January/February 2017 • Volume 44, Number 1

p. 5 p. 7 p. 9 Say Aloha to Plant ASPB Members Good Biology 2017! Elected to Conquers Greatest 2016 Class of Fear: The Unknown June 24–28 AAAS Fellows Honolulu, Hawaii

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS

President’s Letter Adjusting to an Uncertain Future BY SALLY MACKENZIE University of Nebraska–Lincoln

s we enter 2017, plant is a seeming lack of respect biologists face uncer- by the new government for Atainty with the arrival science, its process, and its Aloha! of President Trump. The new importance to America’s administration has provided health, safety, food security, few hints about a position on and technological advantage. science, and what comments Now more than ever, it will have been made appear worri- be crucial that we justify the some. A Trump administration value of science not simply is not what most of us were for science’s sake, but as expecting based on polling the engine that fuels U.S. June 24–28 data and, in fact, was not what competitiveness. Comments by the Trump Honolulu, Hawaii biologists had hoped for. A Sally Mackenzie 2013–2014 survey found that campaign regarding climate FIVE MAJOR SYMPOSIA only 5% to 6% of self-described profes- change, safety of vaccinations, and envi- sional biologists considered themselves ronmental protection raise the question of Away from the Brink—Toward the Sustainable Use of N and P in whether sound science will hold sway in “conservative” or “far right” in political views Agriculture (Reardon, 2016). this new political climate. As Zhang (2016) One key concern, of course, is the future wrote in a recent Atlantic article, “The trap- Evolution of Cellular Development budget for science. Trump focused most pings of science can be decoupled from the The Chemical Dictionary of Plants: of his public statements on issues such as actual rigor of science. In a post-fact, post- Origin and Translation expert world, science still holds currency. It national security, deteriorating infrastruc- Plants and Fungi: Friends or Foes? ture, and immigration. Whether pursuit just has to be your facts and your experts.” of the administration’s goals in these areas AAAS CEO Rush Holt (2016) noted in his Plant Scientist: Entrepreneur will shrink the science budget remains to be recent commentary in Science that this lax coverage starts on page 5 seen. A second, even more pressing concern continued on page 4 Contents ASPB Council

President Sally Mackenzie Immediate Past President, Chair Richard A. Dixon President-elect Harry Klee Secretary Alice Harmon 1 President’s Letter Treasurer; Chair, Board of Trustees C. Robertson McClung Elected Members Joe Kieber Maureen McCann 3 Let’s Nominate! Chair, Membership Committee Jill Deikman Chair, Minority Affairs Committee Adán Colón-Carmona 3 2016–2017 Awards Committees Chair, Publications Committee Neil E. Olszewski Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Marisa Otegui 5 Say Aloha to Plant Biology 2017! Chair, Education Committee Sarah Wyatt Chair, International Committee Leon Kochian Chair, Science Policy Committee Nathan Springer People Sectional Representatives Mid-Atlantic Section Hua Lu 7 Members of the ASPB Community Elected to the Midwestern Section Ed Cahoon Northeastern Section Peter Melcher 2016 Class of AAAS Fellows Southern Section Becca Dickstein Western Section Camille M. Steber 8 Emanuel Epstein: No Intelligent Life on Solid Ground in Council members highlighted in blue the Universe Without the Existence of also serve on the Board of Directors. Rooted Organisms ASPB Staff 9 Good Science Conquers Greatest Fear: The Unknown Chief executive officer Crispin Taylor, [email protected] Director of finance and administration Kim Kimnach, [email protected] Executive and governance affairs administrator Sylvia Lee, [email protected] Luminaries Accounts receivable and payable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, [email protected] Senior staff accountant Jotee Pundu, [email protected] 11 Marja Timmermans Director of meetings and events Jean Rosenberg, [email protected] Conference coordinator Teresa Myers, [email protected] Director, digital strategy and member services Susan Cato, [email protected] Science Policy Manager, member services Shoshana Kronfeld, [email protected] Meetings, marketing, and membership assistant Melanie Binder, [email protected] 15 Policy Update Legislative and public affairs director Tyrone Spady, [email protected] Executive coordinator, Plant Science Natalie Henkhaus, [email protected] Research Network 16 ASPB and Other Leading Scientific Organizations Reach Education coordinator vacant Out to Trump Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, [email protected] Publications assistant Diane McCauley, [email protected] Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, [email protected] Education Forum Subscriptions assistant Linda Palmer, [email protected] Managing editor Patti Lockhart, [email protected] 17 ASPB Education and Outreach Road Show Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, [email protected] Rolls On: NABT 2016, Denver Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, [email protected] Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Ashton Wolf, [email protected] Senior features editor, The Plant Cell Nan Eckardt, [email protected] Features editor, The Plant Cell Mary Williams, [email protected] New Staff Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, [email protected] Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, [email protected] 19 Teresa Myers

The ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is also available online. It is pub- lished six times annually in odd-numbered months. Its purposes are to keep membership informed of ASPB activities and to reinforce the value of membership. The ASPB News is edited and produced by ASPB staff from material provided by members and other interested parties. Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered month (for example, April 5 for May/June publication). Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; [email protected]; 301-296-0904. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists

2  ASPB NEWS | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Let’s Nominate!

he Call for Nominations outreach, and service to be ASPB relies on a number of a nomination at http://excom. for ASPB Council posi- presented during Plant Biology dedicated individuals in lead- aspb.org/. A list of prior presi- Ttions and ASPB awards 2017 in Honolulu, Hawaii. To ership who commit time and dents who have served ASPB is in full swing. A message was read more about each award energy to leading the Society. can be viewed at http://aspb. sent out to all members on being offered, go to http://aspb. Members will be voting for a org/about/past-presidents/. January 3, 2017. Nominations org/awards-funding/aspb- president-elect and an elected The deadline for nomina- for both are due Friday, awards/. It is important to our member of the Council. We tions is fast approaching, so join February 17, 2017. profession that we recognize need nominees to consider for your colleagues and nominate ASPB is offering numerous our colleagues’ efforts by taking these positions, so do partici- today! n awards for individuals who have time to nominate them for pate in the process and let your excelled in research, education, awards. voice be heard by submitting

2016–2017 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 parentheses.

ASPB Innovation Prize for Charles Reid Barnes Life Eric E. Conn Young Martin Gibbs Medal Agricultural Technology Membership Award Investigator Award Wolf Frommer (2019), chair Chris Somerville (four award Bob Buchanan (2017), chair Danny Schnell (2021), chair Craig Pikaard (2017), past winner cycles), chair Karen Koch (2017), past winner Christophe Maurel (2019) Alice Cheung (2017) Jeff Dangl (two award cycles) Barbara Mazur (2017) Laurie Smith (2021) Gerald Berkowitz (2017) Jane Langsdale (three award Bill Lucas (2019) Caren Chang (2021) cycles) Stephen Hales Prize Toni Kutchan (three award cycles) Corresponding Membership Excellence in Education Award Alex Webb (2019), chair Elliot Meyerowitz (two award Award Stan Roux (2018), chair Gloria Coruzzi (2017), past winner cycles) Hiroo Fukuda (2017), chair Candace Galen (2017), past winner Harkamal Walia (2019) Renate Scheibe (2019) Becca Dickstein (2018) Charles Albert Shull Award Natalia Dudareva (2019) Alejandra Covarrubias (2020) MariaElena Zavala (2019) Steve Briggs (2017), chair Wataru Sakamoto (2020) Summer Undergraduate Jiří Friml (2017), past winner Jian-Kang Zhu (2020) Fellow of ASPB Award Research Fellowship John Shanklin (2017) Jaakko Kangasjärvi (2017), chair Burkhard Schulz (2017), cochair Peggy Ozias Akins (2019) Early Career Award Janet Braam (2017) Michael Campbell (2017), cochair Michael Hahn (2017), chair Ann Hirsch (2018) Joseph Jez (2018) Cora MacAlister (2017), past Sheila McCormick (2019) Devi Prasad V. Potluri (2018) winner Amy S. Verhoeven (2018) Jin Suk Lee (2017), past winner Keiko Torii (2017) ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1  3 PRESIDENT’S LETTER restrictions on genetic technolo- reducing agricultural input costs, members with as much insight continued from page 1 gies for crop improvement as well. empowering farmers with vital as possible. It is also the goal of attitude toward scientific data is Until now, regulatory hurdles to predictive capabilities for crop ASPB, as always, to find every not limited to this most recent the introduction of novel genetic performance, and enhancing U.S. opportunity to educate members election rhetoric: “Over recent traits derived by particular GM agricultural competitiveness. of the new administration about decades, a disturbing trend in methodologies have been suffi- These goals may resonate with the the importance of plant science the U.S. government has been for ciently prohibitive to limit inno- Trump administration. research to the U.S. economy and ideological assertions to crowd vations reaching the marketplace Finally, on a far more specu- national food security. These are out evidence.” to solely those adopted by large lative level, there is the issue of uncertain times, folks, so our So on November 30, 2016, agribusiness interests (Porterfield, international policy. The Trump ability to work with all societies more than 2,300 U.S. scientists, 2016). Thus, to date, the vast administration has selected representing plant-related inter- including 22 Nobel laureates, majority of genetically engineered Michael Flynn as national ests to speak with one strong and n issued an open letter to President- products have involved input security adviser. Following this resonant voice will be essential. elect Trump and Congress urging traits to reduce farmer costs but announcement, Flynn indicated them to respect science (“Science with little recognized value to in a November 20 interview on References the consumer. A tempering of CNN that he strongly favored a and the Public Interest,” 2016). Holt, R. (2016, November 17). What The letter asked for action in four this regulatory environment may “Marshall Plan” for the Middle now for science? Science. http://bit. areas: providing “a strong and serve to broaden agricultural East and North Africa region. ly/2fnI7aP. opportunity to The Marshall Plan was a program open culture of science,” ensur- Porterfield, A. (2016, April 13). ing that public safeguards like a greater number of academic put into effect after World War GMOs in pipeline promise consumer- the Clean Air Act remain well scientists, creating an innova- II to support the economic and friendly traits but attacks by familiar grounded in science, maintain- tion space that is more consumer political recovery of Western critics abound. Genetic Literacy Project. http://bit.ly/2hVlnU2. ing high standards of scientific responsive and diversified. Europe. If this were to become integrity and independence, and A second area of possible policy in the Trump administra- Reardon, S. (2016). The scientists providing sufficient resources to alignment for plant biologists tion, such a plan might open the who support Donald Trump. 538: 298–299. enable federal scientists to carry involves agricultural performance. door to an effort sponsored by out their crucial jobs. Research in precision agriculture the U.S. Agency for International Science and the public interest: Still, in the midst of what and newly emerging phenomics Development to stimulate An open letter to President-Elect Trump and the 115th Congress. may seem a fairly bleak forecast, technologies may be perceived by research into the crops and crop the incoming administration as production systems needed to (2016, November 30). http://bit. there remains some opportunity ly/2fJTwGp. for plant biologists to consider a logical strategy for enhancing support rapid revitalization of this Zhang, S. (2016, December 1). How potential alignments with the agricultural efficiency and profit- war-torn region, research that the ability. Opportunities to inte- U.S. plant science community is will Trump use science to further new administration. Trump his political agenda? Atlantic. http:// grate engineering, computation, eminently capable of supplying. has repeatedly emphasized his theatln.tc/2i1kCGf. commitment to reductions in and fundamental plant science ASPB is working to learn the government regulations. This with agronomy and ecology will science priorities of the incoming position may perhaps apply to yield important technologies for administration and will provide

4  ASPB NEWS | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Say Aloha to Plant Biology 2017! June 24–28, Honolulu, Hawaii

Mark your calendars! This year’s annual Plant Biology con- ference will take place June 24–28, 2017, in the beautiful island state of Hawaii. More than 1,500 plant biologists from around the world will converge on Honolulu to share their most exciting work, build collaborations, and brainstorm about future research directions.

The conference will be held in the Hawaii Convention Center (http://bit.ly/2hGEwd0), just a short stroll from Waikiki Talks will be grouped into five major symposia and Beach. Don’t miss the exciting opportunity to talk sci- 30 concurrent symposia (http://bit.ly/2hGGdXU). ence with members of the plant biology community while ambling through the Convention Center’s rooftop tropical garden! Conference attendees qualify for special discounts Saturday, June 24 at the conveniently situated Hilton Hawaiian Village (http:// bit.ly/2gMzVUL), and child care will be available at the Con- SYMPOSIUM I vention Center. Away from the Brink—Toward the Sustainable Use of N and P in Agriculture Key dates to remember Fertilizers boost crop yields tremendously but can also pollute the environment. Talks in this symposium will present potential solu- tions to the pressing problems associated with nitrogen (N) and January 30, 2017 phosphorus (P) use in agriculture. Deadline for submission of abstracts to be considered for talks (http://bit.ly/2gKwVdc) Organizer: Michael Udvardi, Samuel Roberts Noble April 30, 2017 Foundation Registration deadline for early-bird rates (http://bit.ly/ 2gKzZpM) Speakers: Phil Robertson, Michigan State University May 24, 2017 Helen Jarvie, NERC Centre for Ecology & Deadline for submission of abstracts to be included in Hydrology the online program book and receive a poster number Jonathan Lynch, Penn State University May 27, 2017 John Peters, Montana State University Deadline for discount hotel rates (http://bit.ly/2gMzVUL) June 12, 2017 Saturday Evening Final deadline for abstract submissions In the evening, Plant Biology 2017 continues with the Awards June 12, 2017 Symposium and presentation of the 2016 Stephen Hales Award to Deadline for standard registration Gloria Coruzzi of New York University, who will give a talk on “The Fourth Dimension of Transcriptional Networks—Time.” Jiří Friml, June 24–28, 2017 from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria, will receive On-site registration during Plant Biology 2017! the 2016 Charles Albert Shull Award and give a talk on “Auxin Transport–Mediated Polarity and Patterning in Plants.”

continued on page 6 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1  5 See you in paradise!

Visit http://plantbiology.aspb.org for more info on travel awards, discounts, and deadlines. Watch your email, and follow @ASPB and #plantbio17 on Twitter for the latest updates.

continued from page 5 Tuesday, June 27 Sunday, June 25 SYMPOSIUM IV SYMPOSIUM II Plants and Fungi: Friends or Foes? Evolution of Cellular Development Speakers will look at the fascinating dual roles of fungi in their in- Speakers will present exciting breakthroughs in understanding the teractions with plants, as friends in such interactions as arbuscular regulatory programs that direct cell differentiation and their epigen- mycorrhizal symbiosis and as foes in pathogenic interactions. Talks etic regulation during the development of land plant bodies. will highlight fungal infection mechanisms, plant defenses, and communication between beneficial fungi and their host plants. Organizer: Liam Dolan, University of Oxford Organizer: Barbara Valent, Kansas State University Speakers: John Bowman, Monash University Speakers: Keiko Sugimoto, RIKEN Barbara Valent, Kansas State University Keiko Torii, University of Washington Nicholas J. Talbot, University of Exeter Liam Dolan, University of Oxford Peter Dodds, CSIRO Uta Paszkowski, University of Cambridge

Monday, June 26 Wednesday, June 28 SYMPOSIUM III The Chemical Dictionary of Plants: Origin SYMPOSIUM V and Translation Plant Scientist: Entrepreneur Talks in this symposium will describe research around the diversity These talks will turn from basic science to applications of research of plants’ chemical vocabulary and its effects on plant fitness. They in business, specifically in start-ups created by plant biologists. will also outline new biotechnological applications for enhanc- The organizers have invited a lineup of experienced scientist– ing crop productivity and defense as well as improving flavor and entrepreneurs to provide perspectives on translating basic research aroma. into applied research, private-sector funding, and life at small and large companies in the agricultural biotechnology sector.

Organizer: Sally Mackenzie, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Speakers: Phil Benfey, Duke University Michael Sussman, University of Wisconsin– Madison Chris Somerville, UC Berkeley Su-May Yu, Academia Sinica Organizers: Natalia Dudareva, Purdue University Eran Pichersky, University of Michigan Posters, Networking, and More! Speakers: In addition to this all-star lineup of symposia, ASPB has put together a fabulous set of Harro Bouwmeester, Wageningen University poster sessions, networking opportunities, parties, and workshops. Plant Biology 2017 and Research Centre features 14 career-propelling workshops with sessions on sequencing data and bioinfor- Natalia Dudareva, Purdue University matics, the Plant Science Research Network, international collaborations, ways to avoid Elizabeth Sattely, Stanford University mistakes in publishing, agricultural biotech products, and entrepreneurship. n Kazuki Sato, Chiba University

6  ASPB NEWS | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 People

Members of the ASPB Community Elected to the 2016 Class of AAAS Fellows

en members of the ASPB services to professional societ- ment of science or its applications Nominations for the 2017 community were elected ies; administration in academe, [that] are scientifically or socially class are open until April 26, Tto the 2016 class of AAAS industry, and government; and distinguished.” 2017. Please view the nominating Fellows. Each year, the AAAS communicating and interpret- New fellows will be honored at procedures at http://www.aaas.org/ Council elects fellows based on ing science to the public. Fellows the 2017 AAAS annual meeting in current-nomination-cycle. their contributions to science are recognized from within the February with a certificate and a Congratulations to the follow- and technology in the areas of AAAS membership for their “ef- blue and gold rosette to symbolize ing ASPB members: research; teaching; technology; forts on behalf of the advance- their distinguished achievements.

Steven D. Clouse Walter Gassmann Alice C. Harmon Stephen H. Howell Pal Maliga National Science University of Missouri Iowa State University Rutgers, The State Foundation University of New Jersey

Karen-Beth Goldberg Jeffrey Field Harper Krishna K. Niyogi Sharlene C. Weatherwax Steven A. Whitham Scholthof University of Nevada, Howard Hughes Medical U.S. Department of Iowa State University Texas A&M University Reno Institute/University of Energy California, Berkeley/ Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1  7 People

Emanuel Epstein: No Intelligent Life on Solid Ground in the Universe Without the Existence of Rooted Organisms BY WIDMAR TANNER Universität Regensburg

Editor’s note: ASPB is happy to publish this appreciation of University of California, Davis, Professor Emeritus Emanuel Epstein on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

single rye plant may pos- 1953; Epstein and Hagen, 1952; from a solid substrate nutrient sess a root meshwork of Epstein et al., 1962) described by elements essential for the func- A more than 600 km total Michaelis and Menten (1913). tioning of living matter.” length—unbelievable, but mea- This suggested protein-catalyzed We would have to extract 5 to sured by Dittmer (1937) after mineral uptake, and thus root 10 tons of soil to satisfy our daily carefully isolating the main and physiology, had caught up requirement of phosphate, which all side roots of a four-month-old with biochemistry. Up to then, amounts to 500 mg. But we could rye plant. Why do plants require so-called lipid-filter theory domi- also satisfy that requirement with such huge root systems, which nated membrane transport physi- 100 to 200 g of vegetables and a frequently represent more in mass ology in general, which meant steak, the steak having obtained and surface area than the above- that uptake of a molecule into a its phosphate from plants, of ground part? cell is dependent solely on its size course. The cells of plant roots are Besides anchoring, roots above and its partition coefficient for therefore not only equipped to all withdraw water from the soil oil and water and thus is a pure specifically take up ions but also as well as the ions dissolved in Emanuel Epstein (born November 5, physical process. The protein- able to concentrate them 1,000- to it, like potassium, magnesium, 1916), the father of modern root mediated membrane passage was 10,000-fold. Once it was shown calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, physiology and biochemistry. finally proved in the years that that Mitchell’s (1963) chemo- selenium, and half a dozen more. followed, when the gene for the osmotic theory for active trans- These elements, which partly exist bacterial lactose permease was port of bacteria also holds for discovered in the French labora- in minute concentrations in the eukaryotic cells (Komor, 1973), soil, are essential for plants, but and biochemistry. On November tory of Monod (Rickenberg et a huge number of H+/substrate also for animals and humans. 5, 2016, the emeritus professor of al., 1956), and the American symporters were described in the We obtain them exclusively via plant biology of the Department biochemists Fox and Kennedy decades to follow, and the high the food chain through plants. of Plant Biology at UC Davis was (1965) identified the correspond- accumulating potential of root Only our supply of kitchen salt, 100 years old. Until recently, he ing protein. cells was in principle understood. sodium chloride, do we have cycled every day to his office; his Epstein (1973) pointed out the Epstein’s suggestion that freely to obtain ourselves, since food doctor has now forbidden use of tremendous importance of the movable organisms, wherever plants do not require sodium. For the bicycle. plant root for the existence of life: existing in the universe on solid that reason we have a salt shaker Epstein started to investi- “It may be predicted with some ground, require rooted partners on our dining table, but no iron, gate how ions are taken up by assurance that, if intelligent life to survive seems plausible: the magnesium, calcium, or sulfur plant roots in the early 1950s on solid land is ever discovered shaker. For cattle, salt blocks have (Epstein and Hagen, 1952). He elsewhere in the universe, there as former develop sensory organs to to be used. demonstrated that their transport on the earth the world of life will make optimal use of the possibil- How plants extract minerals through the membrane of root consist of two kingdoms: plant ity to freely move and a control from the soil has been intensively cells is a catalyzed process. The and animal. Only mobile organ- center to process the signals and studied by Emanuel Epstein, the postulated catalysts followed the isms will develop intelligence and coordinate the locomotor system; father of modern root physiology behavior of enzymes (Epstein, only stationary ones can secure continued on page 13 8  ASPB NEWS | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 People

Good Science Conquers Greatest Fear: The Unknown BY JACK PAYNE University of Florida

s part of the World Food Nor does he communicate Prize meeting in Des solely with the elite of academia. AMoines, Iowa, in October, He frequently speaks at elemen- an ASPB member was honored tary schools and retirement for work that was compared to homes. He has a highly rated that of Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill science on iTunes. He Nye, and Carl Sagan. And yes, tweets out science. He blogs it. He even to . meets you where you are. He does I don’t claim that University this because getting science out of Florida horticulture professor of the lab and to the people who Kevin Folta has saved a billion can benefit from it is as impor- lives. That’s Borlaug’s legacy. But tant to him as discovery itself. the plaudits for Folta are because So although Folta may not have he’s done as much as anyone in saved a billion lives, he’s trying the past decade to help people Kevin Folta Jack Payne mightily to make as many lives as understand the biotechnology he can better. behind what they eat. Fear is among the most power- What that means is he wants ful of feelings. It’s up to scientists to help conquer fears. Because we obscenity-laced social media So do I. During my time as to help remove one of its leading live in an age of so much infor- messages to death threats. vice president for extension and causes—the unknown. We don’t mation, we also live in an age of His message isn’t “Listen to outreach at Iowa State University, have enough scientists yet who misinformation. Often, I find, the me.” It’s to give a heads-up to I had the opportunity to meet have conquered their own fears very point of misinformation is to identify whom to trust for infor- Borlaug, and ever since, his of being targeted because they induce fear. mation and to evaluate whether mystique and his ethos have held deliver the science to help others Celebrities, activists, and they back it with science. Even me in their sway. conquer theirs. It’s the hope of others bring an amplified voice to more difficult, he’d like to chal- Relying on misinformation CAST and of Folta that the award our public discussion of food, but lenge people’s beliefs, not have can lead to unhealthy choices, will inspire more scientists to talk too often they do so without solid them retreat behind those beliefs food shortages, and a drag on more to the public and not just to scientific evidence to back their when the beliefs appear to be at efforts to put a stop to 3.1 million their peers. n assertions and warnings. I see odds with new facts. children a year worldwide dying this as part of a larger antiscience Few scientists do this as of malnutrition. Folta speaks Jack Payne is the University of ethos in some sectors of society. It effectively as Folta. That’s why around the nation about the Florida’s senior vice president for muddles public understanding of his work is important. It’s benefits of agricultural biotech- agriculture and natural resources important issues such as agricul- why the Ames, Iowa–based nology at professional confer- and leader of the Institute of Food tural biotechnology, vaccinations, Council of Agricultural Science ences, university lectures, and and Agricultural Sciences. and . and Technology recognized training sessions. He does this We in the scientific commu- him with its Borlaug CAST on his own time, and often at nity acknowledge that we’ve Communication Award. his own expense, because I still not done a good enough job Borlaug’s granddaughter was expect him to oversee more communicating to the public. among those who nominated than 50 faculty members at the Leaders such as Folta are trying Folta. She concluded her nomi- University of Florida’s Institute of to fix that. He wants to replace nation letter by stating that she Food and Agricultural Sciences as fear with fact. For that, he’s believed Folta would be her chair of the Horticultural Sciences been attacked relentlessly, from grandfather’s nominee. Department. ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1  9 ®

Call for Papers 2018 Focus Issue on Cellular Dynamics

Edited by Dan Szymanski, Diane Bassham, Teun Munnik, and Wataru Sakamoto

Deadline for Submission: June 5, 2017 To submit an article, go to http://pphys.msubmit.net/

Plant Physiology is pleased to announce a Focus Issue on Cellular Dynamics, to be published in January 2018. This is a very broad topic that encompasses a wide array of new research happening in this field. One goal of this issue is to provide a series of invited Update Reviews on hot topics in plant cell biology, with broad coverage of the major plant organelles and cytoskeletal systems. It is our intention that these reviews will be useful resources for the classroom and researchers who want to learn more about the established and newly discovered functions of plant organelles. The other goal is the publication of research articles in the realm of dynamic processes of plant cells. The issue will highlight new research that uncovers mechanistic details of the dynamic function of plant cells. Studies that include multivariate live cell imaging; computational modeling of cells, tissues, and organs; or technology development centered on imaging are particularly encouraged.

Authors interested in contributing should indicate this in the cover letter when submitting papers online at http://pphys. msubmit.net/. Please select “Cellular Dynamics” from the Focus Issue list in the online submission system. Articles pub- lished 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.

Please contact Dan Szymanski ([email protected]), Diane Bassham ([email protected]), Teun Munnik ([email protected]), or Wataru Sakamoto ([email protected]) for more information. Luminaries

Welcome to the ASPB News “Luminaries” column. Student and postdoc members are invited to submit their ideas for a 500- to 750-word interview they might like to conduct with a prominent scientist. Contact Membership Committee Chair Jill Deikman at jill.deikman@.com, who will help you develop some questions to frame your story. If we publish your interview, you will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.

Marja Timmermans Alexander von Humboldt Professor Center for Plant , University of Tübingen, Germany BY SUNIL KUMAR K R ASPB Student Ambassador, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

arja Timmermans That proved to be a key deci- advice. The plant group at Yale also began her scientific sion. Labs were different, less provided a stimulating environ- Mcareer at Cold Spring hierarchical than what I had ment that simplified the transition Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) experienced, and I became more into developmental biology for after completing her studies in integrated into the actual scien- me. Colleagues were interactive, the Netherlands and at Rutgers tific process. This was exciting! helpful, and constructively critical. University and Yale University. Science became less of a job It was perfect for me. In 2015, she joined the Center and more about applying logic, for Plant Molecular Biology at skills, and deductive reasoning to Please describe your journey the University of Tübingen after solve problems, just of a different from being an international being awarded Germany’s most nature than I had envisioned as student in the United States to prestigious international re- a child. So I decided to pursue a becoming a successful indepen- search award, the Alexander von PhD and a career in science. As dent scientific leader. Humboldt Professorship. Marja Timmermans for plants, after some experience I’m not sure what to say. I don’t Marja’s research focuses with microbiology and mouse think there was anything particu- on developmental genetics, tissue culture, I knew I wanted to larly special about how my career specifically on the formation What was your motivation for use genetics to study biology at developed. I loved what I did, and patterning of leaves. Her choosing plant science as a career? the whole organismal level. Plants worked hard, followed my ideas team has made several interna- offered tremendous possibilities, even when risky, listened care- tionally acclaimed discoveries Actually, the decision to seek and so I went for it. and explained key mechanisms a career in science came quite fully to advice, and took advan- behind leaf development and the late. As a child, I dreamed of tage of opportunities to interact Who or what influenced you the role of mobile small RNAs in leaf becoming a detective who solved with colleagues from all over the most in your early career to be polarity. She is one of the most crimes, like in the mysteries I world. In addition, there was a the scientist you are today? highly respected plant geneticists used to read. Only because I bit of luck. The first leaf polarity in the world. She serves on the was too young to join the police There is not just one person or mutants we cloned all showed editorial board of several profes- academy did I go for a bachelor’s event, but joining Tim Nelson’s lab connections to small RNAs. This sional journals and on selection degree in science. This was in the at Yale University as a postdoc set was at a time when the RNAi panels of organizations like the Netherlands, where I also worked the stage for my current research and small RNA field was gaining National Science Foundation for several years as a technician and likely also my mentoring style. tremendous importance. This and the Human Frontier Science before deciding to move to the He gave me tremendous free- work gave me visibility early in Program. United States. dom but could be counted on for continued on page 12 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1  11 Luminaries

LUMINARIES invited speakers, keynote address- What are your experiences orga- How was your transition from continued from page 11 es, awards, and other occasions nizing the CSHL plant course? CSHL to Tübingen? leading to visibility. The effort just my career. Obviously, you still I love it! A lot goes into organiz- I received tremendous support needs to be made. need to know what questions to ing this course, but every minute from my family and my new ask and to be able to carve an is worth it. The students taking colleagues at the University of What experiences and training interesting niche for yourself the course are enthusiastic and Tübingen, which made the tran- do you think are important for within a competitive field, but my eager to be there, and each year sition far easier than it could early career scientists? career might have gone differently there is true talent among the have been. Moving requires had the first polarity mutants As a scientist, you need to be participants. The topics covered adjustment, but moving to a new turned out to be something else. a jack-of-all-trades. Early on, are also more diverse than what country is extra challenging. technical competence and the I routinely read or hear, and so I Aside from the actual science, Do you see barriers for women in ability to easily adopt the latest learn a lot. Still, it is the interac- everything is organized differ- science? What are your sugges- techniques are essential. Equally tions with the students as well as ently in Germany compared with tions to improve the situation? important is to really know the co-organizers and instructors that the United States. This has led to some funny anecdotes as well Tough question, and not easily system or biological process you I particularly enjoy. The course’s addressed in this short inter- are studying. The famous book unique setting spurs many inter- as the occasional frustration; view. Inequality manifests itself about Barbara McClintock, A esting discussions, and then there stereotypes are based on some in many different ways, ranging Feeling for the Organism by Evelyn are the informal interactions. level of truth. Still, looking back from seemingly innocuous differ- Fox Keller (W. H. Freeman, 1983), Through the late nights on the on the past year or so, it has been ences in the day-to-day interac- captures that well. course lab balcony or at the bar, an exciting and overall very posi- tion between colleagues, to real Think deeply and critically you get to know the students indi- tive change. There are still some biases in hiring and promotion about your work. What are the vidually, and these interactions challenges ahead of me, such as in practices, to the perception of data telling you, what not, and are really rewarding. If you get the teaching, but for now I am enjoy- scientific quality. Improving the how exactly does it all fit into opportunity to participate in the ing the new life. situation will take time. In partic- the big picture? Perhaps related course, whether as a student or an ular, societal preconceptions to that, learn to take risk. Many instructor, I highly recommend it. Can you shed some light on sim- that influence women’s personal breakthroughs stem from obser- ilarities and differences in the decisions to pursue a career and vations that didn’t at first make Share your experiences on way science is done in these two that often unjustly come into play sense. However, the ability to being awarded the prestigious premier research institutes? when women are considered for recognize when to pursue and Alexander von Humboldt The two institutions show more jobs, promotions, awards, and when to drop something is key. Professorship. differences than similarities. so forth are not easy to change. You also need to learn how It is a tremendous honor. Six CSHL is unique. In the United Studies have shown that family to communicate effectively. The such professorships on average States, there are few places that and other matters not directly work can be terrific, but if it isn’t are awarded each year across all resemble it. In some way, the fact related to science, even looks and presented well, the impact is likely disciplines. There are few biolo- that Tübingen and CSHL are so personality, are far more likely to to be lost. A common mistake gists among the recipients, and different made the transition easi- be brought up in discussions of is to go into so much detail that I was the first plant scientist to er. I like both places and see pros receive this award. It opens doors female versus male candidates. it blurs the main message. Keep and cons for each. I’ll mention and provides real opportunities. Increasing the representa- it simple. Typically, less is more. one point that I value for each. In addition to the honor, the tion of women among faculty, on Perhaps try to see how good At CSHL, I value the interdisci- award comes with a substantial committees, and in other types speakers structure their presenta- plinary interaction facilitated by its of leadership positions will be sum of money to establish a new tions or writers their papers. research group in Germany. small size and access to the many essential, but I’m not a fan of Finally, you need management meetings and courses. These have quotas. Although I can see how This allows me to pursue some skills, something we don’t train for. challenging problems that are greatly influenced the research these could speed up the process, More and more institutions have not easily approached through my group has done. At Tübingen, they can have negative repercus- mentorships for junior faculty. If three-year renewable grant cycles. I very much appreciate that the sions. This is 2017! There are yours doesn’t, try to arrange one. I was always interested in return- constant worry about funding that many excellent female candidates There will be lots of situations for ing to Europe; the Alexander von affects most of the U.S. science for each of these functions, and which your PhD and postdoc did Humboldt Professorship made community is barely noticeable. likewise for opportunities such as not fully prepare you. that so much easier. This changes the scientific atmo- 12  ASPB NEWS | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 sphere. I see a greater emphasis sion; it has changed the type of What are the key qualities you into the city. This used to mean on basic research here, and a questions we ask. seek in a potential team member? Manhattan, but now my husband willingness to take on high-risk and I often go to Amsterdam to 2. RNAi and small RNAs affect Number 1 is passion. It is really or long-term projects. Some pres- many fundamental aspects of see an exhibit, have dinner, or see important that the candidate be sure is good, but too much stifles biology. Our focus has been family or friends. On other week- excited about science and the creativity. Perhaps science here on development, in which ends we do the exact opposite and research we do. I further look for is still more about curiosity than we showed that small RNAs go out into nature. My husband intellect, someone who is logical fundability. Time will tell. serve as mobile instructive lives in Switzerland, and we love and can arrive at testable hypoth- signals, but the discovery of to go hiking in the Alps. n eses; technical skills, particularly What scientific advances and small RNAs and RNAi has also the ability to learn or adopt new discoveries do you think have drastically changed our views technologies; communication skills; impacted plant scientists most of epigenetics, gene regulation, Sunil Kumar K R is a graduate independence; and team spirit. in recent years? How have these and viral defense. And there is student at the University of discoveries influenced your the obvious impact from their Nebraska–Lincoln. He attended the What is your ideal relaxation research directions? use as reverse genetics tools. CSHL Frontiers and Techniques in after a busy day of work? Plant Science course in 2015, for Well, there are many, and probably 3. Microscopy has seen a number which Marja Timmermans was a the longer I think about this ques- of advances that allow us to look I am not a morning person and co-organizer. You can read about tion, the more will come to mind. at structures with ever-increas- so tend to work late into the his research on www.linkedin.com/ So let me name just three that ing resolution and sensitivity. evening. After coming home, I in/SunilKumar-KR and follow him relate directly to the work we do: In addition, through live imag- don’t typically do too much— on twitter @Sunil_husker. 1. Deep-sequencing technology ing, it is now possible to get a work on a sudoku, read a book, or not only has changed how we dynamic view of developmental watch some TV. However, I like clone genes or profile expres- processes. to be active on the weekends, go

EMANUEL EPSTEIN years have elucidated the molecu- Epstein, E. (1973, May). Roots. Michaelis, L., and Menten, continued from page 8 lar mechanisms of membrane Scientific American 5: 48–58. M. L. (1913). Die Kinetik der Invertinwirkung [The kinetics of transport in plants and are pres- Epstein, E., and Hagen, C. E. (1952). the latter do the mining work. invertase action]. Biochemische ently trying to produce crop A kinetic study of the absorption of Epstein’s prediction will most Zeitschrift 49: 333–369. plants optimized for humans and alkali cations by barley roots. Plant likely never be proven. However, the environment. n Physiology 27: 457–474. Mitchell, P. (1963). Molecule group new earthlike exoplanets are and electron translocation through Epstein E., Rains, D. W., and discovered daily (Petigura et al., References natural membranes. Biochemistry Schmid, W. E. (1962). Course of cat- Society Symposium 22: 142–168. 2013), so the question of whether Dittmer, H. (1937). A quantitative ion absorption by plant tissue. Science life exists on other planets is more study of the roots and root hairs of Petigura, E. A., Howard A. W., and 136: 1051–1052. Marcy, G. W. (2013). Prevalence of acute than ever. a winter rye plant (Secale cereale). American Journal of Botany 24: Fox, C. F., and Kennedy, E. P. (1965). Earth-size planets orbiting sun-like Epstein (1972, 1973) described 414–420. Specific labeling and partial purifica- stars. PNAS 110: 19273–19278. the tremendous importance of Epstein, E. (1953). Mechanism of tion of the M protein, a component of Rickenberg H. V., Cohen, G. N., the plant’s root more than 40 ion absorption by roots. Nature 171: the β-galactoside transport system of Buttin, G., and Monod, J. (1956). La years ago. With his early publica- 83–84. Escherichia coli. PNAS 54: 891–899. galactoside-perméase d’Escherichia coli. Annales de l’Institut Pasteur 91: tions, he established the basis for Epstein, E. (1972). Mineral nutrition Komor, E. (1973). Proton-coupled 829–857. the work of hundreds of plant of plants: Principles and perspectives. hexose transport in Chlorella vulgaris. biochemists, who in the past 60 New York: John Wiley & Sons. FEBS Letters 38: 16–18.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1  13 ®

Call for Papers 2018 Focus Issue on Energy: Light and Oxygen Dynamics

Edited by Ronald Pierik, Julia Bailey-Serres, Alexander Ruban, and Astrid Wingler

Deadline for Submission: August 1, 2017 To submit an article, go to http://pphys.msubmit.net

Plant Physiology is pleased to announce a Focus Issue on Energy: Light and Oxygen Dynamics, to be published in February 2018. Submissions on any aspect of plant biology regulated by factors associated with energy, light, and oxygen are welcome. This Focus Issue will consider topics ranging from cellular processes to developmental decisions, in the context of the organism and its interactions with a dynamic and challenging environment. Contributions might include mechanistic studies on light perception and signal transduction, energy sensing and metabolism, or low oxygen cues and responses. We also welcome submissions within this broad theme that advance mechanistic knowledge to improve crops.

Authors interested in contributing should indicate this in the cover letter when submitting papers online at http://pphys.msubmit.net. Please select “Energy: Light and Oxygen Dynamics” 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.

Please contact Ronald Pierik ([email protected]), Julia Bailey-Serres ([email protected]), Alexander Ruban ([email protected]), or Astrid Wingler ([email protected]) for more information. Science Policy

Policy Update BY LAUREN BROCCOLI Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

Congress Returns to 3084, the American Innovation House before Congress adjourns. OSTP Request for Infor- Washington for the and Competitiveness Act, autho- At the time of writing, the final mation: Framework for a Lame Duck Session rization legislation for NSF, the agreement had not yet been Federal Strategic Plan for National Institute of Standards posted to a public website; rather, Following the 2016 elections, law- Soil Science and Technology, and the White congressional committee staff makers returned to Washington Following World Soils Day, the House Office of Science and shared it with the community. in November to begin the White House Office of Science Technology Policy. This effort lame duck session of the 114th Source and Additional Information and Technology Policy (OSTP) represents a bicameral compro- Congress. As previously reported, • A summary of S. 3084 is avail- released a request for informa- mise with the House Science in October the House and Senate able at http://tinyurl.com/ tion (RFI) for the Framework for Committee on its version of this delayed action on fiscal year grt3ueg. a Federal Strategic Plan for Soil authorization legislation, H.R. (FY) 2017 funding decisions and Science. This opportunity fol- 1806, the America COMPETES passed a continuing resolution House Passes 21st Century lows an OSTP announcement in Reauthorization Act of 2015. (CR) that extended funding at Cures Act October that called for commit- The following provisions are ments and recommendations in FY2016 levels. The current CR On November 30, 2016, the U.S. of importance to ASPB priorities. soil science innovation. expires on December 9, 2016 and House of Representatives passed, The legislation Although it’s unclear how (or at the time of writing it’s expected by a vote of 392 to 26, a revised whether) the incoming admin- that Congress will pass another • reaffirms the merit-based peer version of the 21st Century Cures istration’s policy will impact this stopgap measure that will run view process, which consid- Act, which would create an NIH ongoing soil science initiative, through April 28, 2017 maintain- ers both intellectual merit and Innovation Account to support federal agencies like USDA will ing federal spending at FY2016 broader impacts; funding for priority programs continue to implement current levels, with some budget anoma- • continues the Experimental including the Cancer Moonshot, research priorities and initiatives lies for specific agencies and Program to Stimulate the Precision Medicine Initiative, for the foreseeable future. programs like the Department of Competitive Research and the BRAIN Initiative. The bill Defense. (EPSCoR) Program, with up- would direct $4.8 billion over 10 Source and Additional Information Looking ahead, there is uncer- dates to the award structure; years into the Innovation Account • Full details on the RFI are tainty surrounding the timing of • evaluates midscale project in- for support of these activities. The available at http://tinyurl.com/ n the FY2018 budget request and vestment gaps; bill also includes a number of pro- jhj3kbe. the nomination and confirmation visions that would accelerate Food • creates an interagency work- of a new Office of Management and Drug Administration (FDA) ing group within the Office of and Budget director. For now, approval of drugs and medical Management and Budget that federal research priorities and devices and would provide $500 will decrease burden on aca- programs that support plant million for these activities at FDA demic researchers; biology will likely continue and over 10 years. Additionally, several operate under FY2016 spending • directs NSF to create a Center provisions included in the bill are priorities through the remainder of Excellence on STEM re- designed to reduce administra- of FY2017. search and best practices; and tive burden on researchers. At the • establishes a new interagency time of writing, the Senate was ex- NSF Authorization federal STEM workforce work- pected to vote on and pass the bill. Legislation ing group. Source and Additional Information The Senate Committee on The bill is progressing via the • The House version of the bill is Commerce, Science, and hotline process and is expected available at http://tinyurl.com/ Transportation reported out S. to pass the Senate and then the z5axe7h.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1  15 Science Policy

ASPB and Other Leading Scientific Organizations Reach Out to Trump BY TYRONE SPADY ASPB Legislative and Public Affairs Director

n November 23, 2016, propriate engineering, scientific, the White House on science- and ASPB, AAAS, and management and policy skills technology-related matters. Since O27 other leading U.S. necessary for this critically im- 2009, this position has been held scientific organizations and portant role.” by John Holdren. The letter did professional societies sent a let- The science adviser to the not recommend specific indi- ter to President-elect Donald president heads the White House viduals for this important post, Trump. The letter urged Trump Office of Science and Technology instead focusing on getting on to “quickly appoint a science Policy, the body charged with the radar of the Trump transition adviser with the title of Assistant coordination of the dozens of team. The multisociety transition to the President for Science and federal agencies that fund or letter can be viewed at http:// Technology who is a national support the nation’s research tinyurl.com/gwzgvnv. n respected leader with the ap- enterprise and provide advice to

16  ASPB NEWS | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Education Forum

ASPB Education and Outreach Road Show Rolls On: NABT 2016, Denver BY SCOTT WOODY University of Wisconsin–Madison

he ASPB Education Committee continued its Tlong tradition of reaching out to educators where they gather to promote the use of plant model systems in K–16 classrooms and to provide expert guidance to teach- ers who struggle with the task or simply want to learn of the latest in teaching resources developed by ASPB membership and affili- ated groups (e.g., Botanical Society of America, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute [HHMI]). The Chien-Yuan (Kevin) Lin (middle) and Jacqueline National Association of Biology Chaparro (left) explaining how biology teachers can use Teachers (NABT) Professional ASPB resources to enhance their curricula and student Development Conference was held educational outcomes. November 3–6, 2016, in Denver, Colorado, and, with the able and eager assistance of volunteers from area plant biology departments, Hanya Chrispeels displaying visual once again the ASPB booth was aids useful to educators to help stu- a “can’t miss” destination among dents understand the contributions NABT visitors to the exhibition of plant biology and plant biolo- hall. gists to world health and nutrition. We were pleased to show- case the educational resources under development by Gloria by ASPB membership—My Life Muday, Hanya Chrispeels, as a Plant activity books, the Michelle Klosterman, and 12 Principles of Plant Biology Carole Browne (Wake Forest bookmarks, ASPB journal cover University), recent recipients prints suitable for framing, and Scott Woody (co-organizer of the ASPB booth) describ- of a Plant BLOOME award for hard-copy summaries of educa- ing FPsc genetic resources to biology teachers. development of GMO-related tional resources and activities educational materials that can available on Plantae—the booth help students better understand also devoted stations to promote the technology involved and the the Planting Science program with the student-friendly popcorn at the University of Wisconsin– basis of arguments for and against and HHMI’s BioInteractive video variety as star of the DVD. Madison (Rick Amasino and contemporary approaches to crop series. Popped Secrets, a recent Several booth stations were Scott Woody, directors). FPsc is improvement. release by HHMI, describes the on offer from the FPsc (Fast a self-compatible analog of the In addition to the many domestication and (consequently) Plants, self-compatible) Genetic self-incompatible Wisconsin educational resources developed accelerated evolution of Zea mays, Resource Development Center continued on page 18 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1  17 Education Forum

NABT 2016 with a greater appreciation of continued from page 17 the generous contributions of ASPB membership to our shared Fast Plants model system for commitment to enhance student hands-on exploration of plant education in plant biology. biology. Rick, Scott, and students The next events on the used a mutagenesis screen to Education Committee outreach generate a collection of mutant schedule include AAAS Family derivatives whose phenotypes Science Days in Boston, March are unambiguously distinct 18–19, and the National Science from the wild type and whose Teachers Association national transmission from parent to meeting in Los Angeles, March progeny plants epitomizes the 30–April 2. If you live and work behavior of both dominant and in the Boston or Los Angeles recessive Mendelian characters. areas and might like to try your Concurrently, students created a hand at outreach, please do not genomewide collection of poly- hesitate to drop an email to Scott Damian Guerra guiding biology teachers through ASPB educational merase chain reaction–based Woody ([email protected]). You resources. molecular markers useful for will not regret it! n localization and characterization of mutant alleles. A second FPsc station described ongoing efforts to optimize and enhance student-directed experi- ments in artificial selection, includ- ing the results of quantitative trait locus analysis to identify Brassica rapa loci that condition expression of continuously variable pheno- typic traits. Finally, a third station presented a web-accessible genetic mapping simulation program that enables students to make a clear connection between mutant Damian Guerra, Scott Woody, and William Adams sharing a slow moment in an phenotypes and underlying DNA otherwise busy outreach booth at NABT. sequence–based genotypes (avail- able at sim.fpscgenetics.org). NABT 2016 was the first time most local volunteers had participated in an ASPB outreach Thanks to All ASPB Booth Volunteers event, and most were pleasantly surprised to discover that biology Valerie Haywood, ASPB Education Committee, Case Western teachers who visited the ASPB Reserve University booth are creative and dedicated to Scott Woody, ASPB Education Committee, University of the task of incorporating plants in Wisconsin–Madison their biology curriculum through William Adams, University of Colorado–Boulder activities ranging from studies of Damian Guerra, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus light-dependent plant growth to Jacqueline Chaparro, Colorado State University plant tissue culture experiments. Ruth Watson, Colorado State University Local volunteers also came away Chien-Yuan (Kevin) Lin, National Renewable Energy Laboratory from the outreach experience 18  ASPB NEWS | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 New Staff

ASPB Welcomes Teresa Myers as Our New Meetings Coordinator

e are delighted to an- staff to plan, implement, and ASPB from the American Nurses nounce that Teresa execute the Program Committee Association, where she served as WMyers joined ASPB’s meeting logistics. lead registrar for the organization’s staff on January 3, 2017, as our Teresa’s career in the meetings four conferences, including its new meetings coordinator. In industry began five years ago after annual conference, which hosted that capacity, Teresa will deliver a chance visit to Las Vegas, where nearly 10,000 attendees in 2016. As first-rate customer and meeting she received a firsthand look at the a passionate meetings professional, paid), and experience the meetings management services to ASPB’s convention center’s operations and Teresa has been awarded several profession’s most prestigious and meeting and event clients. Her was deeply intrigued. She returned industry awards, most notably well-attended conference. When primary responsibility will be the on a mission to enter and thrive in the Professional Convention she’s not engrossed in meetings oversight and management of all the industry. Since then she’s grad- Management Association’s 2016 work, she enjoys traveling with meetings and events for which uated with honors from Prince Convening Leaders Scholarship. her family, thrift store scavenging ASPB has been contracted to offer George’s Community College with The scholarship awarded her the (thrifting), and binge watching meeting/conference services. She a degree in meetings and event opportunity to travel to Vancouver, H G T V. will also work closely with ASPB management. Teresa comes to British Columbia (all expenses Welcome Teresa! n

þ Call for Nominations Nebraska Plant Breeding Symposium 2017 ASPB Council ASPB members are invited to submit a nomination for the office NEW FRONTIERS IN of president-elect and elected member of the ASPB Council. The Society’s ongoing success is routed in leaders who promote our mis- PLANT BREEDING— sion and create new ways to serve ASPB members, the plant biology community, policy makers, and the general public. Each nomination matters! Please nominate ASPB’s future leaders by February 17, 2017! GENOMICS AND BEYOND To submit a nomination go to https://aspb-excom.secure-platform. com/a/. March 14, 2017 University of Nebraska–Lincoln 2017 ASPB Awards Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center þ This one-day symposium is FREE, open to the Get Nominating! public and offered via webinar. In 2017, ASPB will award accomplished plant biologists across all areas of plant science and at all stages of their career. The 2017 awards will REGISTER BY FEB 24 be presented during Plant Biology 2017 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nomina- tion procedures and a list of the 2017 awards are available online. Nominations must be submitted electronically by February 17, 2017. at go.unl.edu/NPBS2017 For more information on ASPB’s nomination procedure, go to https:// aspb-awards.secure-platform.com/a/.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1  19 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ROCKVILLE MD American Society of Plant Biologists AND ADDITIONAL 15501 Monona Drive MAILING OFFICES Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA

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