberg Prateek Tripathi

Michael B. Geiger Jesse Mayer second year as an MPST member. I sincerely hope some of my men- I’m very excited to engage in the I’m really excited that there are tored students will become plant learning and science process with programs like PlantingScience biologists in the future. students. I am grateful for all of my available for K–12 educators to experiences as a mentee in plant use. Plant science is typically a Prateek Tripathi sciences and value the opportunity very small part of the overall sci- to cultivate fruitful experiences ence curriculum, but programs like PlantingScience is a great learn- for other students. I think I will be this one will help to get students ing platform not only for the K–12 learning as much as the students as passionate about plants at an early students, but also for me as a men- I practice and develop my mentor- age. It’s something I wish I had tor, helping me to understand and ing capabilities. when I was in high school! answer biological curiosity without using jargon. It’s amazing to see George Littlejohn Bastian Minkenberg the potential among these kids to be good scientists. n I’m very pleased to be supported Alan Jones pointed out the need by ASPB for my involvement with for PhDs in agriculture and plant MPST, which is an excellent resource biology research in his July/August for teachers and students. I’m de- president’s letter (http://newsletter. lighted to take part and usually write aspb.org/2014/julaug14.pdf). I am my posts with the help of my daugh- happy for the chance to pique high ter—so there’s education of young school students’ curiosity in plant people happening at my end, too! biology by volunteering for my ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  23 ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

https://surf.aspb.org/

ASPB’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) funds promising undergraduate students so they can conduct research in plant biology during the early part of their college careers. SURF recipients must present their research at ASPB’s annual Plant Biology meeting in the year following the fellowship award.

Eligibility Selection Criteria Application is open to all full-time undergraduate students in Competitive student applicants should have high academic a degree-granting program. Students completing their sec- achievement, strong motivation and skills for conducting ond year are preferred, but well-prepared first- and third-year research, and career objectives showing interest in or relevancy students who provide evidence of a strong interest in plant to plant biology. Reviewers also will consider the contribution biology may apply as well. Undergraduates needing more or of the project to the mentor’s research program, institutional less than the standard four years to earn a degree may still be commitment to the proposed research, and the mentor’s com- eligible. International students or students following nontra- mitment to undergraduate research. ditional academic calendars are welcome. In order to provide support to the maximum number of students, SURF awards are Successful applicants receive a $4,000 summer stipend, a one- limited to those without other sources of stipend or salary for year membership in ASPB, and $700 (paid to the mentor or insti- the proposed research. Supplemental funds for room and board tution) for materials and supplies. Each fellowship also provides are acceptable. student travel support to Plant Biology 2016, the ASPB annual meeting, to be held July 9–13, 2016, in Austin, Texas. These Faculty Mentors travel funds are sent only to the 2015 SURF recipients who (1) register for the meeting, (2) submit proof of using social media Students must secure a mentor before submitting an applica- or other outlets to communicate with the public or peers about tion. The proposed research project must be pursued in the the SURF project, and (3) author and submit an abstract about mentor’s laboratory. Mentors must be a member of ASPB, have their SURF project to present as a poster at the meeting. an ongoing research program of high scientific merit, and demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate education and research. Mentors are expected to attend Plant Biology 2016 in A Successful SURF Applicant’s Sample Timeline Austin, Texas, with their SURF student. Contact potential mentors: NOW Need a Mentor? Students may work with a mentor at their own Discuss research topics: NOW institution or at another institution. Additional guidance is avail- Request a reference letter: by January 2015 (from college/ able by contacting ASPB (see below). university faculty member who is not the mentor) Application Submit SURF application: by the deadline, February 11, 2015 A complete application will include a research project state- (11:59 p.m. ET) ment and personal statement from the student, a research and Look for e-mailed decisions: by mid-April 2015 mentoring statement from the mentor, a letter of recommen- Conduct research: over 10 consecutive weeks when classes are dation from another faculty member (not the mentor or in the not in session mentor’s lab), and official undergraduate transcripts. Present research: July 9–13 at Plant Biology 2016 in Austin, Texas.

Applications will be accepted December 1, 2014, through February 11, 2015 (11:59 p.m. ET). Need additional help? Contact Katie Engen, ASPB Education Coordinator ([email protected]). Education Forum

New Higher Education Journal: CourseSource Launches December 1! Features Core Concepts in Plant Biology from ASPB and BSA BY KATIE ENGEN ASPB Education Coordinator

ourseSource (http:// measureable objectives, and To the editors’ knowledge, coursesource.org) is an content germane to the course or CourseSource is the only online Copen-access journal of topic they teach. journal that exclusively publishes peer-reviewed resources for The plant biology page also biology teaching materials that teaching higher education biolog- includes opportunities for ASPB • incorporate student-centered, ical science courses. A key feature to share announcements related evidence-based pedagogy; of CourseSource is the alignment to our Society with CourseSource • focus on professional society- of articles with learning goals and readers. Article review and page developed learning goals and objectives developed by scientific features are overseen by the objectives; professional societies. CourseSource editor(s) specifically • are organized and format- When announcing the journal’s selected for plant biology. ted so that transfer and use launch, Editor-in-Chief Robin Susan Wick (University of in other classrooms is easily Wright noted, “We are very happy Minnesota) is the first editor done; and that the American Society of Plant on the CourseSource plant biol- Sue Wick • do not require data supporting Biologists was an early partner ogy page. Sue has been an ASPB the efficacy of the materials in this Howard Hughes Medical member since 1989. When asked themselves. Institute–supported enterprise, about the new journal, she stat- search for materials dealing with Authors will retain copyright which was a direct result of recom- ed, “It is exciting to have resourc- various aspects of plant biology to their materials through a mendations from the NSF/AAAS es that are consistent with Vision (and other areas within the broad Creative Commons Attribution- Vision & Change initiatives (www. & Change goals for undergradu- field of biology).” Sue, in tandem NonCommercial 4.0 International visionandchange.org). As a result, ate education, have been tested with ASPB leadership, strongly License (http://creativecommons. the learning objectives for a core in classrooms and peer reviewed encourages Society members and org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) and will plant biology course approved for clarity, and whose effective- other authors to contribute to the pay no page charges. n by ASPB’s Education Committee ness is based on evidence. Users journal by submitting their own (and BSA’s) are featured on the of CourseSource will be able to instructional resources. CourseSource website.” CourseSource offers 12 course categories, each with its own landing page and related resources. The plant biology course landing page (http://coursesource. org/courses/plant-biology) features the Learning Framework for Plant Biology. This framework is based on core concepts and objectives developed by CourseSource offers a high-quality format for documenting schol- ASPB and BSA in response to arly teaching efforts, accomplishments, and innovations. both memberships’ initiatives to advance Vision & Change. Users —Sue Wick, University of Minnesota will find course structure, goals, ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  25 Education Forum

Planting Seeds: Teacher Development for Engaging 21st Century Learning and Inspiring Careers Another ASPB BLOOME Grant Success Story BY SHANNON L. GALBRAITH-KENT Thomas More College

collaboration has be- invasive species, to plant gun between Thomas decomposition dynam- A More College (a private ics, to plant chemistry, Catholic liberal arts college) and pollinator syndromes, Boone County Schools (one of and constructing phylo- Kentucky’s fastest growing school genetic trees. The main systems with approximately goals of each workshop 20,000 students), which are both included (1) keeping it located in northern Kentucky. The inquiry based through Planting Seeds program brought the 5Es but provid- together five Thomas More facing ways for teachers ulty members from various disci- to adapt it to specific plines (such as biology, chemistry, classroom needs, (2) and education) to facilitate a making it engaging and series of Saturday workshops for fun for the teachers, (3) a selected group of 14 high school providing ample teacher teachers who use plant biology in resource materials for their curriculum. future use, and (4) High school teachers having fun testing each other on identifying plant-derived The main premise of Planting presenting plant content scents with Bill Wetzel (Thomas More College, Chemistry), seen lower right. Seeds has been to engage the to enhance high school teachers in new ideas and activi- curriculum within the ties in plant biology that they can NGSS landscape. can be used in a forensics inquiry- of the teacher comments at the then incorporate and apply in Throughout the year, our based project. end of the workshop included the their own classrooms to poten- professional learning community The post-workshop data stated following: tially have an impact on thou- (PLC) continued on a forum- that not only did teacher confi- sands of high school students. based website (e.g., Schoology), dence in plant biology content “I really enjoyed the process of The approach is based on using which allowed for discussion and increase dramatically, but also this grant. I have many ideas the “5E” inquiry-based model interaction between workshop the teachers felt more comfort- on how to incorporate [plant and also incorporating the New dates and a sharing of ideas and able leading an inquiry-based activities] into the classroom.” Generation Science Standards resources. During the last work- project in their classrooms. In (NGSS), which teachers are shop, teachers gave presentations addition, as the external evaluator “I started this journey not being starting to implement in public on inquiry-based plant activi- noted in our summary analysis, a ‘plant person.’ Today, I under- schools. ties that also addressed some of our program was able to “crack stand the importance of teach- During each workshop, college the NGSS within a plant biol- the classroom door” for 100% ing plants and how they can be faculty facilitated inquiry-based ogy context. The teachers did a of its participants, as all teachers easily integrated into my classes. projects (on desirable topics iden- remarkable job and presented on found Planting Seeds information I am also determined to venture tified by teacher pre-surveys) with diverse topics, including school useful for actually transferring into further into the inquiry continu- the high school teachers working plant surveys, hydroponics, what classroom practice (this was much um and use the 5Es to teach.” as active collaborators. The topics plants should be grown on the higher when compared to other varied from photosynthesis and moon, and how seed identification professional development). A few continued on page 28 26  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 Education Forum

DC Teachers’ Night at the U.S. Botanic Garden A Perennial Winner for ASPB Outreach and Attendees BY KATIE ENGEN ASPB Education Coordinator

n October 2, ASPB Here is a glimpse of what These types of events are the the end of our discussion, both enjoyed another night makes this event so fun and perfect opportunities for face- acknowledged some of the good, Oof fruitful outreach at productive: to-face engagement with the such as combating vitamin A the United States Botanic Garden public around plant-related deficiency using Golden Rice, It was great to see how many (USBG) in Washington, D.C., as topics about which they have which is coming from the use teachers want to incorporate an exhibitor at the annual D.C. an abundance of interest but of modern recombinant DNA plants into their classes. We Teachers’ Night hosted by USBG a perceived dearth of reliable tools, and the challenges of had teachers from every grade and the District of Columbia information. During the event, feeding, fueling, and clothing a asking for materials to use in Environmental Education I was able to have a great growing population. n their classes, and we had some- Consortium (http://www. conversation with two attend- thing for everyone. The activity -Tyrone Spady dcnaturally.org). ees about their concerns over books went like hotcakes! The ASPB volunteers welcomed GMOs. Though cautious, by -Janet Slovin K–12+ teachers as they explored resources ranging from the new The classroom solar cell using dye-sensitized solar cells energy berry pigments was a hit with education module from NSF the teachers whose students and the University of Tennessee, could understand the mate- Knoxville (http://tinyurl.com/ rial. A few teachers asked me if DyeCells) for upper-level students ASPB does classroom visits—a to the ever-popular My Life as a sign that meeting this demand Plant activity and coloring book would be a great goal for any for emergent readers and young ASPB member. scientists (http://www.aspb.org/ -Daniel Czerny coloringbook). Teachers also could take along other materials, including a mini garden cup necklace of Arabidopsis seedlings to start plant explorations with their students. The booth was managed by Tyrone Spady (ASPB). He was joined by veteran ASPB outreach stars Janet Slovin (USDA) and Daniel Czerny (University of Maryland). Many thanks also to Hemayet Ullah (Howard University) for supplying the Arabidopsis seedlings.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  27 Education Forum

PLANTING SEEDS continued from page 26 “This was such a great experience. Thank you for all the hard work, coordination, and openness to be ‘brave’ and try new things! I thought it was a true partnership.” “This was one of the more useful PD [professional development] experiences I have had.” Shannon Galbraith-Kent (left; Thomas More What has made this program College, Biological Sciences) and Anna Marie successful (i.e., plants are being Tracy (Boone County Schools). A high school teacher (Melissa Stolz) is excited to share discussed more often in high the results of her pollinator syndrome activity, facili- school classrooms and in interest- school system to allow for logisti- tated by Dustin Swanson, seen standing (Thomas More ing and innovative ways) is due cal support and context was very College, Biological Sciences). to a combination of many factors. helpful. And, third, we have had a First, at the very beginning of program built upon curious, intel- made possible through an ASPB and Bill Wetzel) and the high the program, we worked hard to ligent, and collaborative-minded Education Foundation Grant school teachers (H. Bates, L. Beck, “meet teachers where they are” participants (teachers) and facili- (http://bloome.aspb.org) awarded D. Black, S. Lainhart, M. Medious, with respect to content, listen tators (faculty). We are currently to Shannon Galbraith-Kent A. Mosley, P. Mueller, D. Ogden, to their challenges and teaching looking at the next steps for this (Thomas More College) and Anna R. Page, J. Schaeffer, M. Schuster, constraints, and determine how community of learners. Marie Tracy (Boone County T. Shelton, N. Sparks, M. Stolz, and we could best assist them with Planting Seeds: Teacher Schools) in 2013. Special thanks N. Averett) and curriculum advis- incorporating plant biology into Development for Engaging 21st to our participating Thomas More er (Sandy Holtzapfel) from Boone their classroom. Second, having Century Learning and Inspiring College faculty (Kim Haverkos, County Schools; it is a joy working supportive administrators in the Careers was developed and Dustin Swanson, Zachary Taylor, with all of you. n

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation 13. Publication Title 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) ASPB News September/October 2014 (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number 3. Filing Date 16. Electronic Copy Circulation Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single ASPB News 1 5 35_ 548910/01/14 Each Issue During Issue Published Each Issue During Issue Published N/A Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date 4. Issue Frequency 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6. Annual Subscription Price Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date a. Paid Electronic Copies bi-monthly 6 $30 a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) 3841 4115 N/A N/A 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4®) Contact Person b. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) Nancy Winchester (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid American Society of Plant Biologists distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) 2201 2519 15501 Monona Dr, Rockville, MD 20855-2678 Telephone (Include area code) 301-251-0560, ext. 117 b. Paid c. �Total Print Distribution (Line 15f) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer) Circulation (2) (By Mail distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) ¯ and d. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c 100) Outside Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, same as above (3) the Mail) Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® 1480 1546 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price. Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (4) (e.g., First-Class Mail®) 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership Crispin Taylor, American Society of Plant Biologists, 15501 Monona Dr, Rockville, MD 20855-2678 c. �Total Paid Distribution [Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)] ✓If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed Publication not required. Editor (Name and complete mailing address) 3681 4065 in the ______November/December 2014 issue of this publication. d. Free or (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 Nancy Winchester, American Society of Plant Biologists, 15501 Monona Dr, Rockville, MD 20855-2678 Nominal 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner Date Rate Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Distribution (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 (By Mail 10/01/2014 and Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS Outside (3) N/A the Mail) (e.g., First-Class Mail) 9 8 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 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 or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions 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 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) 8 14 (including civil penalties). 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.) e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)) Full Name Complete Mailing Address 17 22 American Society of Plant Biologists 15501 Monona Dr, Rockville, MD 20855-2678 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) 3698 4087

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PS Form 3526, July 2014 [Page 1 of 4 (see instructions page 4)] PSN: 7530-01-000-9931 PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com. PS Form 3526, July 2014 (Page 3 of 4) PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com. PS Form 3526, July 2014 (Page 2 of 4) 28  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 Education Forum

Outreach Is a Hybrid: What Transpires When Scientists Reach Out? Broader Impacts and Community Service—Two Compatible Outreach Options BY KATIE ENGEN, ASPB Education Coordinator, with input from SARAH WYATT, Ohio University

utreach matters. Good While the actual term is outreach advances science. NSF-centric, BI often is used a Some scientists conduct bit ecumenically to mean any Successful O outreach creates an outreach through broader impact educational activities inspired by atmosphere of... goals. Others get involved at the or grounded in a large research community service level. What’s the program. This often leads to difference? Where do you fit in? confusion about what is BI versus ...awareness of community service. Here’s a quick ...scientific thinking plants in daily life litmus test. The action or resource ...plant biology Broader Impacts career goals Technically, the term broader in question should qualify as offi- impacts (BI) stems from NSF. So cially BI if it official BI activities must support • ties directly to enhancing the Outreach is a Hybrid the mission of NSF: “To promote grant’s primary goals, proto- the progress of science; to advance cols, outcomes, or potential for the national health, prosperity, and renewal; COMMUNITY welfare; and to secure the national OUTREACH • involves creating learning Teaching science defense” (NSF Act of 1950). This tools, labs, flipped classroom BROADER IMPACTS festivals means PIs must create BI activi- Specific NSF goals resources, or evaluation op- ties that connect nonspecialists to tions that are based on core the specific science content of a elements of the funded re- PI’s grant or research program. Of search; or COMMUNITY OUTREACH course, the NSF Broader Impacts • features a PI or grant team BROADER IMPACTS Engaging resources Review Criterion (http://www. Aha moments! member communicating as Research-driven activities nsf.gov/pubs/2007/nsf07046/ Grant (re)funding ties an expert on a particular set nsf07046.jsp) is more in-depth of data and offering a closely than that. So it’s worth considering linked applied learning op- how BI components are explored COMMUNITY portunity. OUTREACH by various entities, including BROADER IMPACTS 2-way conversation • University of Massachusetts Community Service Particular expertise Cultivating interest to share Amherst web pages (http:// Community service is about shar- Specific audience focus tinyurl.com/nnsd4la) and ing science expertise with K–12 “cheat sheet” (http://tinyurl. students, science festival attendees, com/njsljzq) cross-campus (nonspecialist) col- • Broader Impacts Summit (http:// leagues, or other members of the Fertile ground for outreach is a rich ecosystem of: www.broaderimpacts.net) science-interested public. Quite volunteerism • advancing the field • active learning pride in scholarship • collaboration • Broader Impacts and Outreach often, community service involves career-enhancing goals • cross-curricular integration promoting an appreciation for diverse communication opportunities Network for Institutional Collaboration (BIONIC; the process or nature of science; it http://tinyurl.com/oy9bes3) continued on page 31 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  29 Education Forum

Engaging Students and the Public Do They Get What You’re Saying? BY KATIE ENGEN ASPB Education Coordinator

ou really care about your Which End Is Up? Transposons move or “visit” subject. You enthusiastically other locations in the organ- Yexplain your results and ism’s genetic material. insights with publication-worthy • Genome is the term for an or- panache. So why don’t people out- ganism’s genetic material. side of your research niche seem to • Genes jump naturally, or they get jazzed about or connect to what can be modified to jump to you’re trying to convey? Maybe particular places within the your presentation is upside down. Figure 1. Tip-top engagement starts with the bottom line. genome. CREDIT: AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology. • When a gene jumps, it leaves Which End Is Up? behind parts of itself. These Effective public engagement and NOT THIS: In this talk I • Would you find purple toma- little parts make little changes. teaching do not happen by verbal- will explain how Barbara toes palatable? What if they Little changes can cause a big izing your abstract or broader im- McClintock discovered trans- deter cancer? Genes can be change in how something pact objectives. A jargon-jammed posable elements in the genome made to “jump” to grow these looks or behaves. This means potential lifesavers. delivery will fall flat. Instead, you by experimenting with maize. there is a change in the organ- First, I will review McClintock’s should (Figure 1): ism’s DNA. Such a big change study of the variegated color Make Sure “IT” Is in the is called a genetic mutation. 1. Alert listeners to the spoiler or pattern of maize kernels (a.k.a. Details • Offspring do not look or “bottom line.” Indian corn). The maize’s Now you can add details. But function precisely like par- 2. Answer So what? phenotypic system involves do not sling zillions of facts and ents partly because “jumping 3. Add details. three alleles rather than research references. Offer details genes” and other types of the more regular two. Insert at the proper level of complexity genetic mutation cause impor- Spoiler Alert “yadda, yadda, yadda” here, to prime your audience’s inter- tant changes. As the changes because at this point that’s add up over time, organisms Yes, start with the spoiler. Devise est while building bridges to what is getting processed. can take on new forms. a catchy phrase that encapsulates new understanding. Details need some type of “IT factor,” where IT Now the stage is set. Your the concept, process, discovery, or So What? application you want your audi- can stand for Interest Traction, audience should be ready for ence members to keep with them Tell your audience why the bottom Interconnected Topics, or more interactive discussion or for a long time. Think jingle, line matters—to them. Why should Independent Thinking. active learning geared to the familiar phrase, headline, or al- they stay tuned? Share informa- Break down big concepts into setting and your audience’s needs tion that improves or explains their literative wordplay. Even if your scaffolded memes. Walk some and preferences. daily lives. For example: audiences through each step; be spoiler isn’t pitch perfect, be sure • Like red wine but not white? ready to skip along with others. The Tipping Point on Tone it’s short and jargon-free: Jumping genes influence grape Build your detail scaffolds like this: Your aim is to be engaging and THIS: Barbara McClintock’s color and your favorite pair- • Genes are made of DNA. accurate. Engaging fourth-graders discovery of “jumping genes” ings. Genes carry traits from paris different from engaging leg- was one step for a researcher, • Prefer Indian corn to plain yel- ents to offspring. All living islators, which is different from one giant leap for mankind’s low corn for your fall décor? things—including YOU—re- engaging reporters. And while understanding of how genes Consider McClintock and her produce thanks to genes. accuracy always has parameters, produce endless varieties of jumping genes part of your • The proper term for jump- it can be conveyed with vastly dif- living things. design team. ing genes is transposons. ferent vocabularies. These factors 30  ASPB NEWS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 Education Forum

Figure 2. Fine-tune your tone for each audience.

combine to create tone. As shown Ready to Engage? • Jumping Genes and the Color of in Figure 2, there is a continuum For more on this topic, see Grapes—sample engagement of tone. Aim for the middle for • AAAS Center for Public for youngsters (http://tinyurl. general audiences. Slide either Engagement with Science & com/pq6ocfe) way to meet your particular au- Technology (http://www.aaas. • Purple tomatoes—Quick blurb dience’s age range and interests. org/communicatingscience) with intermediate complexity And always remember that each • What do scientists think about Don’t be a Pontificating Sheldon (http://tinyurl.com/q88lgsf) audience member is an expert the public and does it matter (Big Bang Theory). • Student Science Communica on his or her own experiences, to their online engagement? tion Project (http://tinyurl. perspectives, and expectations. (http://tinyurl.com/lzqab5v) • What’s a Genome?—Details com/oyhhbtn) Respect what each person brings • Salvaging Science Literacy with “IT factor” for teens To communicate with this audi- to the conversation. (http://tinyurl.com/pso67ek) and up (http://tinyurl.com/ ence as a guest blogger, contact mhtzq82) [email protected]. n

OUTREACH IS A HYBRID ground for new collaborations, Research in Science Teaching. work near these locations. continued from page 29 especially in discipline-based • Dudo, A. (forthcoming). • Have you authored successful does not necessarily seek to convey education research or public Scientists as public commu- BI statements and reports? hyper-specific content. The goal is engagement studies. nicators: An overview of the Submit examples to katie@ to meet the needs and interests of Actually, community service empirical literature. Sociology aspb.org. This will help ASPB a given audience so its members dovetails with many aspects of Compass. populate an archive of quality find new inroads and connections public engagement about science. • Gonsalves, L., and Sevian, H. sample statements and exem- to the world of science. Effective practices are highly (2008). Analysing how scien- plary outcomes. The scientist serving the sought after right now and the tists explain their research: A • Share resources you’ve community is not primarily literature and online resources rubric for measuring the ef- developed on the Life attempting to forge a direct tie-in reflect this active trend. Healthy fectiveness of scientific expla- Science Teaching Resource or benefit to his or her grant- examples include nations. International Journal Community (http://www. making or grant renewal options. • AAAS Center for Public of Science Education. http:// lifescitrc.org). Submit under The service-oriented scientist Engagement with Science & tinyurl.com/kgdvsxe the ASPB partner banner. is creating or disseminating Technology (http://www.aaas. • Nominate a U.S.-based high resources to advance the field org/communicatingscience) Reach Out Now school teacher or public or promote scientific thinking. • PULSE Community (http:// • Volunteer for 2015 ASPB librarian with whom you col- Happily, since community service tinyurl.com/nwdtzng) outreach events in San laborate for free online access has rather fluid boundaries, audi- • Informal Science (http://infor Jose, California (February); to ASPB’s journals. Go to ence members could become lay malscience.org) Chicago, Illinois (March); http://journalaccess.aspb.org. experts or career-oriented recruits • Besley, J. C., Dudo, A., and Washington, D.C. • Invite a local high school stu- for the service-oriented scien- Storksdieck, M. (forthcoming). (September); and Providence, dent into your lab for a month/ tist’s particular area of expertise. Scientists’ views about com- Rhode Island (November). semester/summer of hands-on Community service also is fertile munication training. Journal of Contact [email protected] if you experience and mentoring. n ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6  31 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ROCKVILLE MD American Society of Plant Biologists AND ADDITIONAL 15501 Monona Drive MAILING OFFICES Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA

Call for Papers Focus Issue on Metabolism

Deadline for Submission: June 8, 2015 To submit an article, please go to http://submit.plantphysiol.org

Advances in next-generation sequencing, gene and genome engineering, and sampling have had an immense impact on our understanding of metabolism. This Focus Issue on Metabolism will address these advances including, but not limited to, state- of-the-art approaches in the study of plant metabolic pathways and interactions from the molecule to the whole-plant level, and the evolution of these processes. Special attention will be paid to emerging technologies and advances that promise to accelerate our understanding of metabolism, its control, the signals that regulate metabolism, its integration within organismal signaling and response in the face of biotic and abiotic stress, its contributions to plant structure, function, and its diversity and importance within modern society.

Authors interested in contributing should indicate this in the cover letter when submitting papers online at http://submit.plantphysiol.org. Please select “Metabolism (October 2015)” from the Focus Issue list in the online submission system. Articles published in Plant Physiology on this topic within 2 years before and after the Focus Issue publication date will be collected in an online Focus Collection on Metabolism.

Please contact Alisdair Fernie ([email protected]) or Eran Pichersky ([email protected]) for more information.

ASPB staff are dedicated to serving our members. We welcome your questions and feedback. For quick response, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit our FAQ at www.aspb.org/faq.

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, telephone 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.