May/June 2011
ASPB News
Volume 38, Number 3 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS May/June 2011
ASPB Invited to Host Science Outreach Inside This Issue at White House
Plant Biology 2011 Society Helps Families Dig into Plant Biology Making Your Way to Minneapolis! During 2011 Easter Egg Roll
ASPB 2011 Award Recipients Announced ASPB had an “egg-ceptional” day on Monday, April Th e theme of this year’s Easter Egg Roll was “Get 25, as Society members and staff “hopped to it” to Up and Go!” It was designed to coordinate with Social Media Revolution host a plant-based activity during the 2011 White First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, House Easter Egg Roll (http://www.whitehouse.gov/ an ongoing national campaign to combat childhood AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Fellow Spending Summer eastereggroll). Th is “eggstra”-popular event is the obesity. Aspects of nutrition were featured in various at NPR largest hosted by the White House. For this year’s activities across the South Lawn, including growing, 133rd celebration, more than 205,000 applications preparing, and eating fresh produce. Plant biology for the online ticket lottery yielded approximately was a natural fi t. 30,000 ticket winners representing all 50 states. To fulfi ll the fi rst family’s request for science- Several fi lm clips of the action on the South Lawn related activities, ASPB was one of three science can be viewed on the White House website at http:// organizations invited to participate by the White www.whitehouse.gov/live. House Offi ce of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). ASPB coordinated with OSTP to adapt
continued on page 25
ASPB President Nick Carpita chats with First Lady Michelle Obama about plant biology. The ASPB News is delivered online as well as in print. Members will be alerted by e-mail when a new issue is posted. The ASPB News welcomes member feedback. Contact the editor at [email protected]. ASPB Executive Committee & Staff CONTENTS
President Nicholas Carpita 765-494-4653 President-elect Steven C. Huber 217-265-0909 Immediate Past President Tuan-hua David Ho 314-935-4632 1 ASPB Invited to Host Science Outreach at the White House Secretary Judy Callis 530-752-1015 Treasurer Jonathan Monroe 540-568-6649 Chair, Board of Trustees Mary Lou Guerinot 603-646-2527 4 President’s Letter Chair, Publications Committee Sally Mackenzie 402-472-6997 Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Marta Laskowski 440-775-6596 6 Plant Biology 2011 Chair, Minority Affairs Committee MariaElena B. Zavala 818-677-3342 Chair, Education Committee Erin Dolan 540-231-2692 8 2011 ASPB Awards Announced Chair, International Committee Leon V. Kochian 607-255-2454 Chair, Membership Committee Mel Oliver 573-882-9645 9 The Social Media Revolution Chair, Committee on Public Affairs Richard Sayre 314-587-1437 Elected Members Gloria Muday 336-758-5316 10 AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Fellow Katherine W. Osteryoung 517-355-4685 Spending Summer at NPR Marguerite Varagona 636-737-6394 Sectional Representatives Midwestern Section Meets at Purdue Midwestern John Kiss 513-529-5428 Northeastern Estelle Hrabak 603-862-0716 11 Mid-Atlantic Section Spring Meeting Southern Timothy D. Sherman 251-460-7529 Mid-Atlantic Zhongchi Liu 301-405-1586 12 Report on the Western Section Western David Logan 306-966-4409 Annual Meeting Executive director Crispin Taylor, ext. 115 [email protected] 13 People Executive and governance affairs manager Donna Gordon, ext. 131 [email protected] Assoc. director of fi nance & administration Kim Kimnach, ext. 140 [email protected] 16 Women in Plant Biology Accounts receivable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, ext. 143 [email protected] Junior accountant Jotee Pundu, ext. 144 [email protected] 18 Membership Corner Director of meetings, marketing, & membership Jean Rosenberg, ext. 110 [email protected] Manager of marketing and web services Wendy Sahli, ext. 123 [email protected] 19 Public Affairs Membership, meetings, & marketing specialist Shoshana Kronfeld, ext. 122 [email protected] Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, ext. 141 [email protected] Subscriptions assistant Linda Palmer, ext. 142 [email protected] 22 Public Affairs Update Director of public affairs Adam Fagen, ext. 114 [email protected] Education foundation coordinator Katie Engen, ext. 116 [email protected] 25 ASPB Education Forum Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, ext. 117 [email protected] Publications assistant Diane McCauley, ext. 133 [email protected] 41 Obituaries Managing editor Patti Lockhart, ext. 119 [email protected] Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, 845-878-4570 [email protected] Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, ext. 130 [email protected] Deadline for September/October 2011 Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Leslie (Ash) Csikos, ext. 125 [email protected] ASPB News: August 5, 2011 Senior features editor, The Plant Cell Nancy Eckardt, 970-495-9918 [email protected] Features editor, The Plant Cell Mary Williams, +44-141-339-4960 [email protected] Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, ext. 118 [email protected] Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, ext. 120 [email protected]
ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is published six times ASPB News annually, in odd-numbered months. It is edited and prepared by ASPB staff from material provided by ASPB members and other interested Headquarters Offi ce parties. 15501 Monona Drive Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered month Phone: 301-251-0560 (for example, December 5 for January/February publication). Submit not Fax: 301-279-2996 copy by e-mail whenever possible; submit all other copy by mail, by fax. [email protected] Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; [email protected]; 301-296-0904. © 2011 American Society of Plant Biologists G_`c`gj>i\\eGfn\iC<;jdXb\pflic`^_ki\Z`g\jnfib @dgifm\^ifnk_Xe[jXm\\e\i^p
>fc[9`fk\Z_efcf^p L%J%I\^`jkiXk`feEf*#),.#0). #>fc[Y`f L%J%I\^`jkiXk`feEf*#),.#0)- Xe[>9K L%J%I\^`jkiXk`feEf*#),/#'.* Xi\i\^`jk\i\[kiX[\dXibjf]>fc[9`fk\Z_efcf^p#@eZ%G?@C@GJ`jXi\^`jk\i\[kiX[\dXibf]Bfe`ebc`ab\G_`c`gj ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 3 President’s Letter ASPB and Global Food, Water, and Energy Security At a U.S. State Department aft er the Green Revolution made Although rich nations are awash in food, ceremony announcing the award India a grain-exporting country their aid to developing nations continues of the 2009 World Food Prize to (4). World Bank President Robert on a downward spiral—a decrease that was Gebisa Ejeta, Secretary Hillary Zoellick warns that the political accelerated by the downturn in the global Clinton began with a reminder: upheavals in North Africa and economy, just when the funding is needed “Th is morning, 1 billion people the Middle East, a region that most. Fortunately, several private founda- around the world woke up hun- imports almost half its food, tions and nongovernmental agencies have gry, and tonight, they will go to have each been kindled by food stepped up in a signifi cant way to augment sleep hungry” (1). Aft er decades shortages, and the rising cost much-needed support. Th e Lugar-Casey of complacency about agricul- of food is the biggest challenge Global Food Security Act promises to fur- tural productivity in the wake of Nick Carpita facing developing nations (5). ther stem the decline, but it is not without the Green Revolution, the political events of Th is is an unsustainable course that demands its detractors because of its willingness to the past year have reawakened our senses to far greater input from rich countries. For the include genetically modifi ed organisms how precipitously close we are coming to po- United States, the drop in disposable income (GMOs) as part of the solution. As coauthor tentially catastrophic food and water short- needed to buy food because of the successes, Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) explains, ages in the developing world, with ripple or excesses, in agricultural productivity has “Food insecurity is a global tragedy, but it is eff ects that will aff ect even well-fed, rich translated into marked decreases in funding also an opportunity for the United States. We nations. According to Ejeta, whose decades for the science and technology needed to are the indisputable leader in agricultural of research have led to new drought-tolerant sustain the trajectory for continued advances technology. A more focused eff ort on our and Striga-resistant sorghum varieties for now lagging on a global scale. part to join with other nations to increase sub-Saharan agriculture, world leaders and Th e Green Revolution meant major ad- yields, create economic opportunities for development agencies have fi nally come to vances in agriculture for Mexico, India, and the rural poor, and broaden agricultural a sobering realization: we need to provide Indonesia, but how did it miss sustained support for agricultural science Africa? According to Ejeta, and technologies if we are to transform agri- when the Green Revolution cultural productivity in developing countries was launched in Asia, the to anything close to the levels enjoyed by institutional capacity essential rich nations (2). As the planet’s population for an agricultural revolution rapidly approaches the 7 billion mark this in Africa was virtually non- year, our worldwide ASPB membership existent: “Africa was simply becomes an ever more crucial link to supply not ready for a science-based the fundamental underpinning research that development campaign at the will keep the steady trajectory we need to time. Th e colonial agricul- get ahead of the curve on food, water, and tural research farms were no carbon-neutral energy security. more than test stations for Th e complacency of global governments commodities of European toward agriculture is not that surprising when interests such as cotton, cof- considering the decades of advances. Th e fee, tea, and cacao” (2). Th e proportion of domestic disposable personal genetic advances in wheat income U.S. citizens pay for food has dropped and rice were of little help to a from 25% when hybrid corn was fi rst intro- continent with very diff erent duced in the 1920–1930s to less than 10% staple crops, and precious today (3). No developed nation pays more few resources were devoted than 15% for its food, although in a rapid- to developing what Africans growth economy like China’s, the proportion relied on for a sustainable nears 30%, and for India, close to 40%, even subsistence. Gebisa Ejeta in Ethiopia. PHOTO BY TOM CAMPBELL, PURDUE UNIVERSITY 4 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Debby Delmer in Africa. Leon Kochian in India. knowledge could strengthen relationships organized at ASPB’s 2007 annual meeting ASPB is poised to get involved in mean- around the world and open up a new era in in Chicago was a stunning example of how ingful ways. Since its inception in 1999, U.S. diplomacy” (6). quickly the high-quality science carried out ASPB’s IC mission has evolved to serve our Th ere are indeed lots of challenges, and by young scientists she helped identify and international membership. We have spon- plant biologists have steadfastly conducted support is already being implemented into sored workshops to promote international basic research to address them. Former agronomic practice. cooperation. ASPB participates in AGORA, ASPB President Debby Delmer, retired A more substantial investment is still an online resource that makes agricultural director of food security at the Rockefeller essential, but our ASPB membership is po- journals (including both ASPB-published Foundation and currently a consultant in sitioned to facilitate much-needed scientifi c journals) free online to institutions in international agriculture, says that “As plant strategic partnerships that can accelerate countries in which the per capita income is biologists, we most identify with the need the outcomes of these investments. Debby less than $1,000 per year. Th rough the ef- to create higher-yielding, more nutritious suggests that in the big picture, “Th ere are forts of Mel Oliver, ASPB has also taken the crop varieties resistant to pests and diseases three things we may be best positioned to lead in initiating and promoting the Global and more resilient to the stresses imposed do: (1) continue to make new fundamental Plant Council (http://globalplantcouncil. by low soil fertility, drought, salinity, and all discoveries that will open the way for new org), a global consortium of plant societies the other consequences of erratic weather advances in all types of agriculture; (2) step committed to addressing global concerns of that will only increase with climate change.” up funding and the interest of our member- hunger, energy, climate change, health and Th e chair of ASPB’s International Commit- ship in human capacity building—identify well-being, sustainability, and environmen- tee (IC), Leon Kochian, adds that “Th ere are those leaders of tomorrow and make sure tal protection. Leon wants the mission of also other, more subtle issues associated with they have the opportunity to engage in state- the “new” IC to focus more intensively on food insecurity. More than 2 billion people of-the-art research and bring their energy high-impact outreach activities connecting in developing countries suff er from micro- and education back to their own countries; plant biologists and agricultural researchers nutrient malnutrition, such as iron, zinc, and (3) fi nd ways for our key scientists to in developing countries and those work- and vitamin A defi ciencies. For these people, spend some time in a developing country plant-based foods are the primary compo- or an international research center, such as ing with them. “Our initial activities will nents of their diets, and these food crops are the Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa focus on ASPB-supported development and traditionally poor sources of bioavailable (BecA) in Nairobi, Kenya (http://hub. sponsorship of workshops in sub-Saharan micronutrients.” africabiosciences.org), or one of 15 centers Africa,” says Leon. Already on the books What is needed most? Debby’s personal of the CGIAR (http://www.cgiar.org).” In- is a capacity-building workshop on mo- wish is that we “fi nd better ways to identify creased investment in science and technolo- lecular breeding in maize and sorghum at and nurture those unique young individuals gy education in developing countries is core the BecA training facility in Nairobi that who have the potential for real leadership. to building infrastructure in these countries. Debby also mentioned. Th is workshop will Th ese are the people who really make things Th e Generation Challenge program is an ef- provide training to a dozen sorghum and happen locally and are critical for success.” fort by the CGIAR centers to take advantage maize breeders from research facilities in Debby has already walked that walk through of advances in genomics, genetics, and plant East and West Africa on the use of molecular her involvement in foundation work. Th e breeding to enhance the lives of resource- markers and genome data to facilitate plant Plant Biology in Africa symposium she poor farmers in developing countries. continued on page 12 ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 5 Making Your Way to Minneapolis! Getting There—Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Come to Minneapolis by Plane Milwaukee and Chicago, often for lower fares. It departs from both downtown The Minneapolis–St. Paul International and the university; check the website for Airport (MSP; 612-726-5555; http://www. exact locations. mspairport.com) is between the two cities to the south. It’s a hub for Delta Airlines The Amtrak station (651-644-6012; 730 and is served by every major world airline, Transfer Road) off University Avenue SE is but great deals can be found on Sun between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Trains Country (a local regional airline) and, of go daily to Chicago (eight hours). course, Southwest, which has been serving Check your drive time by visiting http:// Minneapolis since 2009. If you are coming www.google.com/maps. from locations not served by these dis- count airlines, you can take advantage of the discounts arranged by ASPB for travel Discounted Rates on Hotels to the meeting through Delta Airlines and Through July 5, 2011! American Airlines. Special arrangements have been made For reservations and ticketing assistance with three hotels adjacent to the Minne- with Delta Airlines, call 1-800-328-1111. apolis Convention Center. Check out all Refer to Ticket Designator NM78P. the hotels in ASPB’s block at http://www. aspb.org/meetings/pb-2011/housing.cfm. To make airline reservations with American MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER Airlines call 1-800-433-1790 from any- Please note that special concessions are where in the United States or Canada and being given at the Hilton Minneapolis refer to your Promotion Code 4671BN, or (headquarters hotel) for attendees of go online and choose “More Flight Search Plant Biology 2011. Options” and insert the promotion code in the appropriate box. Concessions Exclusively The cheapest way from the airport to the Off ered to ASPB Attendees city of Minneapolis is via the Hiawatha Staying at the Hilton light-rail line ($1.50 to $2, 25 minutes). • Complimentary high-speed Internet in The light-rail stops just one block from the the guestrooms hotels being used for our meeting. • $4 domestic 16 oz. draft beer • $5 premium 16 oz. draft beer Come to Minneapolis by Bus • 10% off at Barron’s Brew and FARMER’S MARKET or Train SkyWater Restaurant • Complimentary barista service at Greyhound (612-371-3325; http:// Barron’s Brew with four-night minimum www.greyhound.com; 950 Hawthorne stay (includes coffee/beverage and Avenue) runs frequent buses to Milwau- pastry of choice) kee (seven hours), Chicago (nine hours), • Free soda or tea with minimum $10 and Duluth (three hours). purchase at SkyWater Megabus (877-462-6342; http:// www.megabus.com/us) runs express to PHOTOS © 2011 MEET MINNEAPOLIS 6 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 On-site Child Care Available at Plant Biology 2011 The new attendee benefi t created to age-appropriate activities. Kimberlee Care assist parental participation that was will be open during the opening awards inaugurated at Plant Biology 2010 is session, the opening mixer, all major returning in 2011. On-site child care for and minisymposia sessions, and selected children from infants through 13 years poster sessions. Kimberlee Care will not will have subsidized rates for the fi rst 20 be open during the events where children children in each time slot. This subsidy are allowed, including the evening poster is provided by ASPB’s Women in Plant session and the fi nal party. Biology Committee. You must preregister for this service Kimberlee Care, a bonded, fully (http://my.aspb.org/event/PB11Childcare). accredited child care service with 25 Sign up for one or multiple time slots. years’ experience in providing services Visit the website for specifi c information for corporations and meetings, will be and rates. returning as the provider of this year’s The Women in Plant Biology Committee child care. thanks the estate of Eli Romanoff for pro- Here is what a few parents had to say viding funds to support this on-site child about last year’s service: care center. THE MALL OF AMERICA “This is a very useful service and should be continued next year. Best idea of the whole meeting.” “My daughter had a lot of fun.” “I think it was a great initiative. The ASPB meetings always fall during the National Geographic Traveler school holidays. Most people want to stay home during that period because Names Minneapolis One of World’s their kids are at home. This was an excellent opportunity to attend the Top 10 Summer Destinations meetings, have the family around, and attach a vacation to it. The children National Geographic Traveler recently named Minneapolis as one liked it very much, and if it were up to of the top summer destinations in the world, ranking the city them, they would have stayed there fourth of 10 cities chosen, only three of which are in the United every single time slot available.” States. Kimberlee Care’s staff members are The editors cited Minneapolis as a walking and biking city that certifi ed child care specialists, and the has a great restaurant scene along with summer festivals, a vibrant company is fully insured. Kimberlee Care arts culture, sports, and a friendly Midwestern atmosphere. will set up a facility in the Minneapolis When you’re not attending the great sessions at our upcoming Convention Center in rooms adjacent to Plant Biology 2011 meeting, be sure to check out some of the those that will be used for the annual many highlights the city has to offer as well as the 22 lakes in and meeting. They will bring supplies for around the area. fun, engaging activities for your children while you attend scientifi c sessions and For more information and to learn about Minneapolis’s many networking events. attractions, visit http://www.minneapolis.org. Kimberlee Care will provide arts, See you in Minneapolis August 6–10. Come enjoy one of the crafts, puzzles, and other games as well best summer destinations the world has to offer! as a rest area with pillows and blankets. For older children, there will be a wide selection of board games, magazines, and other ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 7 ASPB Announces 2011 Award Recipients Each year ASPB honors excellence in research, biological actions toward plants and other Hiroshi Maeda (Purdue University) is the education, outreach, and service through its organisms. Sean will also address the Society recipient of the fi rst Eric E. Conn Young numerous awards to those individuals who at the 2012 meeting in Austin. Investigator Award, which is awarded promote the mission of our Society. We are Th e Martin Gibbs Medal, established in for excellence in outreach, public service, proud to announce this year’s recipients. 1993, honors an individual who has pioneered mentoring, or teaching by plant scientists Established in 1927, the Stephen Hales advances that have served to establish new at the beginning of their career. Beyond his Prize is one of our Society’s oldest and most directions of investigation in the plant sci- outstanding research in plant stress physiology prestigious awards honoring exceptional re- ences. Steve Kay (UC San Diego) will receive and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, Hiroshi search accomplishments and service to ASPB. the 2011 Gibbs Medal for his development of has made signifi cant contributions to service, Susan Wessler (UC Riverside) is this year’s luciferase reporter and imaging techniques to outreach, and mentoring. winner, honored for her groundbreaking con- establish an understanding of the mechanism Established in 2007, the Fellow of ASPB tributions to the fi eld of transposon biology. and regulation of biological clocks. Incorpora- Award is granted in recognition of distin- Sue was the fi rst to show that transposons can tion of biochemical techniques and genomics guished and long-term contributions to plant function as introns and that aberrant transpo- approaches into his program provided the biology and service to the Society by current sition events can lead to chromosome break- means to understand entrainment of the clock members in areas that include research, educa- age and rearrangements. Sue discovered min- by light and other regulatory input as well as tion, mentoring, outreach, and professional iature inverted repeat transposable elements the mechanisms that compensate for tempera- and public service. Th is prestigious honor may (MITES) and PACK-MULE transposons in ture and other environmental changes. Steve be granted to no more than 0.2% of the current rice, which play important roles in gene shuf- will convene a Martin Gibbs Medal Sympo- membership each year. Th is year’s recipients fl ing and duplications and potentially produce sium at the annual meeting in 2012. are Bonnie Bartel (Rice University), Gerald genes with new functions. Sue will present her Th is year’s Excellence in Education Award Edwards (Washington State University), Sheila Hales Prize lecture at the opening of the 2012 goes to Mary Williams (Features Editor, Th e McCormick (USDA-ARS, UC Berkeley), ASPB annual meeting in Austin. Plant Cell) for her service and dedication Katherine Osteryoung (Michigan State Uni- Th e Charles Reid Barnes Life Member- to the educational and outreach mission of versity), and Linda Walling (UC Riverside). ship Award, ASPB’s oldest, was established ASPB. Th rough her guidance on the Educa- Th e ASPB–Pioneer Hi-Bred Graduate in 1925 and honors lifelong service in plant tion Committee, prior to joining ASPB’s Student Fellowship is made possible by the biology. Th is year’s honoree is Peter Hepler staff , Mary raised the profi le of our outreach generosity of Pioneer Hi-Bred International (University of Massachusetts Amherst) eff orts through dedicated minisymposia, and recognizes and encourages innovative for his exceptional contributions to our poster sessions, and workshops at our annual graduate research and innovation in areas of knowledge of the structure and dynamics of meeting. Mary has written numerous educa- plant biology that relate to important com- the cytoskeleton. Peter’s numerous contribu- tion articles for the ASPB News, coordinated modity crops. Th e 2011 recipient is Jacqueline tions include providing the fi rst evidence the meeting of the Primarily Undergradu- Benson (Cornell University), a plant breeding of the interaction between microtubules ate Institutions (PUI) group, and generated and genetics student in the lab of Rebecca and cellulose deposition, establishing the inquiry-based activities to illustrate the “12 Nelson. Jacqueline’s research focuses on un- cross-bridging between microtubules and Principles of Plant Biology” (http://www.aspb. derstanding resistance to gray leaf spot disease the mitotic spindle, and demonstrating the org/education/12Labs) that are now publicly in maize, a devastating disease that causes connection between pulsed Ca2+ signaling available for middle school and high school widespread yield losses in the United States and tip growth of pollen tubes. teachers around the country. and Africa. Created in 1971, the Charles Albert Shull Th e Early Career Award was instituted Th e Corresponding Membership Award, Award recognizes young researchers for in 2005 to recognize outstanding research fi rst given in 1932, honors up to three distin- outstanding contributions to plant biology by scientists at the beginning of their career. guished plant biologists residing outside the in mid-career. Th is year’s recipient is Sean Ravi Maruthachalam (UC Davis) is this United States with life membership. Carlos Cutler (UC Riverside), who is honored for his year’s winner, recognized for his contribu- Andreo (CEFOBI, Argentina) and Jiayang contributions to our understanding of ABA- tions in plant reproductive biology. Ravi fi rst Li (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China) signaling in Arabidopsis and in particular his demonstrated that alteration of a single gene have been nominated for the Corresponding work on the ERA1 gene, which is considered brings about functional apomeiosis, a major Membership Award. Corresponding Mem- a landmark study in hormone signaling. Pio- component of apomixis. He continues to bers are elected by the ASPB membership, neering a chemical genetics approach, Sean’s make fundamental discoveries on centromere so these nominees’ names have been placed discoveries produced an extensive community- function and synthetic clonal reproduction on the 2011 election ballot (http://www.aspb. accessible library of small molecules that show through seeds. org/voting/ballot.cfm). 8 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 The Social Media Revolution A New “Value-Added” Resource for ASPB Members Social media such as Facebook and Twitter have toppled dictators and changed the world. So just imagine unleashing such power for the advancement of plant biology! Th is is the idea behind the new website design developed for ASPB. Th e new site is kind of like “Facebook for ASPB members” and off ers unique opportunities for collabo- ration. If you have not visited ASPB’s new website, signed in, and added information to your profi le, I hope this article will inspire you to do so. ASPB’s new website off ers the ability to search for other members of the Society by David Horvath keyword. For example, if you are studying fruit production in raspberries, you can easily fi nd all other ASPB members work- fi nd you and become interested in what you tigating common questions or subjects. Like ing on fruit production in other crops, and are saying. In doing so, you are more likely the traditional meeting, this new resource aspects of fruit production such as fl owering. to become a “known expert” faster than your will reduce duplication of research eff orts You may also fi nd anyone working on other competitors who do not take the time or and open opportunities for collaboration aspects of raspberry biology, or even those who are not ASPB members. Having a blog and communication if members take a few who you didn’t know were also working on that lots of people read helps you advance moments once a month or so to write about fruit production in raspberries. More impor- science in your fi eld. their research plans, goals, and progress. tant, if you fi ll out your profi le, newcomers Th e new ASPB website also allows you So go to the ASPB website and fi ll out to your fi eld of interest can fi nd you. When to use interest groups for making general your profi le. Write about your interests and you fi nd others who share your interests, you announcements to other members, such as search for others working in your fi eld of can “connect to them,” much like “friending” links to new publications of interest or meet- interest. When you fi nd them, send them them on Facebook. Doing so allows you to ing invitations. Th ose of us who follow the a note to connect. If you fi nd a lot of folks easily follow what they are working on and Arabidopsis newsgroup are well aware of the with your same interests, send a request to push information to them that they may be power of such a medium for both gather- ASPB to set up an interest group to facilitate interested in. ing and sharing information. Th ese interest information sharing among your newfound Th e new website design also off ers the groups also off er the opportunity to seek colleagues. Encourage others to sign in and possibility to push your research forward solutions to problems from a wide variety of blog about their progress, so you will always and seek help for particularly diffi cult scientists in your fi eld. have something interesting to read. It is problems. Th is can be accomplished by Really, the power of social information powerful, easy, interesting, fun, and profi t- blogging about your progress and problems. sharing is nothing new to science. Scientifi c able. Start today! One can think about a blog as being akin societies such as ASPB publish journals and For more information on the features to presenting work at a weekly or monthly organize meetings to facilitate communica- of the ASPB website, visit http://my.aspb. lab meeting—except the lab meeting is not tion, foster collaboration between members, org/WebFeatureBlog. only attended by fellow lab mates, but also and develop a sense of community. It is David P. Horvath by all your collaborators, other experts in hoped that the features of the new website Research Plant Physiologist your fi eld, and anyone else who is inter- will further facilitate communication and United States Department of Agriculture ested in your research. Additionally, such Agricultural Research Service provide value to members of ASPB. No Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center running commentaries are like weekly lab longer will you be completely dependent on Fargo, North Dakota meetings—good places to organize your attending meetings for the opportunity to thoughts, develop your data for publications, gather the latest, not-yet-published informa- and seek advice. Indeed, the more you are tion; fi nd out who is doing new things; and Check out Dave’s profi le at http://my.aspb.org/ willing to share, the more others are likely to meet and talk to others who might be inves- members/?id=9092063. ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 9 Maureen Langlois, 2011 AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Fellow, Spending Summer at NPR Maureen Langlois, of Ohio State Univer- Having been a teacher before and technology. Fellows work sity, is the 2011 recipient of an AAAS Mass a scientist, both at the Th omas for 10 weeks during the sum- Media Science & Engineering Fellow- Jeff erson School (St. Louis) mer as reporters, researchers, ship sponsored by ASPB. She will spend and the Hsinchu International and production assistants in 10 weeks this summer at National Public School (Taiwan), Maureen mass media organizations Radio (NPR) in Washington D.C., where recognizes the need to develop nationwide. Th ey collaborate she will work at the science desk. Maureen dynamic, relevant ways to dis- with media professionals at is currently fi nishing an MS in environ- seminate scientifi c understand- radio and television stations, mental science, where she is studying how ing. She is grateful to ASBP for Maureen Langlois newspapers, and magazines to sunlight degrades pollutants in wetland sponsoring her fellowship this make important science news waters. She received her BA in biology and summer because it will aff ord her opportuni- clear and comprehensive to the public. Th is philosophy from Washington University ties to innovate the sorts of science com- is ASPB’s seventh year participating; the pro- in St. Louis and was a visiting student at munication strategies for which there is, she gram is in its 37th year and has supported Oxford University. Her awards and honors believes, such an acute need. more than 500 fellows. include a National Science Foundation GK- Th e AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Fellowship We wish Maureen a fun and productive 12 fellowship, which enabled her to become is designed to enhance coverage of science- summer and look forward to reading a full a “scientist in residence” at a rural middle related issues in the media to improve public report of her adventures at NPR in an up- school for a year. understanding and appreciation of science coming issue of the ASPB News! Midwestern Section Meets at Purdue University Th e Midwestern Sectional was held March 19–20, 2011, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Approximately 110 stu- dents, faculty, and other scientists enjoyed 21 talks and 36 posters presented by under- graduates, graduate students, and postdocs on a wide variety of topics in plant biology at the successful meeting. In addition, ASPB President Nick Carpita (Purdue University) gave the keynote address titled “Capturing the Genetic Diversity of Maize for Improve- ment of Bioenergy Grasses.” For some, it was their fi rst scientifi c meet- ing or scientifi c presentation. For others, this was one of many meetings we attend annually, but it’s always a favorite. Th e Mid- western Sectional provides an opportunity Samuel Saitie and Evan Pratt (Michigan State Nebraska–Lincoln, and Amanda Storm, for experienced students to give talks, for be- University). Craig Schenck (Ohio University), Miami University, received honors at the ginners to present posters, and for all of us to Brandon Bishop (Purdue University), and graduate level. discuss our work in a friendly atmosphere. Debjani Pal (Miami University), received Th e Midwestern Sectional is a wonderful Awards were presented for best stu- honors for best graduate posters. Th e best oral opportunity for networking and sharing the dent presentations. Best undergraduate presentation awards were presented to Rach- science we all love. Next year, we will meet poster awards were presented to Lara Alpan elle Buuck, an undergraduate from Purdue at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on (Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville), University, and Renate Weizbauer, Purdue March 24–25, 2012. Plan now to attend! Andrea Brennan (Purdue University), and University. Joshua Widhalm, University of Sarah Wyatt Ohio University 10 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Mid-Atlantic Section Spring Meeting Report The annual spring meeting of the Mid- prene Physiology: From Membranes to the Atlantic Section was held on Friday, April 8, Atmosphere.” He discussed the biochemistry on the campus of the University of Mary- and evolution behind one of many global land, College Park. Amid the spring rain, impacts that plants have via the atmosphere. more than 75 plant biologists gathered to Graduate student Th omas Boothby, Uni- share their research, educational experi- versity of Maryland, won the Marsho Award ences, and scientifi c discoveries through for best graduate student talk on “Subnuclear talks and informal interactions at lunch and Storage of Masked mRNA in the Micro- coff ee breaks. spore of Marsilea vestita.” At the end of the Th e featured speaker was Dr. Richard meeting, Dr. Zhongchi Liu, the Mid-Atlantic Jorgensen from CINVESTAV. Rich was Section representative, put out a call for ap- among the pioneers in the study of RNA plicants to the ASPB ambassador program. interference in petunias, which led to the Th e meeting was organized by Mid- development of RNAi as a powerful technol- Atlantic Section chair Gary Coleman, ogy now used in many model organisms. University of Maryland, and Section secre- His talk, “Evolutionary and tary Hemayet Ullah, Howard University. It Functional Diversifi cation of successfully showcased the diversity of plant the Epigenome: A ‘Paragenetic’ biology researchers and the high level of Perspective on the Role of enthusiasm for plant biology in the Mid- RNA Silencing in the Biology Atlantic region. It is hoped that those who of Plants,” narrated the history came from outside the D.C. Metro area for and progress of traditional the meeting had the opportunity to enjoy genetics as compared and the Cherry Blossom Festival—clear evidence contrasted with the developing that plant biology has the most beautiful understanding of epigenomics, model organisms around! including RNAi. Z. Irene Ying & Zhongchi Liu The keynote speaker, University of Maryland Dr. Manuel Lerdau, University of Virginia, presented on “Bi-Directional Scaling of Iso- Marsho Award winner Thomas Boothby (seated) with his PhD adviser Dr. Steve Wolniak. Selected articles from the ASPB News will now be post- ed on the ASPB News community group page (http:// my.aspb.org/group/ASPBNews) before each issue is assembled online and in print. So even though the newsletter is published only bimonthly, ASPB news of broad interest will be published “ASAP.” ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 11 Report on the Western Section Annual Meeting Many years ago, I was lucky to be awarded a ranged from fruit developmental genetics to more experienced postdoc, gave engaging travel grant from another learned society to to NMR-based metabolomics and from the and well-prepared presentations. Such was attend the ASPB annual meeting in Hono- circadian clock to anti-HIV therapeutics. A the quality of the science that at the taco and lulu, Hawaii. A requirement of the grant wide range of plant species were the subjects margarita conference dinner (or perhaps that was that I write a report on the conference of study, including walnut, grasses, Chlam- should be margarita and taco), three cash to be published in that society’s newslet- ydomonas, and water hyacinth. prizes were awarded for outstanding pre- ter. In my article, I commented that it was Th e meeting started with an excellent buf- sentations. Th ese went to Melissa Scranton easy to complain about the life of a research fet breakfast in the conference meeting room, (graduate student, UCR); Sheen Lu (postdoc, scientist, but that the arrival of the sum- which provided a good opportunity to meet UCLA); and Colleen Doherty (postdoc, mer conference season brings a break in the fellow attendees. Th e fi rst talk of the day was UCSD). Congratulations again to you all. clouds when we are able to jet off to exotic the invited keynote from Marty Yanofsky, a David Logan locations, although a scientifi c conference in tour de force presentation covering some of University of Saskatchewan paradise may be an oxymoron to some. Th is Marty’s groundbreaking research into the year I didn’t need to wait until the summer genetic control of fruit ripening in Arabi- *It is quite possible that my idea of paradise has to enjoy my fi rst conference in paradise.* dopsis. Th is was a tough act to follow, but been aff ected by fi ve months of Canadian prairie Th e Western Section held its annual speaker aft er speaker, from graduate student winter, but Seal Beach is very pleasant. meeting at California State University Long Beach (CSULB), with accommodations and the conference dinner arranged at nearby ASPB sections provide an excellent opportunity to become involved in the Society, and the sections’ Seal Beach, a fantastic location and only a small annual meetings provide an ideal environment for networking and opportunities for under- short stroll along bohemian Main Street to graduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers to present their research results to their peers and the pier and beach (see photo). hone their skills for larger meetings. Th e Western Section covers a large geographic area, and we Judy Brusslan (CSULB) and colleagues would like our annual meeting to refl ect this. If you are interested in hosting the Western Section did a great job of putting this year’s meeting meeting in the future, please contact David Logan at [email protected]. together and are to be congratulated for the choice of conference venue (in the Pyramid Annex at CSULB) and, of course, for accom- modation so near the beach. Th e quality of the scientifi c program matched the location, and as is characteristic of ASPB meetings, there were talks and posters covering a wide range of plant biology topics. Areas of study President’s Letter sider making membership and registration some might say alarming—new develop- continued from page 5 to all our sponsored meetings free to scien- ment is the massive investment, particularly breeding. Leon adds, “Th e follow-up on the tists from AGORA-eligible countries who by foreign entities, in long-term leasing or workshop would bring participants to the partner in our cooperation. She adds, “But purchasing of undeveloped lands and the next ASPB annual meeting to build linkages equally challenging is getting advanced seeds creation of massive new farms. While there between ASPB members and scientists from into the hands of farmers through creation is no question that consolidation of small sub-Saharan Africa. Another key activity for of stronger seed systems, both public and farms into larger, more effi cient ones has the IC will be to begin to develop a network private, and creating new markets that pro- almost always gone hand in hand with agri- connecting scientists from Africa with ASPB vide incentives to farmers to generate more cultural development, the big challenge will scientists from the United States and other economic security. Another key challenge is be to protect the rights of the poor as this countries.” Leon urges better linkage be- the lack of infrastructure, particularly roads new development unfolds.” tween ASPB and the CGIAR system to meet and power, that leaves farmers isolated and Even for developed nations, food secu- the common goal of improving world food unable to access inputs and store and deliver rity is not guaranteed. The earthquakes on security. Debby suggests that we also con- outputs. Particularly in Africa, a striking— continued on page 15 12 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 People Members in the News Charles Arntzen is the new chair of Nina Fedoroff assumed the 2011–2012 the Section on Agriculture, Food, and presidency of AAAS, the world’s largest Renewable Resources for the American general scientifi c society, in February. Association for the Advancement of She has conducted fundamental research Science (AAAS) and will lead the sec- in the molecular biology of plant genes tion until February 2012. His primary and transposable elements as well as on research interests are in plant molecular the mechanisms plants use to adapt to biology and protein engineering as well stressful environments. Nina is the Evan as the utilization of plant biotechnology Pugh Professor in the Biology Depart- for enhancement of food quality and ment and Huck Institutes of the Life Sci- value, for expression of pharmacologically ences at Pennsylvania State University, active products in transgenic plants, and for overcoming health and a member of the external faculty at the Santa Fe Institute, and a dis- agricultural constraints in the developing world. He has also worked to tinguished visiting professor at King Abdullah University of Science develop plant-based vaccines for human and animal disease preven- and Technology in Saudi Arabia. She had previously served a three- tion. Charles is the Florence Ely Nelson Presidential Chair in Plant year term as science and technology adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Biology and Regents’ Professor at Arizona State University. He is a State and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Nina, an past president of ASPB and has served on the editorial board of Plant AAAS fellow, is an elected member of the National Academy of Sci- Physiology. He has received several ASPB awards, including election ences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the European to the fi rst class of ASPB Fellows, the Charles Albert Shull Award for Academy of Sciences, and the American Academy of Microbiology. young researchers, the Dennis Robert Hoagland Award for outstanding In 2006, she was named a National Medal of Science laureate, the plant research in support of agriculture, and the 2004 ASPB Leadership nation’s highest award for scientifi c achievement. She received the in Science Public Service Award. Charles is an elected member of the ASPB Leadership in Science Public Service Award in 2010. National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of AAAS. Nina also served as a guest on National Public Radio’s Science Friday program. On February 18, she discussed whether science Machi Dilworth is the new director could be used as a diplomatic tool (http://bit.ly/dRsiLh). Th en the of the Offi ce of International Science next week, again as a guest on the show, she discussed whether and Engineering at the National Sci- transgenic weeds are an ecological threat (http://bit.ly/fGpc8a). ence Foundation (NSF). Prior to this assignment, she served as acting deputy Mary Lou Guerinot is the new chair assistant director for the Mathemati- of the AAAS Section on Biological cal and Physical Science Directorate. Sciences. She is a molecular geneticist She has been with NSF for more than whose principal expertise and research 20 years and has served in many roles, interests are in the area of metal trans- including division director for Biologi- port and regulation of gene expression cal Infrastructure and the Plant Genome by metals. For most of the world, plants Research Program within the Biological Sciences Directorate as well are the major point of entry for essential as head of NSF’s Tokyo offi ce. Earlier in her career, she worked in the metals into the food chain, so her work is U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Competitive Research Grants Offi ce laying the foundation for crops that off er for nine years. Machi received the Presidential Distinguished Rank sustainable solutions for malnutrition. Award in 2002 and was elected a fellow of AAAS in 2007. She was Mary Lou is the Ronald and Deborah Harris Professor of Biological named to the inaugural class of ASPB Fellows in 2007 and received Sciences at Dartmouth College. She is a past president of ASPB and the Society’s Albert E. Gude, Jr. Award in 1998 in recognition of her an elected fellow of both ASPB and AAAS. Mary Lou currently chairs outstanding service to the science of plant biology. She is also a former ASPB’s Board of Trustees. reviews editor for Th e Plant Cell and a former chair of ASPB’s Publica- tions Committee. Machi has been an ASPB member since she was a graduate student. continued on page 14 ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 13 People Members in the News cool temperatures on warm-climate crops, and the genomic ecology continued from page 13 of global change. Don is a past president of ASPB and the current Teh-hui Kao was featured by LiveScience editor-in-chief of Plant Physiology. He is a recipient of ASPB’s Charles in an article on March 10 (http://bit.ly/ F. Kettering Award for Excellence in Photosynthesis and was elected hvrVMs). He is professor of biochem- to the fi rst class of ASPB Fellows; he is also a fellow of AAAS. istry and molecular biology and chair of the Intercollege Graduate Degree Seung Yon (Sue) Rhee was among those Program in Plant Biology at Penn State receiving an honorable mention for University. His research focuses on illustrations in the 2010 International two areas: the self/non-self recognition Science & Engineering Visualization mechanism adopted by petunia and Challenge (http://bit.ly/g7nWOk), many other fl owering plants to prevent which is sponsored by the National inbreeding and promote outcrossing Science Foundation and the journal and the structure and function of cellulose synthase complexes in Science. Her collaborators are Insuk Lee, a cellulose-synthesizing bacterium and Arabidopsis. Teh-hui is a Michael Ahn, and Edward Marcotte. former monitoring editor for Plant Physiology. Th eir image is “AraNet: A Genome-wide Gene Function Association Network for Cathie Martin is one of the people Arabidopsis thaliana,” which maps the links between genes based on quoted in a Nature article on the anti- their biological process. Sue was quoted as saying, “It’s not unlike cancer properties of fruits and vegetables a social network.” Sue’s lab tries to uncover the mysteries of how (http://bit.ly/i3MIXX). She was cited for plants process the myriad information from their environment and her work in developing a tomato that reprogram their growth and development. Sue is staff scientist in the contains roughly the same concentration Department of Plant Biology of the Carnegie Institution for Science. of anthocyanins as blueberries. Although Th e image was featured in a number of places, including Science berries are high in these antioxidants, (http://bit.ly/h5zuMx) and Th e New York Times (http://nyti.ms/ Cathie noted that “they are expensive hQN1U9). and seasonal, so availability is a limiting factor for a lot of people.” Cathie’s team Gary Stacey is quoted in a March 18 showed in 2008 that the deep purple tomato they developed slowed article in Science about the proposed tumor progress in a cancer-prone strain of mice. Her team also devel- cuts to biological and environmental oped a tomato strain with a resveratol concentration 1,000 times research (BER) at the Department of higher than red wine. Cathie is a group leader at the John Innes Cen- Energy (http://bit.ly/ezZ38w). Th e cuts tre in Norwich, United Kingdom, and a professor at the University of were included in the appropriations East Anglia. She is the current editor-in-chief of Th e Plant Cell. bill (H.R. 1) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in February, which Donald Ort is chair-elect for the AAAS would have cut BER programs almost Section on Agriculture, Food, and Re- in half. It is believed that the House newable Resources and will become sec- included such large cuts because of tion chair in February 2012. He is a plant concerns about research on climate. Gary was quoted as saying, physiologist and research leader with “It’s a little bit like killing the messenger” because BER doesn’t set the Global Change and Photosynthesis climate policy. He is the Missouri Soybean Biotechnology Professor Research Unit of the U.S. Department in Functional Genomics and Integrated Advanced Technologies, of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research professor of plant sciences, and joint professor of biochemistry at Service as well as the Robert Emerson the University of Missouri, where he also directs the Center for Professor in Plant Biology and Crop Sustainable Energy. He is a former chair of ASPB’s Public Aff airs Sciences at the University of Illinois at Committee, a current member of the Publications Committee, and Urbana–Champaign. Among his research interests are the impacts of a fellow of ASPB. increasing carbon dioxide and ozone on photosynthesis and produc- tivity of corn and soybean, seed development in canola, the impact of 14 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 People Sharlene Weatherwax has been offi cial- DOE since 1999 and has worked on a variety of programs, including ly appointed as the associate director for the Energy Biosciences Program, Genomics:GTL, Genomic Science biological and environmental research Systems Biology Knowledgebase, Bioenergy Research Centers, joint (BER) at the Department of Energy USDA–DOE Plant Feedstocks Genomics for Bioenergy, and the in- (DOE) Offi ce of Science, eff ective April teragency National Plant Genome Initiative. Before coming to DOE, 10. With an annual budget of more Sharlene performed independent research on the study of light- and than $600 million, the Offi ce of Biologi- hormone-regulated plant gene expression. cal and Environmental Research is the Compiled by Adam P. Fagen, PhD nation’s leading supporter of fundamen- ASPB Public Affairs Director tal research and facilities for energy, climate, and the environment. Shar- Do you have news to share with the ASPB community? lene had previously served as acting associate director for BER and Please let us know by e-mailing [email protected]. director of its Biological Systems Science Division. She has been at President’s Letter meeting, which had been scheduled for the References continued from page 12 week following the earthquake in Sendai. 1. http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/archive/ February 21 in New Zealand and on March Th e JSPP leadership is planning a minisym- entry/ending_hunger. 11 in Japan are testament to how quickly that posium in Nagoya in July. As Kazuo relates, security can be threatened. Th e earthquake 2. Ejeta, G. (2009). Revitalizing agricultural the western and central districts of the coun- research for global food security. Food centered near Sendai, Japan, and the tsunami try have not been damaged by the disaster, security: The science, sociology and econom- it triggered wreaked sudden, widespread and plant scientists in Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, ics of food production and access to food death and destruction, with continuing im- Okayama, and Fukuoka are giving strong 4:391–401. pacts at the stricken nuclear power facilities. support to plant scientists in the aff ected dis- 3. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Economic Th e latter has had signifi cant consequences tricts so that they can quickly recover. ASPB Research Service. Consumer Price Index for the safety of the local food supply and stands ready to off er assistance and support data. http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/ dire economic consequences as a result of through visits to the labs of collaborators CPIFoodAndExpenditures/Data/ its shortfall. ASPB continues to reach out during the time of lab reconstruction to keep Expenditures_tables/table7.htm. to the leadership of the Japanese Society the science moving forward. Along these 4. Conway, G. (1998). The doubly green revo- of Plant Physiologists (JSPP) and to ASPB lines, Subra Suresh, director of the National lution: Food for all in the twenty-first cen- members in Japan so that we may learn Science Foundation, recently issued a “Dear tury. Ithaca, NY: Comstock Pub. Associates. about the deeper national impacts of these Colleague” letter reminding us that the NSF 5. Schneiderman, R.M. (January 23, 2011). No disasters on the plant science infrastructure Rapid Response Research (RAPID) mecha- return to the gold standard. Newsweek. and the larger plant biology community nism represents one NSF-funded approach http://www.newsweek.com/2011/01/23/no- in Japan, and we stand ready to off er more toward addressing immediate research and return-to-the-gold-standard.html. tangible assistance and support, particularly education needs in the wake of disasters 6. The Lugar-Casey Global Food Security Act. in the hard-hit Tohoku and Kanto districts. such as these. He also pointed out the pos- (2009). http://lugar.senate.gov/food/ Responses from Japan tell of frightening sibility of requesting supplemental funds to legislation. experiences and the widespread continuing add an international dimension to an exist- 7. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2011/nsf11045/ problems with energy stability in the aff ected ing NSF grant, such as conducting research nsf11045.jsp. General guidelines for RAPID northeastern regions, but they also speak remotely through the use of information and and supplement requests are described in of the resilience of the Japanese people in communication technologies, temporarily the Proposal and Award Policies and dealing with such crises. We have not heard Procedures Guide (NSF 11-001) at http:// hosting databases on behalf of aff ected insti- any reports of members injured or lost, but www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/ tutions, and providing temporary laboratory we also have had limited connections with nsf11001/gpg_2.jsp#IID1 and http://www. space for researchers and students from the hardest hit universities. Kazuo Shinozaki, nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/ aff ected institutions (7). president of the JSPP, thanks ASPB for its nsf11001/aag_1.jsp#IE4, respectively. concern and ideas for how we can help. Th e Nick Carpita disaster forced cancellation of the 52nd JSPP [email protected] ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 15 Women in Plant Biology For this issue of the ASPB News, we are deviating from our usual practice of an invited essay from a woman member. Instead, here are . . . Six Ways That the ASPB Women in Plant Biology Committee Is Working for You (Even If You Are Not Female) by Carolyn Wetzel Assistant Professor, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts; [email protected] #1 Leading the Way.” Pre- and post-talk time (such as negotiating among rotation labs and for conversation with other attendees is a determining project completion); postdocs Organizing and subsidizing child great way to meet new colleagues and catch (such as negotiating your job duties, compo- care for the annual meeting up with those for whom the luncheon is an nents of a project that you can take with you Back by popular demand! We are off ering annual aff air. Th is event is always invigorat- when you leave the lab, and confl ict resolu- subsidized on-site child care at Plant Biology ing and educational—for all genders at all tion); and independent investigators (such 2011 in Minneapolis that will be provided career stages. Check out the Plant Biology as negotiating a competitive salary, space, by Kimberlee Care, the same group that set 2011 website for details about cost and how teaching, and start-up package; dealing with up a wonderful program at the 2010 meeting you can sign up. spousal/partner hires; approaches toward in Montréal. Last year, kids aged 0–13 had a sabbaticals, the tenure clock, promotion, and ball doing craft s, playing games, and hanging #3 leave; and working through collaborative out with books and toys in a convenient, projects). Come to one or both workshops, Organizing career workshops clean, safe environment. Th is program is come if you are just embarking on your at the annual meeting supported by an endowment from the estate career or are looking to pick up some tips of Eli Romanoff that is being supplemented Th e main theme of this year’s two workshops on being a better department chair, come by ASPB funds. It will be continued by ASPB at Plant Biology is communication. Career regardless of gender—everyone benefi ts from as need indicates—so drop off your kids, Workshop I: Communication Styles that Pro- better communication! Check out the Plant attend meeting sessions with peace of mind, mote Success focuses on everyday professional Biology 2011 website for details about cost and give us your feedback about the service. interactions. When you speak at a meeting, is and how you can sign up. Check out the Plant Biology 2011 website for your voice heard? Or do the same or similar details about cost and how you can sign up. comments by colleagues result in a greater response? Th is interactive workshop, led by #4 Dr. Kim Kidwell, will explore a variety of Determining travel awards for #2 communication styles, with the goal of pro- the annual meeting Promoting a network of moting eff ective communication in meetings ASPB Women’s Young Investigator Travel successful female scientists to with colleagues, people who hold authority Awards benefi t the Society as a whole by tap into for mentoring and over you, those you are mentoring, and in helping to ensure participation in our meet- role models classrooms. Th ere will be active audience ings by as broad a base of the membership Do you have a female student or postdoc you participation, so you can practice what you’ve as possible. Applications were reviewed would like to encourage to continue in plant learned right away. Kim is uniquely qualifi ed and ranked by the WIPB members, and the sciences? Do you want to show her, rather to run a workshop such as this: she is a suc- ASPB awarded seven $1,000 travel awards than tell her, that women can succeed? What cessful plant geneticist and an award-winning to women young investigators who are in about a male or cisgender student in the teacher of both plant breeding and communi- their fi rst fi ve years as faculty-level indepen- same category? Bring them to the meeting cation classes at Washington State University, dent investigators in academia, industry, or to see role model female scientists in action where she is currently an associate dean. government to attend Plant Biology 2011. and take them to the luncheon and talk Career Workshop II: Successful Negotiation Th is year’s awardees, who refl ect ASPB’s sponsored by the Women in Plant Biology focuses on specifi c types of interactions that international membership and annual meet- Committee (WIPB). Th is year, we are pleased will have a major impact on diff erent stages ing attendance, are Ulrike Bechtold (Univer- to have Dr. Karen Plaut, director of agricul- of your career. A panel of scientists from sity of Essex), Su-Chiung Fang (Academia tural research and associate dean at Purdue academic, industry, and government labs will Sinica), Suja George (M. S. Swaminathan University, speak on “Women in Science: discuss topics of interest to graduate students Research Foundation), Kerry Lutz (Farming- 16 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 WIPB dale State College), Rachael Morgan-Kiss a barrier to nomination of top-notch female #6 (Miami University), Wendy Peer (Purdue scientists. When areas of implicit bias are University), and Margaretha van der Merwe identifi ed, alternative policies are suggested. Presenting a female-friendly (Stellenbosch University). Th e intent is not to alter the rigor of criteria face to the public on behalf of but to make some of the personal require- the Society #5 ments—such as the years since receipt of Th e WIPB is occasionally called on to PhD criterion that is a component of several respond to gender-related events in the Identifying implicit bias in awards—more fl exible. ASPB has already sciences, such as during the maelstrom that science institutions and working been praised by the Association of Women followed former President of Harvard Uni- to effect change that will extend in Science (AWIS) regarding our proactive versity Larry Summers’s public comments beyond the Society measures, and ASPB Executive Director about low female aptitudes in science and Some ASPB awards are based on a merit Crispin Taylor was invited to speak on the engineering. An informed and intelligent system that assumes a traditional career topic at an NSF-ADVANCE PI meeting in response can be made to these requests by a trajectory. However, women, and many November 2010. One outcome of AWIS and dedicated committee of members concerned other members of historically underrepre- ASPB studies, which is easy to implement with the status of women in plant biology, sented groups, oft en follow nontraditional by all ASPB members, is that the number of which refl ects well on all of ASPB. paths because of family- and partner-related women receiving awards is generally propor- A diverse society is a strong society. If demands. Under an initiative started by tional to the number nominated. When you you have ideas for new initiatives or for past chair Judy Brusslan (CSU Long Beach), see the next call for ASPB awards nomina- aiding our current eff orts, please share them the WIPB is working to identify ways that tions, make 2012 the year that you nominate with the ASPB president, any member of the criteria and policies for ASPB awards may be a deserving woman colleague. WIPB, or the executive director. Going to Plant Biology 2011? Career Workshop I: Communication Styles Th at Sunday, 12:00–2:30 p.m., lunch provided, Promote Success ticket required Monday, 7:30–10:30 p.m., dinner provided, Career Workshop II: Successful Negotiation ticket required Women in Plant Biology Luncheon and Dr. Karen Plaut’s Monday, 12:00–1:30 p.m., ticket required presentation on “Women in Science: Leading the Way” Ongoing throughout the meeting; check On-site Child Care website for hours and reservations ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 17 Membership Corner ASPB members share a common goal of promoting the growth, development, and outreach of plant biology as a pure and applied science. Th is 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]. 4. What would you tell nonmembers to 9. What do you see as the most encourage them to join? important role for scientifi c societies It’s the best society to join for a plant such as ASPB? biologist. Connecting plant biologists with the bigger scientifi c community, funding 5. Have you found a job or hired agencies, and the general public. anyone using ASPB job postings or networking at the annual meeting? 10. What advice would you give to a No. plant scientist just starting out? Plants are amazing organisms to work 6. Do you still read print journals? If with! Th ey do not move around as so, where do you usually read them: animals, but because of that, they’ve work, home, library, in the car, on evolved some fascinating biological the bus, or somewhere else? Name: Jing-Ke Weng mechanisms to deal with their Although I read most of the journal Title: Postdoctoral research associate environmental niches. Advances in articles online these days, I do enjoy Place of Work or School: Th e Salk Insti- plant biology can not only solve big thumbing through the printed tute for Biological Studies problems in agriculture, but can also journals. I usually do this at home or Research Area: Plant secondary metabo- have a huge impact on human health during leisure time in the lab. While lism, protein evolution and the future of renewable energy. reading online articles is oft en very Member since: 2006 targeted, I always learn interesting, 11. What do you think is the most 1. Has being a member of ASPB helped random things in other fi elds when important discovery in plant biology you in your career? If so, how? reading the printed journals. over the past year, and why? Yes, of course. When I was a graduate Th e identifi cation of PYR/PYL/RCAR 7. Have there been any issues in plant student, I had the opportunity to family of START proteins as ABA biology in which you thought ASPB present a talk at an ASPB annual receptors. It’s the last missing piece should be involved or that led you to meeting. It was quite an experience for found for the ABA signaling puzzle, consider becoming active in the me back then. Th rough the meeting, I which has bugged the plant biology governance of the Society, and if so, also met many plant biologists from community for decades. It opens up a what were they? all over the world, which really whole set of new opportunities for Climate change and global warming. broadened my horizons. Th e ASPB crop improvement and herbicide Climate change in the past must have News keeps me updated about things development. left marks on plants during their going on in plant biology. I was so evolution. Plants are also key players 12. What do you think is the next “big proud when ASPB reported my in the fi ght against global warming. thing” in plant biology? discovery on the convergent evolution ASPB should be involved in getting Going from model plants in the lab to of syringyl lignin, which was published more government support in research plant diversity in the wild and linking in PNAS in 2008. projects that address these important molecular biology to ecology. 2. Why has being a member of ASPB societal issues. 13. What are you reading these days? been important to you? 8. What could ASPB do better? Texts on neutral mutation network It’s a great channel for me to stay Promote plant biology’s connections and evolvability. connected with the plant biology with other scientifi c disciplines, such community. 14. What do you still have left to learn? as medical sciences and environmen- Biological computation. 3. Was someone instrumental in tal sciences. getting you to join ASPB? Yes, my PhD adviser, Clint Chapple, highly recommended that I join ASPB. ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 18 Public Affairs ASPB Public Affairs Committee Meets with Federal Agencies and Congress Th e ASPB Public Aff airs Committee held its On March 7, the committee had the op- Organismal Systems (IOS); John annual meeting in Washington, D.C., at the portunity to hear from representatives of six Wingfi eld, director of IOS; and Stephen beginning of March. Th is is the committee’s federal agencies: Howell, director of the Division of opportunity to interact directly with federal • Department of Energy: Sharlene Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (Jane offi cials and to explain the value of plant Weatherwax, acting associate director for and Stephen are ASPB members) biology research to Congress. biological and environmental research continued on page 20 within the Offi ce of Science, and Cathy Ronning, program manager in the Biological Systems Science Division Congressional Offi ce (both are ASPB members) Meetings • U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA) Roger Beachy, director of the Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) National Institute of Food and Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO) Agriculture (and an ASPB Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) member) Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) • National Institutes of Health: Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) Jeremy Berg, director of the Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) National Institute of General Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) Medical Sciences Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) • National Science Foundation: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) Public Affairs Committee member Pat Schnable Jane Silverthorne, deputy direc- (right) meets with Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA). tor of the Division of Integrative Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) Rep. Todd Rokita (R-IN) Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) Sen. Dan Coats (R-IN) Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE) Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) Sen. Mark Pryor (R-AR) House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Senate Agriculture Committee Members of the Public Affairs Committee and ASPB leadership in D.C. (l to r): Sally Senate Appropriations Agriculture Mackenzie, Pat Schnable, Maureen McCann, Dick Sayre, Julian Schroeder, Tuan-hua David Ho, Nick Carpita. Also participating in the Public Affairs Committee meeting, but Subcommittee not pictured here, were Beth Hood, Norman Lewis, and Steve Huber. ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 19 Public Affairs ASPB Member Beth Hood Testifi es in Support of NSF On March 11, ASPB Public Aff airs Com- mittee member Elizabeth Hood testifi ed in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Sci- ence, and Related Agencies. While recogniz- ing the diffi cult fi scal environment faced by the nation, Beth’s testimony emphasized that investments in scientifi c research will be a critical step toward sustained economic recovery and supported the $7.767 billion requested for NSF in fi scal year 2012. She mentioned that the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences is a critical source of funding for scientifi c research, providing 68% of the federal support for nonmedical Beth Hood testifi es before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on NSF as subcom- basic life sciences research at U.S. academic mittee chair Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) presides. institutions. Beth stated, “Despite the fact that basic plant biology research—the kind entifi c research foundation for understanding including graduate traineeships, fellowships, of research funded by the NSF—underpins plant genomics as it relates to energy (biofu- and career transition awards—as well as so many vital practical considerations, els), health (including nutrition and func- NSF’s diversity programs and the research the the amount invested in understanding the tional foods), agriculture (such as the impact agency supports on teaching and learning. basic function and mechanisms of plants of changing climates on agronomic ecosys- Beth is distinguished professor of agri- is relatively small when compared with the tems), and the environment (plants’ roles culture at Arkansas State University. ASPB’s impact plants have on our economy and in as primary producers in ecosystems). Beth complete written testimony can be found at addressing some of the nation’s most urgent asked that PGRP be restored as a separate http://bit.ly/e9Rft K. challenges such as food and energy security.” line within the NSF budget, as in years past, Adam P. Fagen, PhD Among the high-impact programs sup- and be funded at the highest possible level. ASPB Public Affairs Director ported by NSF is the Plant Genome Research She also spoke in support of NSF’s career Program (PGRP), which has laid a strong sci- and workforce development programs— Public Affairs Committee ternational development. Th ey also stressed Th en, on March 8, members of the continued from page 19 that the agencies try to work together and Public Aff airs Committee fanned out • Department of Defense: Captain James coordinate eff orts with one another and across Capitol Hill, meeting with nearly Brown, director of the Navy Energy through the White House Offi ce of Science 30 congressional offi ces in both the House Coordination Offi ce for the U.S. Navy and Technology Policy, but this is a tough and Senate as well as the staff s of several • U.S. Agency for International budget environment, and organizations such congressional committees (see sidebar on Development: Steven Fondriest, senior as ASPB will have to help make the argu- page 19). While acknowledging the diffi cult scientist and policy analyst at the Offi ce ment about why support for scientifi c re- fi scal climate facing the country, ASPB of Science and Technology search is important. Th is message will need members emphasized the importance of All of the speakers emphasized the to be made not only to Congress, but also to making strategic investments in areas such relevance of plant biology to their mission, the general public; this speaks to the need as scientifi c research. whether the application is energy, agricul- for simple messages about the value of plant Adam P. Fagen, PhD ture, health, basic science, biofuels, or in- biology and scientifi c research in general. ASPB Public Affairs Director 20 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Public Affairs A New Alliance Takes Root The Association of Independent Plant Research Institutes (AIPI) As ASPB members know, plant research plays both Carnegie and Noble have additional AIPI arose out of conversations between a critical role in addressing some of society’s components that are not part of AIPI. leaders of the four institutes: David Stern most pressing problems, including ensur- AIPI was conceived with three goals at BTI, Wolf Frommer at Carnegie, Roger ing the food supply, discovering sustainable in mind: First, to “increase awareness and Beachy and Jan Jaworski at Danforth, and sources of biofuels, and developing tools to national support for plant science discovery.” Rick Dixon at Noble. In September 2010, help the agricultural sector cope with climate Th is goal is highly cohesive with ASPB’s 36 faculty members from the four institutes change–driven biotic and abiotic stresses. advocacy eff orts, and AIPI’s leaders intend to gathered for a two-day meeting at the Noble Now the four not-for-profi t U.S. organizations undertake complementary initiatives to build Foundation facilities to share their research, focused primarily around plant research (see enthusiasm among the public and funding ideas, and visions. A second meeting will box) have come together to form the new agencies for plant research endeavors. Second, take place late this summer, hosted by the Association of Independent Plant Research to establish broad-scale collaborative projects Danforth Center. Institutes (AIPI). among the respective scientifi c staff s. Indeed, Although AIPI will be independently AIPI’s goal is to harness the collective each institute has a distinctive culture and incorporated, its plan is to serve as a cohe- power of these four institutes—and perhaps expertise that, when joined, will stimulate sive voice from a unique sector of the plant additional partners in the future—to sup- the sort of cross-cutting research that fund- research community and to help the commu- port and execute plant science discovery. ing agencies are increasingly emphasizing, nity collectively respond to pressures includ- AIPI institutions and similar ones have a such as the coordinated projects supported ing federal and state budgetary constraints, unique capability because their missions by USDA’s National Institute of Food and the pipeline of new scientists, and the push to emphasize research rather than teaching, yet Agriculture. Finally, AIPI will explore sharing show results in addressing important scien- each retains strong ties to nearby academic core facilities to provide scientists at each in- tifi c questions and societal challenges. partners. Each AIPI member also has an en- stitution with the most advanced technologies Adam P. Fagen dowment that allows pursuit of high-risk or and to avoid duplication of investments. It ASPB Public Affairs Director proof-of-concept research. Faculty positions is expected that both the scientifi c collabora- David Stern in these sorts of institutions are coveted tions and facility sharing will ultimately reach The Boyce Thompson Institute because of the research focus, excellent beyond AIPI members to the broader plant facilities, academic partners, and fi nancial science community. support. Yet, these institutes are small compared to most research universities. AIPI Members Th e Boyce Th ompson Institute (BTI), for The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri example, employs 17 faculty members along Plant Biology Division of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma with approximately 110 postdocs, gradu- Plant Biology Department of the Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California ate students, and technicians. Th e other The Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, New York members are of comparable size, although Roger Beachy to Leave NIFA ASPB member Roger Beachy has stepped staff about the departure, USDA Undersecre- healthy food supply to the world.” Beachy will down as director of USDA’s National Institute tary for Research, Education, and Economics be a professor in the Biology Department at of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) eff ective Cathie Woteki said that Beachy’s “leadership Washington University in St. Louis. While a May 20, 2011, to be closer to his family in St. contributed to increasing the visibility of search is on for a permanent replacement, Louis. Beachy was tapped to lead the USDA science and innovation at USDA so that Chavonda Jacobs-Young, director of the Cooperative State Research, Education, and American agriculture can continue to be the Offi ce of the Chief Scientist at USDA, will Extension Service in 2009, which was later economic engine our nation needs, and help serve as interim director of NIFA. reorganized into NIFA. In a memo to NIFA our country keep providing a safe and ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 21 Public Affairs Update Th is column provides just a small sample of the content in the ASPB Washington Report and the Plant Biology Policy Blog. Th e ASPB Washington Report, available at http://www.aspb. To keep up-to-date on ASPB’s org/publicaff airs/washington.cfm, is published approximately twice a month by the ASPB Public public affairs activities, please Aff airs Department and includes material provided by ASPB’s legislative aff airs consultants, join the Public Affairs group Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC. Th e policy blog may be found on the ASPB website at http://www. (http://my.aspb.org/members/ aspb.org/policyblog. group.asp?id=68890) on the ASPB website and look for us on ASPB Submits Testimony on 2012 for DOE’s biological and environmental Facebook and Twitter. To receive Appropriations research portfolio (see http://bit.ly/f8sljr). an e-mail copy of the ASPB Washington Report, e-mail ASPB has submitted written testimony to the • NIH will receive $30.7 billion, down $260 [email protected] and ask to be House and Senate Appropriations subcom- million from FY2010, again far less severe added to the distribution list. mittees with responsibility for the Depart- than the $1.6 billion cut passed previ- ment of Agriculture (USDA), Department of ously by the House. Energy (DOE), National Institutes of Health • NSF will receive $6.874 billion, down $53 with targeted spending on science, technol- (NIH), and National Science Foundation million from the FY2010 level. Th ese cuts ogy, and infrastructure. (NSF). Th e testimony outlines some of will apply to both the Research and Republicans posed a number of questions ASPB’s priorities with respect to funding for Related Activities and the Education and to Holdren regarding the validity of climate the agencies, including supporting robust Human Resources accounts. science and voiced concern that the budget funding for research. You can see copies of Th is budget will carry the federal govern- request prioritizes climate science ahead of the testimony at http://bit.ly/jySJ28. ment through the rest of the fi scal year, other equally important investments at fed- FY2011 Budget Finally Passes which ends on September 30. eral science agencies such as DOE and NSF. Holdren defended climate science invest- More than six months into fi scal year 2011, President Releases FY2012 Budget ment, which he believes furthers the nation’s Congress fi nally passed a federal budget. Th e Request federal government had been operating on a capabilities in adaptation research and helps On February 14, the White House and series of continuing resolutions that mostly maintain the nation’s observing networks that Executive Branch agencies released the continued funding at FY2010 levels. Al- forecast weather as well as climate. FY2012 budget request (see table on page though the fi nal budget resolution was said Democrats voiced concerns about sci- 23). Despite keeping the discretionary por- to cut $38.5 million from FY2010 spending ence, technology, engineering, and mathe- tion of the overall budget at stable levels, levels, the science research agencies were matics (STEM) education; renewable energy; there are increases proposed for most of the largely spared from dramatic cuts. However, research; and the relationship between research agencies of interest to the ASPB some agencies that contained a large amount innovation and advanced manufacturing. community. of congressionally directed spending experi- Holdren indicated that the administration Many of the cuts in USDA programs are enced larger overcuts with the elimination of is very interested in developing STEM re- in earmarks and in canceling unobligated earmarks. sources and sees science-related education as balances from construction projects. Earlier a way to increase American competitiveness. • USDA took the biggest hit, with the this spring, both houses of Congress and National Institute of Food and Agriculture President Obama announced that they would House and Senate Ag Appropriators (NIFA) down $126 million from FY2010 not support congressionally directed spend- Question USDA on FY2012 Budget levels; most of these cuts were in earmarks, ing (i.e., earmarks; http://bit.ly/hodILa). Th e House and Senate Appropriations and the Agriculture and Food Research Committees with responsibility for USDA’s Initiative competitive grants program President’s Science Adviser Defends budget have held hearings with high-level actually received a 1% increase. Th e S&T Investments offi cials including Secretary of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service will receive On February 17, the House Science, Space, Tom Vilsack; Undersecretary for Research, $1.135 billion, which is down $44 million and Technology Committee received tes- Education, and Economics Catherine from FY2010. timony from John Holdren, the president’s Woteki; and NIFA Director Roger Beachy • DOE’s Offi ce of Science will receive science and technology adviser and direc- on the FY2012 budget. $4.884 billion, down $25 million from tor of the Offi ce of Science and Technology In his Senate hearing, Secretary Vilsack FY2010. Th is is much better than propos- Policy (OSTP). Holdren stated that the was asked several questions about agri- als in the House that would have halved, FY2012 budget request seeks to responsibly culture research. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), or even completely eliminated, funding improve America’s economy and way of life the ranking Republican on the Agriculture 22 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Public Affairs Update Agency Proposed FY2012 Budget Comparision to FY2010 Department of Agriculture $24 billion ↓ $4 billion (14.3%) • National Institute of Food and Agriculture $1.21 billion ↓$141 million (10.4%) • Agriculture and Food Research Initiative $325 million ↑ $63 million (24%) • Agricultural Research Service $1.156 billion ↓ $109 million (8.6%) Department of Energy $29.5 billion ↑ $3.12 billion (11.8%) • Offi ce of Science $5.42 billion ↑ $452 million (9.1%) • Basic Energy Sciences $1.985 billion ↑ $386 million (24.1%) • Biological and Environmental Research $717.9 million ↑ $129.9 million (22%) National Institutes of Health $31.987 billion ↑ $745 million (2.4%) • National Institute of General Medical Sciences $2.012 billion ↑ $52 million (2.5%) National Science Foundation $7.767 billion ↑ $894 million (13.0%) • Research and Related Activities $6.254 billion ↑ $690 million (12.4%) • Biological Sciences Directorate $794.5 million ↑ $80 million (11.2%) • Education and Human Resources $911 million ↑ $38 million (4.4%) • Major Research Facilities $225 million ↑ $107 million (91.6%) Appropriations Subcommittee, asked specifi - for the hearing by criticizing the signifi cant DOE’s clean energy technology programs, cally about plant research. increase proposed in the budget request including wind and solar energy; biomass Th e House subcommittee asked Woteki for NSF in his opening series of questions. and biorefi nery R&D; hydrogen and fuel and Beachy about the necessity of applied Chairman Hall acknowledged that while cells; geothermal energy; water and hydro- research and whether such projects constitute NSF plays a key role in advancing the United power; and the vehicles, industrial, and “corporate welfare.” Woteki defended applied States in terms of competitiveness, innova- buildings technologies programs. She had research as an inherently governmental under- tion, and breakthrough science, he stressed also served as the acting undersecretary for taking that benefi ts a wide range of partners that the government simply cannot aff ord to energy since the departure of Kristina John- including federal, state, and local stakeholders. spend the amount of money NSF is seeking. son last November. Th ere were also concerns raised about the pro- In defending NSF’s large budget increase in Secretary Chu has tapped Arun Ma- cess for allocating formula funds, which some the FY2012 budget request, Suresh argued jumdar, director of the Advanced Research subcommittee members said failed to refl ect that NSF is an engine of innovation and job Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E), as shift s in agricultural production. growth. Th ese qualities, he noted, are even the new acting undersecretary for energy. Both the subcommittee chair and rank- more important in a weak economy than in Majumdar will continue to lead ARPA-E ing member showed concern about what a strong one. Suresh specifi cally cited NSF- during this interim period. Henry Kelly, the would happen to research that in the past funded nanotechnology research leading current principal deputy assistant secretary was funded through earmarks. Woteki said to the creation of 175 start-up companies for EERE, has been tapped to serve as Zoi’s that aff ected researchers would be encour- and involving 1,200 other companies in the replacement in an acting capacity. Kelly has aged to apply for the next phase of USDA past decade. Other Republicans expressed served in a variety of government positions, competitive research grants. One subcom- complaints similar to the chairman’s, includ- including in OSTP during the Clinton ad- mittee member defended research earmarks ing the $998 million request for clean energy ministration and in the congressional Offi ce as Congress’s method of ensuring that and sustainability research as unnecessary of Technology Assessment. agriculture research addresses relevant and and duplicative to similar research being Undersecretary for Science Steve Koonin current challenges. conducted at DOE and other agencies. and Bill Brinkman, director of the Offi ce of Science, continue to serve on Secretary Chu’s House Science Committee Questions Departures at DOE leadership team during this midterm transi- NSF Director Secretary of Energy Steven Chu has lost a tion for President Obama. On March 11, the House Science, Space, and key member of his clean energy team with Technology Committee held a hearing to the departure of Assistant Secretary for Adam P. Fagen, PhD discuss the FY2012 budget request for NSF Energy Effi ciency and Renewable Energy ASPB Public Affairs Director with its director, Subra Suresh. Committee (EERE) Cathy Zoi on March 10. Zoi had Chair Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX) set the tone been the administration’s point person on ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 23 Yes, we’ve got you covered... There are many types of plant stress that defy easy, reliable, and fast field measurements. Opti-Sciences provides solutions for almost every type. The New OS1p- Capable of detecting most types of plant stress. l Early Water Stress in C34 and C plants l o Heat Stress at 35 C and above in C34 and C plants l Cold, Pesticide, Chemical and Biological Stresses In a class by itself, the OS1p includes direct readout of )F/Fm’, ETR, Fv/Fm, Rapid light Curves, Quenching Measurements and more on its built-in color graphics screen. Compared to any other PAM chlorophyll fluorometer, you will not find a more cost effective solution with as much capability as the OS1p! Affordable Reliable Highly Portable LCpro+ Truly field portable A CO22 - H O Gas exchange photosynthesis measurement system. Ideal for the most exacting plant stress measurements: l Heat Stress can be detected at 30o C and above l Combining Gas Exchange and Fluorescence offers unique insight into cold stress l Lighter weight than similar systems facilitates extended field work The LCpro+ is a proven system from the oldest name in photosynthetic gas exchange, ADC BioScientific. In addition to the standard carbon assimilation and transpiration measurements, environmental controls allow graphing of all parameters including light curves, and A/Ci curves in the field. www.optisci.com Tel: 603 883-4400 8 Winn Ave. Hudson, NH 03051 Fax: 603 883-4410 ASPB Education Forum 12th Annual Education Booth Competition Winners Announced Th e ASPB Education Committee is pleased project (http://www.gatsbyplants.leeds.ac.uk). phenomena along with plant growth and to announce the winners of the highly Celia will be on hand to discuss her team’s fi tness. John will demonstrate inquiry-based competitive 12th Annual Education Booth model for engaging undergraduate students activities examining physiological changes Competition for Innovative Instruction. in plant science and will display a variety in response to time-keeping mechanisms as Winners of the competition will exhibit their of resources available through TREE (Tool well as how to make time-lapse movies of leaf innovative plant science teaching and learn- for Research-Engaged Education), which movement controlled by circadian mecha- ing initiatives as part of the Education Booth consists of movies, presentations, and online nisms, both of which can be easily incorpo- at the upcoming Plant Biology 2011 meeting lecture materials. rated into the classroom or laboratory. in Minneapolis. John Cushman (University of Nevada, Look for these award-winning exhibits Celia Knight (University of Leeds) and Reno) and collaborators will have an interac- and other education displays and materials colleagues will present their eff orts to change tive and graphic-rich display titled “Plants at the Education Booth in Minneapolis! fi rst-year undergraduate students’ percep- Got Rhythm,” which explores environmen- Chad Jordan tions about plants through the Gatsby Plants tal factors impacting circadian-controlled North Carolina State University Easter Egg Roll continued from page 1 and prepare the “egg-citing” activity called Egg-seeding Expectations: Make Your Own Garden. More than 2,000 children fl ocked to the ASPB booth to plant herb seeds (basil, parsley, and dill) in recycled egg carton cups that they could decorate using plant- based paints. Th e handles for the seed cups featured a colorful rendition of ASPB’s fi rst plant biology principle (http://my.aspb.org/ ?EF_Principles), stating that plants use “photosynthesis [and] provide the world’s supply of food, fuel, and energy.” Each visitor was engaged to chat about “baby plants,” germination, plant growth, and the many things plants can provide such as nutritious Puthoff and Kristen Lennon, helped children food, egg cartons, and dyes/pigments (see make the connection between the food they the ASPB booth was “hopping” the entire Egg-seedingly Eff ective Engagement sidebar eat and plants, furthering their understand- time! By day’s end, visitors had created more on page 26). Families took home their seed ing of green and healthy nutrition. than 2,600 seed cup gardens, a total that cups and instructions on how to care for the How did ASPB’s outreach eff orts fare easily “egg-ceeded” original projections. Th e herb seeds, track growth, and use the herbs amid the fl urry of egg dying; egg rolling; activity was staff ed by two shift s of eager and in cooking to boost fl avor and nutrition. yoga; strolling characters; face painting; hardy ASPB volunteers and supplemented ASPB also presented large photos of basketball; and live performances of music, by White House volunteers and even some plants that provide familiar, kid-friendly dance, and storytelling vying for the at- OSTP staff (see Many Th anks to Our Volun- foods. Children used clues to “Name Th at tention of the 30,000 people who visited teers! sidebar on page 27). Despite the long Plant!” Th is activity, created as part of a during the 11 hours lucky ticketholders were hours (the fi rst shift had to be at the White larger project by ASPB members David welcome on the White House lawn? Well, continued on page 26 ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 25 Education Forum Easter Egg Roll and Claudine Pépin and television personali- continued from page 25 ties Kelly Ripa and Al Roker. Some of the Egg-seedingly House at 5:30 a.m.), strong sun, and never- ASPB booth volunteers, including Society Effective Engagement ending fl ow of interested youngsters, the President Nick Carpita, had the opportunity volunteers did a wonderful job promoting to meet Mrs. Obama. During their brief ex- While guiding each child through the scientifi c concepts in a light-hearted man- change, Nick congratulated the First Lady on activity steps, our volunteers prompted ner, all while working steadily to maintain her role in promoting the Healthy, Hunger- age-appropriate, upbeat chatter about material supplies and crowd fl ow. free Kids Act and the role of plant biology in science-based ideas related to each step Among the notables visiting the ASPB healthy foods. of the process. booth, usually with their children or grand- As noted in the White House OSTP’s children, were celebrity chef Jacques Pépin, April 27 blog post “I Want to Go Do Science!” 1. Play “Name Th at Plant!” game to White House executive pastry chef Bill (http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/04/27/ “earn” an empty seed cup. Yosses, and U.S. Agency for International i-want-go-do-science), “Building science into 2. Affi x handle (printed with photo- Development administrator Raj Shah. the Easter Egg Roll was no accident. One of synthesis principle) to the cup. Excitement really ramped up midmorn- President Obama’s priorities is to have more a. Can you say or defi ne “photosyn- ing when the fi rst family addressed the crowd boys and girls excelling in science, technol- thesis” or “energy”? from the White House balcony and then ogy, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) b. Why is photosynthesis important? joined various activities on the South Lawn. education, and as the faces of the children re- How is it unique? Mrs. Obama came within shouting distance fl ected, they want to excel in science as well.” of the ASPB booth for a cookingg demonstra- ASPB was pleased to assist with 3. Fill the cup with soil. tion with chefs Jacques this critical goal by planting seeds of a. What’s the diff erence between soisoill scientifi c thinking in the fertile minds and dirt? of the thousands of youngsters enjoy- b. Why do seeds and plants ing such an “egg-citing” day on the need soil? South Lawn of the White House. 4. Poke a hole, drop in seeds, and Katie Engen & Adam Fagen cover them with soil. a. How deep should the seeds be buried, and why? b. Can you say or defi ne “germinate”? c. Th ese seeds now have soil andd air. What else is needed? 5. Mist the seeds/soil with water fromrom a spray bottle. a. How can you care for this at home? b. What will this plant do for you? 6. Using paint made from plant oils, decorate the egg cups. a. What plant do you think grew the material for this cup? b. Plants made this paint. What else comes from plants? c. Why do plants have colors/ pigments? 26 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Education Forum Many ThanksThanks to Our Volunteers! Th e ASPB staff , represented on-site by Katie Engen and Adam Fagen, is extremely grateful to the expert support provided by each talented volunteer. ASPB members and associates joining Society President Nick Carpita included Kevin Britt, Mark Brodl, Elena del Campillo, Rob Donaldson, Chioma Ebiringa, Brennah Engen, Katelyn Engen, Courtney Hollender, Karen Mowrer, Janet Slovin, Ganesh Sriram, George Ude, He- mayet Ullah, and Gabi Yamoah. Throughout the day, White House Offi ce of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) staff members checked in to be sure the ASPB booth was running smoothly, and OSTP staff Tristen Pegram, Danielle Evers, and Karrie Pitzer provided much-needed help at the end of a long day. A hearty thanks also goes to the dozen volunteers from the general public and White House intern program assigned to our activity by the White House. This capable group not only added much to the success of the event, but also learned a bit about plant biology for themselves. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICK CARPITA AND ADAM FAGEN ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 27 Education Forum Focus on Education at Plant Biology 2011 Vision & Change in Undergraduate Biology Education Monday, August 8, 2011, 12:00–1:30 p.m. Th e National Science Foundation (NSF) in July 2009 that brought together 400 leaders Th is event is free, and advance registra- and other partners, including the Howard in undergraduate biology education. tion is requested because attendance will Hughes Medical Institute, National Institutes Th e fi nal report from V&C has just been be limited. Sign up for the V&C session via of Health, American Association for the released (http://www.visionandchange.org), online registration for Plant Biology 2011 Advancement of Science, and representatives and ASPB is providing a dedicated opportu- (www.aspb.org/PlantBiology2011). from Th e National Academies, have been nity to discuss the report and how to put its To expand the conversation and as an ini- tial follow-up to the V&C Workshop, there involved in a multiyear process to consider recommendations into practice. will be two special sessions of Hot Topics in the future of undergraduate biology educa- • How will the plant biology community Science Education (see below) on under- tion. Th e Vision & Change (V&C) initiative respond to the report? graduate biology education. included discussions with many stakeholders, • What tools and resources do you need including a well-attended session at ASPB’s from ASPB and from NSF to implement 2007 annual meeting and a major conference the report’s recommendations? Additional Education Events at Plant Biology 2011 EVENT DESCRIPTION ACCESS NOTES Small Colleges/PUI Research Join scientists working at or interested in primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) Pre-purchased ticket required: Networking Breakfast to network, discuss issues of common interest, fi nd out about PUI-related opportuni- $15. Purchase via online meet- Sat., Aug. 6, 9:00–10:30 a.m. ties, and provide feedback on ASPB programs for PUIs. ing registration. Undergraduate Networking Welcome the next generation of plant biologists as undergraduates display their post- Free. No registration required Poster Session ers during this special session. Poster presenters must reserve a poster spot via online to attend. Sat., Aug. 6, 10:30–11:30 a.m. registration. Education Workshop: Educa- Learn to prepare education and outreach grant proposals, including those off ered by the Free. Advance registration tion/Outreach Grant Proposals ASPB Education Foundation, NSF, NIH, and HHMI. Agency reps will answer questions, required. Use online registra- Sun., Aug. 7, 7:30–9:30 p.m. and PIs will share their successful (and not so successful!) proposals, reviews, and revisions. tion for tickets. Education Minisymposium Experts share the impacts and implications of planning plant biology outreach. Discov- Free. No registration required. Tues., Aug. 9, 8:30–10:10 a.m. er the techniques used and learning patterns noted in these diverse outreach programs. Education Booth Competition View the new and clever techniques, technologies, and strategies developed for teaching During Exhibit Hall hours for Innovative Instruction and learning plant science in the laboratory, classroom, or other venues. Speak with the Daily in the Education Booth competition winners who created them. Hot Topics in Science Education Join interactive discussions that focus on strategies for preparing successful education During Exhibit Hall hours Daily in the Education Booth and outreach grant proposals, assessing student learning, and other education-related 30–60 min./session topics of interest to conferees. To suggest a topic or facilitate a discussion, please e-mail Topic schedule posted online and Erin Dolan, Education Committee chair, at [email protected]. in the booth. Sponsor: Fralin Life Science Institute. Resource Library Visitors can peruse carefully selected resources on the research-based science of teach- During Exhibit Hall hours Daily in the Education Booth ing and learning along with an updated array of outreach materials free for the taking. Please verify times and room assignments online or on-site during the conference. 28 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Education Forum ASPB Awards 15 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) for 2011 Five Applicants Earn Honorable Mentions Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow- research, applications received from larger indeed diffi cult for the reviewers to choose ships (SURF; http://www.aspb.org/SURF) (category A) and smaller, primarily un- the 15 SURF recipients and fi ve honorable assist promising undergraduate students so dergraduate institutions (category B) are mentions. Th e 15 awardees will present their that they can conduct meaningful research reviewed separately. SURF research results at the undergradu- in plant biology early in their college careers. ASPB’s SURF Committee would like to ate and general poster sessions during Plant SURF students must work with a mentor thank all the students and mentors who ap- Biology 2012 on July 20–24 in Austin, Texas. who is an ASPB member. Because SURF plied to the 2011 SURF program. Th e appli- Congratulations to all the students listed recognizes that institutions have varying cations were both plentiful and outstanding. here. resources for sustaining diff erent types of Th e process was very competitive, and it was CATEGORY A Research and Doctoral Universities Matthew Bedewitz, Michigan State University Mentor: Cornelius Barry Project: Development of a functional genomics platform for exploring tropane alkaloid biosynthesis in Atropa belladonna I am very honored to receive the ASPB SURF award, as it will be an excellent opportunity for me to gain valu- able full-time research experience and allow me to fully participate in a research project. My long-term goal is to work in the area of crop improvement, and this project will be an opportunity for me to gain experience in functional genomics. Kristina Chun, University of California, San Diego Mentor: Joseph P. Noel Project: Identifi cation of functional protein “sectors”: Statistical coupling analysis of the terpene synthase family I am extremely honored and grateful to have been chosen by ASPB as a SURF recipient. Th is fellowship will al- low me to continue my work on terpene synthases into the summer and gain valuable training and experience to further expand my knowledge and education. I would like to thank ASPB for this wonderful opportunity as well as Dr. Joseph Noel, Dr. Charisse Crenshaw, and Dr. Kit Pogliano for their continuing support and guidance. continued on page 30 ASPB appreciates the hard work of the SURF cochairs, Amy Clore (New College of Florida) and Ken Helm (Siena College). Once again, their attention to detail and high standards certainly enhanced the SURF program’s continued success this year. To select the 2011 award recipients and honorees, they were joined by a great team of 10 reviewers. Th e hard work of these volunteers furthered both the career paths of a group of promising students as well as ASPB’s initiatives in supporting quality science education. To learn about volunteering with the SURF program, e-mail [email protected]. ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 29 Education Forum CATEGORY A Research and Doctoral Universities (continued from page 29) Karina Friman, University of Florida Mentor: Alisa Huff aker Project: Role of AtPep6 as a signal in Arabidopsis thaliana With the SURF fellowship, I hope to work hard, learn as much as possible, and gain new experiences. Laura Gates, University of Massachusetts Amherst Mentor: Alice Y. Cheung Project: Developmental regulation of pollen tube reception in Arabidopsis Winning the 2011 SURF grant means that I can spend the summer satisfying my curiosity about the natural world. I will be able to interact full-time with a group of brilliant, hardworking people in plant biology and hope to learn new techniques and approaches that will help me in graduate school and beyond. I am very excited and appreciative to have been given this opportunity. Jonathan Herrmann, Washington University in St. Louis Mentor: Joseph M. Jez Project: Biochemical and structure analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana GH3.10/DFL2: Defi ning its role in jasmonate or auxin regulation I am excited and honored to receive this fellowship from ASPB. I look forward to using this opportunity to learn more about the fi eld of plant biochemistry and contribute to the perpetually growing body of knowledge in this area. Th ank you so much to ASPB as well as to the Jez Lab at Washington University in St. Louis. David Higgins, North Carolina State University Mentor: Robert G. Franks Project: Investigation of carpel margin meristem (CMM) development in Arabidopsis thaliana By winning the ASPB SURF, I’ve been granted an excellent opportunity to advance my study of plants beyond the classroom. I look forward to using this experience to further prepare myself for future graduate studies in the fi eld of plant sciences. 30 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Education Forum CATEGORY A Research and Doctoral Universities Hung-Hsueh (Helen) Lai, University of Washington Mentor: Keiko Torii Project: Functional analysis of EPFL family as signaling ligands in Arabidopsis I would like to thank ASPB for this rare scholarship opportunity for international students. I appreciate the guidance and support from Dr. Keiko Torii, Torii lab members, and HHMI undergraduate research adviser Dr. Brian Buchwitz during the research and SURF application process. I am looking forward to continuing the exciting EPFL project over the summer. It is going to be an important experience that contributes to my scientifi c career! Taylor Lloyd, University of Kentucky Mentor: A. Bruce Downie Project: Using phage display and biopanning to examine the diversity of seed proteins associating with an LEA protein at supraoptimal germination temperatures Th e ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship will provide me with the opportunity to continue my education in the challenging science of seeds and build a resume that will allow me to begin the daunting task of entering the evolving fi eld of seed pathology. Th e summertime experience this grant provides will truly enhance my undergraduate experience by allowing undistracted time on the bench to delve further into the scientifi c method. Amanda Miller, University of Wisconsin–Madison Mentor: Simon Gilroy Project: Role of calcium signaling in the adaptation to low-oxygen stress in Arabidopsis Winning the SURF grant is an amazing opportunity that I am privileged to have been awarded. Th is will allow me to feel established as a researcher and make a contribution to my area of research. With this, I will easily be able to excel in the fi eld of agricultural sciences, my ideal fi eld for the future. Jesse Pyle, Texas A&M University Mentor: Karen-Beth G. Scholthof Project: Analysis of the phosphorylated SPMV capsid protein and its biological signifi cance It is such an honor to be selected for the 2011 SURF program! I would like to thank ASPB for supporting me as I expand my education within the fi eld of plant pathology. I would also like to thank everyone in the Scholthof lab at Texas A&M for their guidance throughout this entire process. Th is award has given me the unique op- portunity to connect with my peers from around the country as we all contribute to the expanding scientifi c community. My summer research will help to defi ne my professional goals and pave the way for future learning experiences. continued on page 32 ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 31 Education Forum CATEGORY A Research and Doctoral Universities (continued from page 31) James Th ierer, University of Maryland, College Park Mentors: Caren Chang and Charles Delwiche Project: Search for ancestral plant hormone pathways in Charophyte Algae Applying for the ASPB SURF fellowship was an enriching experience in itself, as it gave me experience in the grant proposal process. Receiving the award is even more useful, as it has not only allowed me to perform undergraduate research in my fi eld of interest, but also provided me with networking opportunities that will be invaluable to me as I pursue my career goals. Katherine Walsh, University of Massachusetts Amherst Mentor: Magdalena Bezanilla Project: Th e role of GAPs, GEFs, and GDIs in regulating tip growth I’m extremely grateful to both ASPB and my mentor Magdalena Bezanilla for giving me the opportunity to further pursue my research goals this summer and better understand the molecular mechanisms driving moss tip growth. CATEGORY B Master’s Universities, Baccalaureate Colleges, and Associate of Arts Colleges Timothy Godfrey, Grand Valley State University Mentor: Sheila Blackman Project: Identifi cation and surveillance of the LEA proteins in Orchidaceae I am extremely thrilled and grateful to have been awarded this unique opportunity from ASPB. I look forward to conducting this exciting research this summer as well as presenting the project at the ASPB 2012 annual meeting. I’d like to give my most sincere appreciation to my mentors, Dr. Sheila Blackman and Dr. Pei-Lan Tsou, as well as to ASPB for making this possible! Josef Jareczek, Bellarmine University Mentor: David Lowell Robinson Project: Nitrogen-fi xing endophyte population in local plant species and reinfection eff ects in nonnatural hosts I am incredibly honored to have been chosen to receive the SURF research grant. I’ve been given a great op- portunity to perform research at the undergraduate level, and this will help me springboard my graduate career. I would also like to thank Dr. Lau and Dr. Robinson for their continuing help and support. 32 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Education Forum CATEGORY B Master’s Universities, Baccalaureate Colleges, and Associate of Arts Colleges Tyler Wernecke, Elmhurst College Mentor: Eve M. Mellgren Project: Identifying the role of phoP and phoQ in virulence of DC3000 Th e ASPB SURF grant will help me grow as a scientist by giving me a more in-depth research experience. It will prepare me so that one day I will be able to enroll in a graduate program and someday even have my own lab. HONORABLE MENTIONS CATEGORY A Research and Doctoral Universities Hannah De Jong, Cornell University Mentor: Georg Jander Project: Does turnip mosaic virus suppress siRNA-mediated aphid defense responses in Arabidopsis? Research in Georg Jander’s lab has shown that aphids fare better on virus-infected Arabidopsis plants than on uninfected plants. For my project, I am performing bioassays to determine whether virus-mediated suppression of RNA silencing compromises Arabidopsis defense against aphids. Anders Hokinson, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Mentor: Luis Vidali Project: Coarse-grained modeling of F-actin and myosin XI dynamics in moss As a physics major applying to a primarily biological fellowship, I was unsure that I would be considered for any award. Upon being acknowledged as an honorable mention, my confi dence was bolstered, and I am fl attered to receive such recognition. I am certainly more determined to complete my research this summer, and this has kept my eyes open for future possibilities with ASPB and in biological physics. continued on page 34 ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 33 Education Forum CATEGORY A Research and Doctoral Universities (Honorable Mentions continued from page 33) Jaime Werenka, University of Saskatchewan Mentor: David C. Logan Project: Study of the dynamics of subnuclear Cajal bodies within plant cells Being honored as a part of the 2011 SURF process has provided me with the recognition and confi dence that is necessary for obtaining future undergrad and graduate research positions. It will give me an advantage over my peers and serve as a solid beginning for my future in scientifi c research and discovery. Th ank you! CATEGORY B Master’s Universities, Baccalaureate Colleges, and Associate of Arts Colleges Katie Leonardo, Th e King’s University College Mentor: Hank D. Bestman Project: Th e infl uence of nitrogen-limited growing conditions on carbon fl ux into starch and lipids in the oleaginous alga Neochloris oleoabundans investigated with 13C-labeling experiments Applying for the ASPB SURF award has aff orded me the opportunity to explore new academic avenues. I never would have imagined plant biology as a potential career, but the past year has drastically changed my perspective on the natural sciences. Being part of the SURF process has been foundational, and I’m honored to be a part of it. Tyree Ratcliff , William Carey University Mentor: Gretchen F. Sassenrath Project: Effi ciency of converting solar energy to bioenergy Applying for the 2011 SURF grant and receiving honorable mention allowed me to become better at the process of developing a research thesis. Even though I did not receive the SURF grant, I am sure I will be better prepared to apply next year. Katie Engen Education Foundation Coordinator Plant Physiology Back Issues Available Anyone interested in free back issues of Plant Physiology from 1944 to 2000 should contact Peter Davies at [email protected] to arrange shipping. 34 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Education Forum ASPB Outreach Partner PlantingScience Honored to Receive AAAS Science SPORE Award ASPB congratulates education outreach Director Claire Hemingway explains, “Th e make a point of noting their appreciation for partner PlantingScience (PS) for winning typical generic introduction to plants that the role of the program’s partners, including the March 2011 Science Prize for Online young scientists get is not ‘Gee whiz! Th is is ASPB, in the success of PS. Resources in Education (SPORE). Th e goal really fascinating!’ But the PlantingScience Additionally, Hemingway states, “What of SPORE, a project of the journal Science, experience fl ings open the door and invites an honor for PlantingScience! What a tribute is to encourage innovation and excellence in people to engage with plants.” to the contributions of the mentors, teachers, education as well as to encourage the use of PS, which is led by the Botanical Society and students!” high-quality online resources by students, of America (BSA), is a partnership of 14 Since 2006, the unique partnership teachers, and the public. scientifi c societies, academic institutions, between ASPB and BSA has included ASPB PlantingScience (http://plantingscience. corporate partners, and funding agencies. sponsorship of the PS Master Plant Science org) is a learning and research resource that ASPB joined the eff ort in 2006, just a year af- Team of mentors who are graduate students, uses online collaboration to bring together ter the program was launched. PS coordina- concept development for PS teaching mod- students, plant scientists, and teachers from tors Claire Hemingway, William Dahl, Chris ules, dissemination of PS materials during across the nation. Students engage in hands- Haufl er, and Carol Stuessy fully describe the various outreach events, and contributions on plant investigations while working with PS resource in the SPORE essay (http://www. to the PS steering committee. peers and scientist mentors to improve their sciencemag.org/site/special/spore) published Katie Engen understanding of science. PS Education in the March 25 issue of Science. Th e authors Education Foundation Coordinator ASPB Outreach at NSTA San Francisco Great Ideas for Guided Inquiry by the Golden Gate Th e ASPB Education Committee spon- sored an outreach booth at the National Science Teachers Association’s (NSTA’s) National Conference on Science Education held March 9–12, 2011, in San Francisco’s Moscone Center. ASPB’s booth featured a diverse set of outreach and educational activities designed to spark interest in plant biology and integrate more plant-based teaching materials into existing K–12 science curricula. In addition to a vast array of teaching materials, four “hands-on” activities were featured in this year’s booth. First, Jane El- lis (Presbyterian College), former chair of continued on page 36 Graduate student Megan Casey (left) assists two young plant scientists-in-training with extracting DNA from frozen strawber- ries to create a DNA necklace at the NSTA 2011 ASPB booth. PHOTO BY JOHN CUSHMAN. ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 35 Education Forum Dynamic exhibits, including the ASPB booth, sustain prolonged interest at NSTA. SOURCE: NSTA POST-EVENT SURVEY, 2011 SAN FRANCISCO NATIONAL CONFERENCE Participants at the ASPB booth featured at the NSTA 2011 meeting included (from left to right) Jane Ellis, Mary Ann Cushman, John Cushman, and James Schnable. ASPB Outreach continued from page 35 NSTA 2011 Attendance the Education Committee, TOTAL CONFERENCE presented a demonstration of ATTENDANCE: 9,802 one of the 12 inquiry-based 76% TEACHERS, PROFESSORS, AND DEPARTMENT HEADS activities exploring the 12 12% PRINCIPALS, SUPERVISORS/ Principles of Plant Biology COORDINATORS, ADMINISTRATORS sponsored by the Educa- 9% INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES tion Foundation of (http:// 7% STUDENTS: Barbara Alonso (right) is pictured here showing off the Dirt-to-Dinner game at the NSTA 2011 ASPB booth. PHOTO BY JOHN CUSHMAN. my.aspb.org/12labs). Th e 37% GRADES K–6 34% GRADES 7–8 activity explores how plants as a hands-on activity audience that focus on genetic diversity, 43% GRADES 9–12 defend themselves against to engender interest in genomes, DNA, proteins, classical breeding, 18% COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY pests, microbial diseases, and plants by simply grow- and genetic engineering (http://ucbiotech. PLEASE NOTE: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMA- other threats and is based TION IS SELF-REPORTED, AND ATTENDEES ing them. Small 1.25 oz. org/dnafordinner). Th ey also brought their on germination of radish (or CAN SELECT ALL CATEGORIES THAT APPLY, souffl é cups were fi rst new Dirt-to-Dinner game, which featured THEREFORE PERCENTAGES WILL NOT NECES- corn) seeds in the presence SARILY ADD UP TO 100%. fi lled with either peat fi ve clear seed boxes that could be placed of a variety of extracts from moss or a transparent on the correct miniature soil pots centered plant parts to test for allelo- gelling agent to allow under a picture of the foods that might be pathic compounds. visualization of root growth. Th en, small made from the grains or vegetables produced Second, John and Mary Ann Cushman plantlets of mother-of-thousands (Kalanchoe from each seed. (University of Nevada, Reno) presented a diagremontiana) were planted to convey the Special thanks go to Zheng-Hui He, a hands-on demonstration and instructional concept of clonal propagation, illustrated professor in the Department of Biology fl yer of DNA extraction from frozen straw- by the somatic embryos produced at the at San Francisco State University, and UC berries, a lab activity originally developed margins of leaves of this drought-tolerant Berkeley graduate students James Schnable, by Kristi DeCourcy and Erin Dolan of the crassulacean acid metabolism species. Aft er Ludmila Tyler, Laurie Leonelli, Emilie Ren- Fralin Life Science Institute at Virginia Tech. planting, the cups were strung with brightly nie, and Megan Casey, who ably assisted Th e concept was extended to include the colored mason twine and worn as small with the booth activities over the course of creation of DNA necklaces that can be worn plant necklaces. this three-day event, informing and train- and shared by students. Fourth, Barbara Alonso and Peggy Lemaux ing hundreds of science teachers from the Th ird, Lilliputian garden cup necklaces, (University of California, Berkeley) featured United States and around the world. originally developed by Paul Williams of information on their DNA for Dinner cur- John Cushman Wisconsin Fast Plants®, were again featured riculum, fi ve lessons for a middle school University of Nevada, Reno 36 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Education Forum ASPB at AAAS Family Science Days in Washington, D.C. Capital Ideas in the Nation’s Capitol It was a landslide victory for science at the AAAS Family Science Days event held Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 19–20) in Washington, D.C. Scientists, science educators, and families interested in all things science showed unilateral support for the power of interactive inquiry to draw and inspire a diverse audience. Th e appeal of this community science showcase is real. Aft er all, Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday, and many government employees in the D.C. area take a three-day weekend out of town. Coupled with the unseasonably warm weather in the days leading up to the confer- A self-proclaimed future plant scientist colors a page on medicinal plants from a Flora Delaterre™ ence, there was also the potential for families Creating a Lilliputian garden cup coloring book (http://www.fl oradelaterre.com/ to opt for outdoor activity. Yet, aft er a quiet with Kalanchoe plantlets proved to coloring-book.html). start on Saturday morning, the exhibit hall be a fun way to dig into plant maintained a steady fl ow of highly interested biology! patrons of all ages. One youngster proclaimed, Family Science Days features “I’m going to go to plant school interactive exhibits on cool, and become a plant scientist!” science-related topics important Many others buzzed about the to the general public. Th e booths booth with frequent requests are staff ed by experts ready to to try the various activities and lead inquiry-based activities and take “just one more look” in the answer questions. Once again, microscope. ASPB members volunteered in Professional researchers, the booth (see sidebar on page nonexpert parents, and curious 38) to engage visitors with a kids were stumped by a new variety of plant explorations. Th e game created by ASPB mem- families were especially motivat- bers David Puthoff and Kristen ed to meet expert scientists and Lennon from Frostburg State discuss plant biology concepts. University that challenged Th e volunteers were pleased by people to identify the food they the sophisticated questions and Kristen Lennon (left) talks with visitors making fruit salad bracelets eat by looking at a sample or high levels of interest the kids, about the special code in the cells of fruit-bearing plants that photo of the plant that produces teens, and parents had in using a yields traits such as taste, texture, and aroma. the food. microscope; discussing genetics, cloning, and David commented, “It was great to interact medicinal plants; and playing games to iden- Various high school students were with the many young minds present at the tify the plants used to make familiar foods. intrigued with the concepts presented in the festival. I have a great interest in K–12 plant Th e range of topics was wide. Some visitors booth and inquired about access to summer biology education and always enjoy teaching had in-depth questions about genetics, while research internships. ASPB does not off er children about plants. Th e activities were many others were notably surprised and fasci- high school internships, but our volunteers interactive, [which was] a big draw for the nated by the basic fact that the fruits, veggies, were able to address the students’ inquiries and grains they eat contain protein or DNA. and set them on the right path. continued on page 38 ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 37 Education Forum Family Science Days research. Rejane and Guillaume generously continued from page 37 donated this poster to ASPB. Arrangements kids and hopefully will inspire them to think are under way to make the poster available about plants.” to ASPB members and the public. As part of ASPB’s ongoing eff orts to pres- Finally, while it can sometimes be dif- ent the beauty and science of plant biology fi cult to measure the long-term impact of to the general public, a new poster featuring the many one-on-one teachable moments in gorgeous dahlia blooms and a graphic expla- an outreach booth, a recent email to ASPB nation of the genus’s genetic variations de- shows that some lasting interest has indeed buted in the booth (see sidebar below). Ac- taken root: “I wanted to tell you that the teeny tive volunteers and ASPB members Rejane baby Kalanchoe bud that we took home just Pratelli and Guillaume Pilot from Virginia opened up four tiny leaves today.” Tech created this eye-catching display with Katie Engen images they took in tandem with their own Education Foundation Coordinator ASPB’s new LED Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope (7×–45×) was a very popular tool among visitors interested in getting a closer look at the contrast between Kalanchoe plantlets and germinated radish seeds. ASPB Booth Volunteers for AAAS FSD Elena del Campillo (University of Maryland) Erin Dolan (Virginia Tech) Beth Gant (University of Maryland) Sarah Josway (USDA–ARS) June Kwak (University of Maryland) Kristen Lennon (Frostburg State University) Guillaume Pilot (Virginia Tech) Rejane Pratelli (Virginia Tech) David Puthoff (Frostburg State University) Janet Slovin (USDA–ARS) Michael Tims (Northern Virginia Community College) George Ude (Bowie State University) Hemayet Ullah (Howard University) Th ank you, volunteers! 38 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Education Forum ASPB Member Ude Helps Establish the International Society of African Bioscientists and Biotechnologists Several years ago, ASPB member George time into the development of R&D within 4. Foster high standards of education Ude (Bowie State University) and a few Af- Africa. through the establishment of exchange rican scientists in the United States met and Every summer, ISABB scientists travel to and mentoring programs involving edu- started the International Society of African Africa with young adults of African descent in cational institutions on the African conti- Bioscientists and Biotechnologists (ISABB; the medical profession to provide free medical nent and those participating institutions http://isabbio.org) with the mission to care to very poor people in remote villages on or organizations abroad organize African bioscientists and biotech- the continent. (Visit http://isabbcommhealth. 5. Promote and support high standards of nologists in the diaspora to become change org to see video of ISABB’s medical outreach professional ethics among members and agents in matters regarding research and de- to Nigeria in the summer of 2010.) those participating with ISABB velopment in Africa. So many international 6. Promote the use of ISABB scientists as students from Africa migrate to Western na- ISABB Mission reviewers and panelists by funding agen- tions for postgraduate studies every year and 1. Maintain a current annual directory of cies and governments seeking to aid are unable to go back to their countries aft er ISABB members, including their institu- developmental activities, involving the graduation because of persistent economic tions and professional specializations areas emphasized, throughout the hardships and little or no research infra- 2. Facilitate dissemination of scientifi c African continent structure in their countries of origin. information and technology through Th e implication of this trend is “brain 7. Cooperate with other organizations with publications, seminars, and international drain,” which deprives Africa of the very similar objectives conferences natural resources needed to address its eco- nomic woes. Many skilled scientists of Af- 3. Promote research and collaboration About ISABB rican origin are scattered all over the world, among African scientists and between ISABB is organized into six divisions (ag- especially in the Western world, where they African scientists and other scientists riculture, genetics of bioresources, health have continued to do cutting-edge research worldwide sciences, environmental sciences, biotech- with a wish that someday they nology, bioinformatics), each of will be able to give back to Africa. which is coordinated by a com- Unfortunately, there is a lack 2011 Inaugural ISABB mittee of accomplished African of an eff ective forum for the International Conference scholars in the diaspora. ISABB exchange of ideas and a mecha- is working to establish three Th e fi rst annual international conference of ISABB is scheduled nism to harness the capabilities of offi cial journals that the society to take place September 9–10, 2011, at Bowie State University African researchers in the biotech hopes to launch this fall: ISABB in Maryland. Th e conference will provide a forum for African and biosciences to address spe- Journal of Food and Agricultural scientists in the diaspora to network with scientists in Africa. cifi c problems pertinent to the Sciences, ISABB Journal of Health Th e theme of the conference is “Bioscience and Biotechnology African continent. and Environmental Sciences, and Research Infrastructure and Training: Challenges in the Sub- Cognizant of this vacuum, ISABB Journal of Biotechnology Saharan Africa.” More information about the conference is the ISABB was initiated to and Bioinformatics. Information available from George Ude. encourage free exchanges among about ISABB projects and needs African scientists living outside can be obtained by emailing Contact: George Ude the African continent and work- [email protected] or visiting the Associate Professor and President of ISABB ing in cutting-edge fi elds, with websites at http://isabbio.org or Natural Science Department, Bowie State University the hope that these interactions http://isabbcommhealth.org. 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715 might result in collaborations http://isabbio.org, http://isabbcommhealth.org George Ude that would promote R&D on the Bowie State University and Telephone: 301-943-3803 continent. ISABB is also a plat- ISABB President E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] form for non-African scientists to invest their resources and ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 39 Education Forum ASPB Member George Ude Coordinates NSF-Funded Summer Biotechnology Program for Undergraduates and High School Science Teachers at Bowie State University Bowie State University (BSU); the University and Jianhua Zua from the Department of of Maryland, College Park (UMCP); and the Laboratory Topics Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture National Science Foundation (NSF) have for the Summer Institute and Ganesh Sriram from the Department of identifi ed a need for laboratory experience for Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Th e Lab 1: DNA Extraction undergraduate students (especially minori- instructors from BSU are George Acquaah, Lab 2: PV92, PCR/Informatics Kit ties) and high school science teachers in the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Lab 3: GMO Investigator fi eld of biotechnology. Biotechnology, which Bradford Braden, who is a protein biochemist Lab 4: pGLO Bacterial Transformation has signifi cantly evolved in the past two in the Department of Natural Sciences. Lab 5: Forensic DNA Fingerprinting decades due in part to the contributions of the Teachers and students who complete Lab 6: GFP Purifi cation Human Genome Project and advances in re- the institute will be better acquainted with Lab 7: Comparative Proteomics 1: combinant DNA technology, is transforming the tools and techniques of modern biotech- Protein Profi ling a number of fi elds, including forensics, health, nology. At the end of every summer insti- Lab 8: Comparative Proteomics II: tute, two student participants are selected energy, and agricultural sciences. Western Blotting However, due to inadequate laboratory for a two-month paid summer research infrastructure, students in many minority- For more information, please contact: experience in Gary Coleman’s plant molecu- serving institutions are oft en disadvantaged George Ude lar biology laboratory at UMCP. in their exposure to modern biotechnology Crawford Science Building, Offi ce 003A BSU President Mickey Burnim commented research and techniques. As a result, these Bowie State University on the collaboration between BSU and UMCP: biology graduates lack the needed skills for 14000 Jericho Park Road “Th e NSF-funded program is signifi cant be- basic biotechnology research and the tools Bowie, Maryland 20715 cause it provides Bowie State the opportunity for the pursuit of postgraduate studies in Telephone: 301-860-3347 to address the workforce needs of the state in a biotechnology and its related fi elds. Fax: 301-860-3346 major industry while providing minority stu- To address these issues, BSU and UMCP E-mail: [email protected] dents training in a fi eld where they have been are working in tandem and with support underrepresented.” He explained, “Th e project from NSF to create a summer institute on (3) develop an applied biotechnology course will equip BSU and other HBCU [Historically biotechnology. Th e relationship between for biology majors in the Department of Black College and University] undergraduates BSU and UMCP started out as a very casual Natural Sciences. Th e goals of the biotechnol- with the necessary research skills to pursue collaboration between George Ude and his ogy summer institute include the following: STEM [science, technology, engineering, and PhD supervisor, William Kenworthy, who promote the interest of students in biotech- mathematics]-based postgraduate program provided space and stipends for minority nology as a possible career path, provide opportunities at the University of Maryland, students from BSU to work in his soybean research experience that will help students College Park, and other biotechnology research laboratory. Th e collaboration has since succeed in postgraduate education, train institutions in Maryland.” expanded to include other plant science personnel to serve in the burgeoning biotech- George Acquaah, dean of BSU’s College professors at UMCP, providing opportuni- nology industry in Maryland and the nation, of Arts and Sciences, commended the col- ties for many BSU biology students to spend and reach out to the youth in high schools by laborative eff ort and said, “We are excited their summer doing research with diff erent providing teachers with additional skills in about the program to provide research mentors and in diff erent laboratories. Th e biotechnology to augment their capacity to experience for minorities and train them in current four-year NSF-funded joint proposal prepare students to succeed in college. the discipline of biotechnology.” will help BSU and UMCP accomplish the fol- Principal investigator George Ude, who Information about applying to the institute lowing three objectives at BSU: (1) conduct a has over 15 years of high school and college is available at http://www.bowiestate.edu/ biotechnology summer institute for minority teaching and research experience, will pres- academics/departments/natural/sacademy. ent the institute. Th e team of collaborators undergraduates and high school teachers, (2) George Ude establish a plant genomics laboratory, and from UMCP also includes Gary Coleman Bowie State University 40 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 Obituaries Paulo de Tarso Alvim (1919–2011) and Moacyr Maestri (1925–2011) Master and Pupil: Two Close Friends, Two Great Plant Physiologists With great sadness, we inform the scientifi c community of the deaths of Dr. Paulo de Tarso Alvim, on February 18 from nephro- logical problems, and Prof. Moacyr Maestri, two days later from cardiological complica- tions. Paulo and Moacyr were master and pupil at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Studies (ESAV; currently Federal University of Viçosa [UFV], Brazil), where they graduated in agricultural sciences in 1940 and 1948, respectively. Paulo was born in Ubá, Minas Gerais, and Moacyr in Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo. Th ey became close friends despite their opposite personalities: Paulo was quite expansive and warm, while Moacyr was timid or even shy. Th is friendship lasted until the end of their lives. Paulo completed his PhD in 1948 at Cornell University when he presented the thesis “Studies on Mecha- nisms of Stomatal Behavior,” an outstanding Alvim (left) and Maestri during the VII Brazilian Congress of Plant Physiology contribution. With the thesis “Structural and (Brasília 1999) when the latter was awarded an honorary citation. Functional Eff ects of Endothall on Plants,” Moacyr completed his PhD in 1967 at the In 1951, Paulo was admitted to the Inter- when he created the PhD program. As of University of California, Davis. Moacyr was American Institute of Agricultural Sciences December 2010, the program had graduated considered exceptionally bright, becoming, (IICA) of the Organization of American 249 MScs and 85 PhDs who are engaged in Paulo’s words, “the best scholar of plant States (OAS) in Costa Rica, which repre- in research and teaching throughout Latin physiology in all Latin America in the last 70 sented a turning point in his scientifi c career. America. Th e scientifi c contribution of the to 80 years of the last century.” Th ere, he had the chance to see a cocoa tree program to high-impact journals has been Paulo was admitted to UFV to teach plant for the fi rst time. As a member of the gradu- signifi cant, which led CAPES (the govern- taxonomy, which impressed upon him a ho- ate school, he supervised 30 MSc students, mental agency of classifi cation of programs) listic view of plant science. In 1943, he began whose theses were devoted to the study of to designate the program with its maximum teaching plant physiology, which became an tropical crops. His concern with the welfare mark, comparable to graduate programs offi cial discipline of the course of agricultural of mankind led him to dedicate himself to in the developed world, in 2010. Moacyr’s sciences. In a scientifi c tour to the arid zone of applied physiology, always using the prin- devotion to the training of plant physiolo- northeastern Brazil with undergraduate stu- ciples of crop physiology. gists did not lead to neglect of his scientifi c dents, he concluded that the drought condi- Upon returning from UC Davis with his career. In addition to articles in scientifi c tion of the “Caatinga” ecosystem was a natural PhD, Moacyr was faced with poor working journals, several of his works appeared in phenomenon and not a result of human ac- conditions in Viçosa. He formed a small books published by Academic Press, CRC tivities. Later, he postulated that the “Cerrado” research group and in 1970 succeeded in Press, Elsevier, and others. ecosystem was a consequence of soil mineral establishing the fi rst MSc program in plant While at the IICA, Paulo also worked defi ciencies and not a result of the periodic physiology in South America. Another of at La Molina (Peru) from 1955 to 1963. burnings that aff ect the ecosystem. his pioneering initiatives occurred in 1988, continued on page 42 ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 • 41 Obituaries continued from page 41 tion, he created the Pau-Brazil Foundation, was also a member of the Brazilian Acad- During this time, he succeeded in noting a nongovernmental organization dedicated emy of Sciences. Moacyr was awarded the that in continuously irrigated coff ee trees, to developing conservationist actions in the Medal of Merit in Research by UFV and also fl ower buds were kept dormant. If watering Atlantic tropical humid forests. In recogni- the status of emeritus professor at the same was withheld and plants were later irrigated tion of his contributions to plant science and university. again, dormancy was broken. In other agriculture, Paulo’s name has been attributed Upon retirement, both men kept working words, drought-induced dormancy break- to several plant genera and species: Acantho- for several years until illness no longer al- age and reirrigation were required for bud siris Paulo-alvinii (Santalaceae), Acrococus lowed them to continue. Paulo is survived by growth. To this phenomenon, he applied the alvinii (Bromeliaceae), Alvimia (Bambusae), his wife, Simone, who was his devoted sec- term hydroperiodism, which occurs under Alvimiantha (Rhamnaceae), Eschweilera alvi- retary for over two decades, always receiving natural conditions when several develop- nii (Lecythidaceae), Micoalvimia (fungus), his friends and peers in their home with mental and growth phenomena are observed Strychnos alvimiana (Loganiaceae), and simplicity and elegance. He is also survived aft er rains anteceded by a dry period. Tibouchina Paulo-alvinii (Melastomataceae). by daughters and sons Fátima, Alexandre, Paulo took part in the Alpha Helix Although he was involved mainly with Marília, Heloísa, Léo, and Paulo Cesário. Expedition in 1967—in the company of, applied plant physiology, Paulo’s contribu- Moacyr is survived by his daughters, Clo- among others, Loomis, Williams, and tion to pure science was also considerable. tilde and Esmeralda. Scholander—to visit the Upper Negro River He designed the viscous fl ow porometer Th e work of these two great physiologists Basin in the Amazonian rainforest. During for measuring stomatal aperture in homo- of such diverse personalities was comple- the 1960s, it was believed that the Amazo- baric leaves; devised a ranking series of two mentary: Moacyr was concerned with the nian forests were the world’s “lungs,” a point liquids of diff erent densities, allowing the education of researchers, and Paulo with Paulo demystifi ed on the grounds that the estimation of stomatal opening; and cre- applied physiology. Th e great work both men Amazonian forests were in climax and thus ated a phytotensiometer to measure both did throughout their lives earned them the the amounts of O2 produced by the forests stem growth and water status. His scientifi c admiration and respect of their peers, family, were similar to the amounts consumed. legacy is substantial: some 250 papers were and friends. Th e fragility of Amazonian ecosystems was published in high-impact scientifi c journals Raimundo Santos Barros therefore due to other causes. He always ar- such as Science, Nature, Plant Physiology, and Universidade Federal de Viçosa gued that with 6 billion souls on Earth to be Physiologia Plantarum, among others. Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil fed and with ever-increasing demands, the It is not surprising that Paulo and Amazonian ecosystems should be used for Moacyr participated in the creation and sustainable agriculture under a rational ex- maintenance of scientifi c societies. In 1949, ploitation (timber, typical fruits, etc.); grains Paulo was one of the founding fathers of the and cereals were never to be cultivated in Brazilian Society of Botany and chaired the those ecosystems. Latin American Society of Plant Physiology During a technical visit to the cocoa (1972–1976), which was later chaired by region of Bahia State (Brazil), whose produc- Moacyr (1981–1983). Both were affi liated tion was in sharp decline, Paulo convinced with the American Society of Plant Physi- the Brazilian authorities to transform an ologists (now ASPB) for several decades, incipient fi nancial program into an institu- becoming life members. Th ey were also tion able to deal with cocoa research and associated with the Scandinavian Society of extension. Th e Plan for Cocoa Farming Plant Physiology and the Brazilian Society (CEPLAC) was then structured with two of Plant Physiology. Various awards and departments: the Cocoa Research Cen- honors were granted to them. Th ey were ter (CEPEC) and Extension Department both Knights of the Merit Order (Secretary (DEPEX). Paulo was the scientifi c director of Science and Technology, Brazil). Paulo of CEPEC for over 25 years. Within a few was awarded Bahia State citizenship (1973), years of taking the post, cocoa production the Diploma of Merit Honor of the Argen- increased from 120,000 to 400,000 tons per tinean Society of Plant Physiology, the title year—his greatest achievement! Always of emeritus researcher of the IICA, and the concerned with environmental preserva- Inter-American Medal for Agriculture; he 42 • ASPB News, Vol. 38, No. 3 PERIODICALS ASPB News POSTAGE PAID AT ROCKVILLE MD American Society of Plant Biologists AND ADDITIONAL 15501 Monona Drive MAILING OFFICES Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA Why compromise when you don’t have to? INTRODUCING AdvanCE™FS96 Exceptional resolution and rapid separation of dsDNA fragments by fluorescent capillary electrophoresis. +1-515-296-6600 [email protected] WORLD LEADERS IN PARALLEL CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS ASPB staff are dedicated to serving our members. We welcome your questions and feedback. 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