March/April 2015 • Volume 42, Number 2

p. 7 p. 11 p. 25 Plant Biology 2015 ASPB Members Obituaries Minisymposia showcase Elected to 2014 Class • Andrew Benson the best of plant science of AAAS Fellows • André E. Läuchli

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS

President’s Letter See You in Democracy Rules Minneapolis! JULIAN SCHROEDER University of California, San Diego

July 26–30! SPB’s annual elections on the ballot. A second candi- will be opening soon, date for each elected position Aand the entire ASPB on the Executive Committee Minisymposia Showcase membership will once again be is identified by the Society’s making important decisions for Nominations Committee, the Best of Plant Science our Society’s future. Democracy which is made up of the im- and continuous evolution are mediate past president, the When You Want More what have made ASPB a strong president, and the president- Than Science! organization that serves the elect, and your nominations needs of our members and the are important in making this Child Care and Career plant science community more decision. Julian Schroeder Center Information generally. Voting is online and In addition to the elected easy; just watch for e-mails and postings on positions on the Executive Committee, you COVERAGE STARTS ASPB’s home page later in April announcing will also be voting for up to three corre- ON PAGE 7 that the ballot is available. It will be up to you sponding members that were nominated to elect ASPB’s next president-elect, who will by the membership and put forward for succeed present president-elect Rick Dixon. election as corresponding members by You will also be voting for a new elected the Corresponding Membership Awards member of ASPB’s Executive Committee. Committee. Corresponding members are These candidates were selected via the nomi- distinguished plant scientists from outside nations process that ran during January and the United States, and an award specifically the first half of February. In accordance with for non-U.S. scientists recognizes ASPB’s the ASPB bylaws, nominations submitted increasingly global presence. Election to by the membership are tallied, and the can- this award conveys lifetime membership in didate with the most nominations who is the Society in recognition of the recipients’ willing to run and serve if elected is placed continued on page 3 Contents ASPB staff are dedicated to serving our members. We welcome your questions and feedback. For quick response, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit our FAQ at www.aspb.org/faq. ASPB Executive Committee 1 President’s Letter President Julian Schroeder Immediate past president Alan M. Jones 4 The Plant Cell in the New Age of Scientific Publishing President-elect Rick Dixon Secretary Karen Koch Treasurer Karen Koster Plant Biology 2015 Chair, Board of Trustees Rob McClung Chair, Publications Committee Neil Olszewski 7 Minisymposia Showcase the Best of Plant Science Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Marisa Otegui Chair, Minority Affairs Committee Adán Colón-Carmona 8 When You Want More Than Science! Chair, Education Committee Kathleen Archer Chair, International Committee Tuan-hua David Ho Chair, Membership Committee David Horvath People Chair, Science Policy Committee Patrick Schnable Elected members Elizabeth (Lisa) Ainsworth 10 From Around the Web Joe Kieber MariaElena B. Zavala 11 Ten ASPB Members Elected to 2014 Class of AAAS Fellows Sectional Representatives Midwestern Ed Cahoon Northeastern Om Parkash Dhankher Luminaries Southern Rebecca Dickstein Mid-Atlantic Hemayet Ullah 12 Richard Richards Western Camille Steber

Science Policy ASPB Staff 15 Policy Update Executive director Crispin Taylor, [email protected] Director of finance and administration Kim Kimnach, [email protected] 17 ASPB Response to Release of President Obama’s FY2016 Executive and governance affairs administrator Sylvia Lee, [email protected] Budget Request Accounts receivable and payable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, [email protected] Senior staff accountant Jotee Pundu, [email protected] Director of meetings and events Jean Rosenberg, [email protected] Education Forum Director, digital strategy and member services Susan Cato, [email protected] Manager, Member Services Shoshana Kronfeld, [email protected] 18 From SURF to Turf Meetings, marketing, and membership assistant Melanie Binder, [email protected] Legislative and public affairs director Tyrone Spady, [email protected] 20 Plant-Powered Science Outreach in San Jose Education coordinator Katie Engen, [email protected] Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, [email protected] 22 The Life Science Teaching Resource Community Publications assistant Diane McCauley, [email protected] Partner Meeting Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, [email protected] Subscriptions assistant Linda Palmer, [email protected] 24 Fascination of Plants Day Managing editor Patti Lockhart, [email protected] Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, [email protected] Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, [email protected] Obituaries Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Ashton Wolf, [email protected] 25 Andrew Benson Senior features editor, The Plant Cell Nan Eckardt, [email protected] Features editor, The Plant Cell Mary Williams, [email protected] 27 André E. Läuchli Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, [email protected] Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, [email protected]

The ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is also available online. It is pub- lished six times annually in odd-numbered months. Its purposes are to keep membership informed of ASPB activities and to reinforce the value of membership. The ASPB News is edited and produced by ASPB staff from material provided by members and other interested parties. Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered month (for example, December 5 for January/February publication). Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; [email protected]; 301-296-0904. © 2015 American Society of Plant Biologists

2  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 PRESIDENT’S LETTER groups, and large organizations than 30,000 plant biology– tools, and other resources for continued from page 1 can come together in one place linked individuals the community. service to ASPB and to plant in groups of your choice. It will • the ability for community ASPB has been developing science, and it is but one of our provide a home for groups and members to upload and store this digital home over the past many efforts to work with and other collaborative communities documents for sharing and few years. More information recognize plant scientists from to gather, share, communicate, collaboration with colleagues on its many offerings will be around the world. and participate where otherwise of your choice provided in an upcoming news- they would not have a platform to • a platform for labs, teams, and letter article. ASPB continues to Your Plant Science do so. Note also that your private other groups to have a home evolve and does the heavy lifting Exchange groups and your communications with the ability to collaborate to stay ahead of the curve for your will be shielded from data mining and communicate benefit. I highlighted some of ASPB’s for targeted advertising, which • personal library function for You, meaning all ASPB many new and ongoing efforts we all now know is occurring on users to store documents, members, are eligible to vote— in the preceding newsletter. One other commercial web services links, and other resources and indeed every vote counts. major initiative that will provide that rely on mining your private • extensive collection of career Your vote is also testament that many new opportunities to ASPB data as an important component guides, templates, and re- democracy rules the day. Your members across the globe is our of their business. Some of the fea- sources, including a job board, vote signals back that ASPB is a new interactive digital platform, tures planned for the launch of the job listings, mentors, and on- strong and dynamic society to the which will be launched this sum- plant science community’s new line resume reviews staff at ASPB headquarters and mer. This platform will be the digital home are • centralized access to teaching the many Society members volun- central place where plant science • a comprehensive directory tools teering their time and efforts for students, professionals, content, of plant science students and • a means to contribute to ASPB members. n tools, resources, apps, small professionals, including more crowd-sourced ideas, content,

CORRECTION In the “Where Are They Now?” column of the January/February 2015 issue of the ASPB News, Winslow Briggs’s affiliation was incorrectly noted. Winslow is director (emeritus), Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, and professor (emeritus), Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  3 This editorial originally appeared in the February 2015 issue of The Plant Cell.

The Plant Cell in the New Age of Scientific Publishing BY SABEEHA MERCHANT Editor-in-Chief, The Plant Cell, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-2594-509X

Dear friends, readers of The Plant Cell will soon tance, making sure that your many of us have endured multiple am happy to write to you see additional papers covering work reaches its audience more rounds of review and revision in the New Year as the new structural genomics and synthetic quickly. We have streamlined prior to a final decision, and the I Editor-in-Chief of The Plant biology within our pages; we have the submission process and the final decision is what matters. Let Cell. It has been 25 years since my added editors Nathan Nelson Instructions for Authors (IFA), me explain the path of a typical colleague Bob Goldberg launched and Dan Voytas to our board to http://tpc.msubmit.net/cgi-bin/ manuscript to you so that you the journal, which has become encourage your submissions in main.plex?form_type=display_ have an appreciation for the time a top venue for publication of these areas. auth_instructions, so I urge you commitment of editors, review- high-impact discoveries in plant A few changes will be imme- to look at it, especially as you ers, and production staff. science. The journal’s scientific diately apparent to all of you. prepare the figures and text for remit spans plant biochemistry, On the manuscript handling and your next submission. I am proud Step 1—Pre-review cell and molecular biology, and publishing side, we are transi- of the visual appeal of The Plant Each submitted manuscript is the genetic mechanisms of plants tioning our peer-review system Cell papers, and I fully intend screened by a Senior Editor and/ and their interactions with the to eJournal Press (eJPress), and to maintain the journal’s high or a Reviewing Editor for its suit- environment and with other the journal is now an online- aesthetic standard. ability for The Plant Cell, based on organisms. In addition to Bob, only publication. This means On the reviewing side: here is scope, substance, and potential each editor—Brian Larkins, Ralph there is no additional cost for where I hope to make the most impact of the work. We are look- Quatrano, Rich Jorgensen, and color images, which are espe- changes. We have an eager new ing for papers that will move the Cathie Martin—has put his or her cially relevant in plant biology. crop of Reviewing Editors with a field forward, whether by chang- own stamp on the journal, broad- We ask for your patience as we charge to expedite the dissemina- ing existing models or presenting ening the scope of topics and ar- transition to eJPress, but I think tion of high-quality plant science new ideas and ways of thinking ticle types, and hence the author you will be excited by the new that will appeal to a broad audi- or by adding new information and reader base. I thank Cathie features. For instance, you can ence both within the commu- to fundamental pathways and Martin for leaving me with a vi- submit your references in any nity of plant biologists as well as processes in plants. If we feel that brant, high-quality product, a fan- format—no more reformatting outside. Publication documents the manuscript is unlikely to be tastic staff at ASPB, and a caring, reference databases to output in a your scholarship and discoveries; accepted after peer review, we will scholarly team of editors. I am particular style! Your manuscript any delay in publication increases decline to review it so that the especially pleased with the suc- files can be uploaded by drag and the time to degree and the initia- author may send it promptly to cess of the “Large-Scale Biology” drop on the eJPress platform, tion of the job search. If you have another journal. We hope to make articles (the present format be- and figures will be automati- made an important discovery, you this decision in a window of three ing an innovation of Cathie and cally inserted into the PDF at the don’t want to delay dissemination working days after all authors Blake Meyers), which are heavily position where they are first of this work to your colleagues. have approved the submission. accessed by readers and hence a mentioned, a feature reviewers Therefore, my editorial board Short biographical essays describe desired venue for publication of will surely appreciate. The PDF is committed to a rapid time to the research interests and exper- results from high-throughput, options at eJPress will soon facili- final decision. The journal already tise of our editorial board (http:// whole-genome, or systems-level tate immediate online posting has an enviable record for time www.plantcell.org/site/misc/­ approaches. I expect that the of your article upon final accep- to first decision (32 days), but edboard.xhtml); we encourage 4  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 you to suggest one or more poten- If the reviewers collectively tial Senior Editors and Reviewing Prioritize and point out valid experimental Editors at the time of submission number your flaws or indicate that the data do to guide your paper to the most requests not support the claims, or if their appropriate reviewers. comments indicate that substan- We are also offering a “pre- tial additional work is required, review only” submission option, the Reviewing Editor will decline for which your manuscript may to consider the manuscript any be submitted in any format. This Instructions are being streamlined and made more visual. further. As an author, the onus option may be useful for young is on you to present us with a investigators who have less expe- complete story—a piece of work rience in presenting their work. the editor where additional exper- editorial board using criteria of that will be admired in the journal Indeed, we are asking corre- tise may be required). The authors number of reviews, timeliness of clubs of your colleagues, collabo- sponding authors who are young can help the editor as well by of- response, and quality of evalu- rators, and competitors! The investigators (i.e., within 5 years fering suggestions of reviewers ations, will be recognized at the function of the editorial board is of their first independent position with expertise in particular areas. annual Plant Biology meeting. to provide peer review for your or within 5 years after completing Reviewers are asked to priori- work as you have conceived it, postdoctoral studies) to identify tize their requests for revision. Step 3—Pre-decision not to guide the direction of your work or the questions you choose themselves, so that the editorial We do not want reviewers to offer When all reviewers have submit- board can pay special attention to address. Nevertheless, we hope authors a shopping cart of new ted their reviews, they will be at the pre-review stage and offer that the reviewer comments will experiments; requests for addi- able to view all other reviews guidance for the full submission prove to be thought provoking tional information or experiments anonymously, with an option to to make a positive outcome more and stimulating of other models should be restricted to what is edit their own comments and of- likely. I especially want the next or lines of investigation. The essential for publication. Authors fer additional comments to the generation of plant biologists to Reviewing Editor has the option are encouraged to communicate editor within 48 hours. We hope build their careers via ASPB, and to remain anonymous at this with Reviewing Editors through that this additional step will allow one important way to do that is to eJPress if the requirements for stage, but the decision letter will reviewers to educate themselves disseminate your ideas and discov- revision are not clear. be signed by the Senior Editor, so and/or catch mistakes and misun- eries in the pages of our journals. The new manuscript handling that the author has a sense that derstandings. Reviewer input at system will keep better track of the manuscript was evaluated by this stage will also help the editor Step 2—Review reviewer solicitations, assign- the appropriate group of scientists. reach a decision. If the manuscript will be re- ments, and responses so we can The typical manuscript will reach this stage in about a month after viewed, it will be assigned to a avoid overloading any single Step 4—Decision Reviewing Editor who will choose reviewer. We hope that the submission. reviewers with expertise in the community of reviewers as a The Reviewing Editor will prepare We are committed to main- subject of your manuscript. I have whole will rise to this challenge a decision based on his/her own taining the high standing of the asked the editors to solicit mul- as well; we will all appreciate evaluation of the paper and the journal in the scientific commu- tiple (more than two) reviewers, and benefit from your prompt reviewers’ comments. For any pa- nity. Many manuscripts submit- especially for interdisciplinary responses to review requests and per, but especially interdisciplin- ted contain quality data that are papers. I would like the papers timely completion of reviews. We ary ones, a Reviewing Editor may of value to the community and to be reviewed for impact on the urge you to review a manuscript consult with another Reviewing should be published somewhere; field as well as for technical merit. as if it were your own work. If Editor, Guest Editor, or Editorial this doesn’t necessarily mean Collaborative projects may there- this work is in your field, it will Consultant at this stage (or earlier that they meet the standards of fore require multiple reviewers, become part of the knowledge at the stage of reviewer selection). The Plant Cell with respect to but some reviewers may be asked base upon which you will rely If it appears likely that the work novelty of the findings, provid- to provide comments on only part for your own discoveries. Are the will become publishable after re- ing substantial insight into plant of the paper. If you are solicited experiments well controlled and vision, the Reviewing Editor will biology, or perceived impact and to review a paper, keep this in rigorous? Are important conclu- recommend to the authors a spe- importance. It is also possible that mind—you need review only sions supported by multiple lines cific set of essential revisions in in our enthusiasm to provide you those aspects in which you have of evidence? Our best reviewers, addition to providing a verbatim with a rapid decision, we may expertise (and please indicate to recommended each year by the copy of the referee reports. continued on page 6 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  5 NEW AGE biology and modeling, synthetic continued from page 5 biology, and molecular evolution. occasionally make a mistake in We have expanded the team of declining to publish important editors with an interest in plant- work. We would regret such a microbe interactions—Barbara decision, but we know that good Kunkel, Tesfaye Mengiste, and work will be published, and we Michael Udvardi join Xinnian will be satisfied that we did not Dong, Regine Kahmann, and contribute to delay in the publica- Scott Peck under the leadership of tion of such work. Jean Greenberg—so that we can handle manuscripts in this area Step 5—Revision more effectively. Although the journal does not Your revised manuscript will impose a strict page limit, I urge be sent directly to the same you to present a focused story. Reviewing Editor, who gener- It is not necessary to present ally will make a decision with broad readership, and compli- you return your proof correc- peripheral experiments that may minimal additional review since ance with journal standards. The tions. By mid-2015, your time to be marginally relevant. Indeed, he/she has already evaluated the Plant Cell has appointed several first publication will be reduced this may diffuse the impact of the work and has recommended a science writers with doctoral de- even further as we complete the paper and increase time to review. specific set of essential revisions. grees in plant biology or a related transition to our new peer-review I would like to avoid the trend in To ensure that your revision discipline to serve in this capacity. workflow. The final version of page bloat that I have seen in The is accepted, I urge you to con- We are at the forefront of scien- your article will be published in Plant Cell. I confess that I have sider reviewer and editor input tific publishing with this service, the monthly issue and will sup- contributed to this myself, but thoughtfully. Prepare a detailed which helps to ensure that your port enhanced viewers like Utopia I wonder if the work might not “response to peer review” let- work is presented as clearly and (for PDFs) and Lens, developed have greater impact if each publi- ter that clearly explains how the effectively as possible. Although by eLife (for html). These view- cation were more focused. manuscript was revised to address we are leaving the print journal ers make it possible to explore I hope you will contact me the reviewer and editor comments behind, we retain a commitment figures, figure descriptions, refer- with your ideas of how The Plant rather than a “rebuttal” letter. Be to excellence in the presentation ences, and more, without losing Cell may serve the scientific mindful that most reviewers are of your data. The science editors your place in the article text. We community by providing a rapid graciously donating their time will pay special attention to the also provide researchers with route to publication of your best to help you present your work to appearance of figures and tables. content collection, storage, orga- work and helping to make your your audience in the most effec- You will receive feedback from nization, and metadata sharing research program more visible. In tive way. the science editor within a week functionality via Stackly, a cloud- the meantime, submit your best The Reviewing Editor will or so. The service is an expensive based content manager. work to us. We are thanking all prepare a decision letter for the option for the journal, but it is The Plant Cell editorial team our authors by offering them a revised manuscript but may retain valuable to the authors and read- is young and enthusiastic—over choice of images from our beauti- the option to remain anonymous ers because it facilitates commu- half the board members are new ful covers for use as wallpapers at this stage as well. Typically, this nication of your best work. to the team, but we are fortunate on their mobile devices. I hope stage should not take more than a that most of the Senior Editors this will remind you daily of your week or two. Step 7—Production will stay to guide us through pleasant experience with The The science editor will issue final this transition. I have included a Plant Cell and the major impact Step 6—Science Editor acceptance, and your corrected few Guest Editors and Editorial the journal has had on commu- Review manuscript will be sent into pro- Consultants—Volker Brendel, nicating new knowledge in plant Following initial acceptance duction. You will receive page Oliver Jensen, Fabrice Rappaport, biology. n by the Reviewing Editor, your proofs within two weeks and an Pamela Soltis, and Dan Voytas— manuscript will be assigned to a invoice upon final publication. on the board to stimulate submis- science editor who will evaluate it The manuscript will be published sion and improve the quality of with respect to scientific content in the “Latest Articles” section of our evaluation of papers in the presentation, presentation for a the journal website shortly after areas of biophysics, computational

6  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 Register now for Plant Biology 2015 http://plantbiology.aspb.org

Minisymposia Showcase the Best of Plant Science

With momentum building for Calcium-Dependent New minisymposium topics are • two evening receptions and Plant Biology 2015 in Minneapolis, Signaling in Plant Develop- still being confirmed, so check the two morning coffees in the Minnesota, the series of 30 mini- ment and Abiotic Stress Plant Biology 2015 website for poster hall symposia is quickly emerging as Tina Romeis updates! • four days of refreshment breaks one of the gems in the conference Freie University and snacks program. The Plant Science World at • the opening reception Sunday Plant Architecture Your Fingertips More than a dozen minisympo- David Jackson and the closing celebration The minisymposium series is just Tuesday sium topics are already listed on Cold Spring Harbor Lab one highlight of the comprehen- the Plant Biology 2015 website sive conference program that you Minneapolis Beckons (http://plantbiology.aspb.org/ Hormone Signaling get to experience when you regis- You can’t go wrong when you plan mini-symposia/). They point to the Joe Kieber ter for Plant Biology 2015 (http:// a trip to Minneapolis, the largest incredible depth and creativity of University of North Carolina plantbiology.aspb.org/attend/ city in the U.S. state of Minnesota. the research going on across our Chapel Hill register/): The conference program includes field and the cutting-edge science Metabolic Engineering the grand celebration Tuesday you’ll encounter when you attend Toni Kutchan • five major symposia and multi- evening at Orchestra Hall, just a the conference. Donald Danforth Plant Science ple workshops, poster sessions, few blocks from the Minneapolis Center and exhibits Convention Center. Other local “The research is original and attractions include the city’s engaging,” says conference chair Fruit Development • full access to the on-site career rejuvenated waterfront features, Karen Koch, of the University of Zhongchi Liu center parkland, the Mill City Museum, Florida. “When I attend the confer- University of Maryland • one copy of the final program and the popular Guthrie Theater. ence, I always find the most excit- Robert Franks book Check out more details at http:// ing plant science; almost all of it is North Carolina State University • free wireless Internet in the minneapolis.org. unpublished, so you’re getting it Minneapolis Convention Center right off the research bench.” Epidermis, Trichomes, and Specialized Metabolism and all designated conference hotels So far, highlights of the minisym- David Marks posium program include University of Minnesota Molecular and Evolutionary Mechanisms of Cell Growth Aspects of Reproductive Career Center at Magdalena Bezanilla Barriers University of Massachusetts Bruce McClure Plant Biology 2015 University of Missouri Genomic Diversity of While at the meeting, visit the Career Center and be sure to sign up Food-Crop Species Space Biology for the ever-popular resume reviews, with more slots available so Robin Buell Anna Lisa Paul you can take advantage of the resource. Please watch your e-mail Michigan State University University of Florida for information about signing up before the meeting. Diverse Roles of Carot- Membrane Dynamics Also check out Career Chats—Q&A sessions with professionals enoids, Isoprenoids, and Karin Schumacher from different career paths. More information will be available Other Antioxidants University of Heidelberg soon via e-mail and at http://plantbiology.aspb.org. Dean DellaPenna Michigan State University

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  7 When You Want More Than Science!

This year’s Plant Biology meeting offers a number of lunch and evening Monday, July 27, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. workshops that are designed to support your professional development Build Your Career with The Plant Cell and Plant Physiology as well as provide up-to-date information on technology, publishing, and science policy. In addition to the workshops, there will be career ser- Moderators: Sabeeha Merchant and Mike Blatt vices such as resume reviews and talks about next steps in your career. Publication is an integral part of your career in plant science. Join Sabeeha Merchant, editor-in-chief of The Plant Cell, and Mike Blatt, There will be places to purchase lunch, and dinner will be part of the editor-in-chief of Plant Physiology, in an open discussion about what evening events. Following are some of the events: makes (and doesn’t make) a paper suitable for publication in a top-tier journal. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, both at the workshop and as presubmitted queries. Saturday, July 25, 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. PUI Networking Workshop This workshop is for faculty who currently work at primarily undergradu- Monday, July 27, 7:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m. ate institutions (PUIs) or younger scientists who would like to get a Cultivating Broader Impact Programs: job at a PUI. PUIs are defined as institutions that offer few PhDs in the Developing and Executing a Successful Program for sciences. While teaching is a large part of being a PUI faculty member, Current and Future Grants maintaining a successful research program is also critical. This workshop Moderators: will include presentations and small group discussions of the best prac- tices in research at a PUI. Topics include getting a job, designing feasible Diane J. Okamuro, NSF Plant Genome Research Program research plans, achieving tenure, getting funding for research, and Michael D. Gonzales, University of Georgia other aspects of being successful at a PUI. Participants are encouraged Dr. Ketia Shumaker, University of West Alabama to bring their research posters to share their work with other attendees. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) receives about 50,000 This extended premeeting workshop is a special event to encourage research proposals each year, of which approximately 11,000 are funded. interactions and collaboration between PUI scientists. A buffet dinner The NSF employs the two National Science Board–approved merit will be served. review criteria to determine which research has the greatest potential to promote the progress of science: Intellectual Merit and Broader Im- pacts. While most researchers know what is meant by intellectual merit, Monday, July 27, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. experience shows that many have a less than clear understanding of the USDA, DOE, and NSF Grantsmanship Workshop meaning of broader impacts. The workshop will provide perspectives This workshop will feature talks on plant-related funding opportunities from NSF and NSF-supported investigators and offer tools, suggestions, from each agency by program staff and a panel discussion with program personal experiences, and best practices for developing and executing staff at the end of all the talks. In addition to the workshop, there will be successful outreach and training programs. All participants are welcome ample time to meet the program staff at the joint USDA, DOE, and NSF to attend. booth to discuss the funding opportunities offered by the respective agencies. Tuesday, July 28, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Career and Life Balance: Regulation of Genetically Monday, July 27, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Engineered Plants in the U.S.— What Developers and Luncheon: Resolving Conflict in the Academic Workplace Academics Need to Know Speaker: Sharon B. Press, director of Dispute Resolution Institute, This workshop, conducted by speakers from USDA/ Animal and Plant Hamline University Health Inspection Service, EPA, and FDA, will help crop developers and Sponsored by the Women in Plant Biology Committee. academics understand how to navigate the U.S. regulatory system. Sponsored by the Women in Plant Biology Committee.

8   ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. SPECIAL POSTMEETING WORKSHOP Plant Biology—The Industry Option: Things You Might July 30–July 31, Minneapolis Convention Center Want to Know Data Carpentry Workshop This workshop is designed to provide insights into working as a plant An extension of the successful Software Carpentry workshop at Plant biologist in an industry environment, including emphasis on teamwork Biology 2014, this workshop will focus on data carpentry for data and and the matrix organization that differ between industry and academic software tools for working with next-generation sequencing data. This positions, types of positions available, and best practices for a produc- one-and-a-half day workshop will cover the absolute basic skills needed tive industry career. The workshop will be presented by a panel of indus- to evaluate and effectively work with the large datasets that are associ- try scientists, followed by roundtable discussions to provide opportuni- ated with high-throughput sequencing. You will learn how to use the ties for participants to meet with and engage industry scientists in small command line to automate tasks, as well as powerful scripting lan- group settings. Sponsored by the Membership Committee. guages and tools that will help you get the most from your data analysis. The workshop will be taught by instructors experienced with analysis of next-generation sequence data, and presentations from resources such Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. as the iPlant Collaborative will help you get started analyzing your data Dinner and Discussion: Career Diversity in Plant Science right away. Sponsored by the Minority Affairs Committee. Start the conversation on Twitter: Wednesday, July 29, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. $200 Million in New Money for U.S. Agricultural aspb #plantbiology15 Research . . . What Does It Mean for Plant Scientists? @ The 2014 Farm Bill included a provision to create the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR) and in doing so infused $200 million in federal matching funds to the nation’s agricultural research enterprise. The new foundation will operate as a nonprofit corporation Child Care at Plant Biology 2015 and leverage public and private resources to increase the scientific and technological research, innovation, and partnerships critical to boosting For this year’s meeting, ASPB has hired Elegant Event Sitters to America’s agricultural economy and addressing problems of national offer child care at the meeting. and international significance. Please join us to learn more about FFAR All their sitters are and the opportunities it is anticipated to present for plant scientists. • first aid/CPR certified, Sponsored by the ASPB Science Policy Committee. • experienced and trained to care for children of all ages, • required to have a yearly background check, and • covered by a special liability insurance. Wednesday, July 29, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lessons on How to Study: Evidence from Cognitive Parents can sign up for child care when registering for the meeting or later by modifying your registration. (A link will be Psychology provided in the confirmation e-mail.) Moderator: Nate Kornell, Williams College Learn which study methods are effective and which, despite what we Register might think, are not. In this workshop we will discuss research from cognitive psychology, which shows the study techniques that are the most helpful in promoting learning. Participants will take away success- Once registration is completed, you will receive an e-mail ful methods to use in the classroom, share with students, and apply to to provide Elegant Event Sitters, with your children’s their own learning. information. The link to secure the child care is http:// eleganteventsitters.com/parent-space/plant-biology- 2015-minneapolis-mn.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  9 People

From Around the Web

or four years, western and carcinogenic compound. Because Slate, “government regulations consensus and are stifling innova- southern portions of the of the methods used to generate are suffocating applications with tion in the agricultural enterprise. FUnited States have suf- the new potato (RNAi), it has great promise” (http://slate. Providing useful insight into fered a historic drought, one escaped much of the6 regulatory me/1AUbREz). The article goes the public’s attitudes on biotech that has had a severe impact on gauntletPEW that RESEARCH previous CENTERgenera- on to argue, and many would foods and other science-related many of the nation’s farmers tions of biotech crops have had agree, that U.S. federal agen- issues, the Pew Research Center and ranchers. In fact, the USDA to endure. As noted recently in cies have ignored the scientific partnered with AAAS on a new has now designated 256 coun- survey “of citizens and a repre- tiesDespite across Arizona, broadly California, similar sentative sample of scientists Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nevada, connected to AAAS.” The survey views about the overall Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah as Opinion Differences Between Public and Scientists results, according Pew, “show naturalplace disaster of science areas due in to % of U.S. adults and AAAS scientists saying each of the following powerful crosscurrents that both droughtAmerica, conditions citizens in 2015. and The recognize the achievements of Losscientists Angeles Times often recently see pro- scientists and expose the stark filedscience the work-related of UC issuesRiverside fissures between scientists and plantthrough cell biologist different Sean sets Cutler, of citizens on a range of science, whoeyes. is using There genetic are engineerlarge - engineering and technological ingdifferences to develop drought in their tolerant views issues.” Not surprisingly, one of plants (http://lat.ms/1v5MZSW). the most dramatic differences across a host of issues. Sean’s work, the Los Angeles Times of opinion between the public describes,The key co-opts data: the plant’s en- and scientists is on the issue of dogenous drought stress response the safety of eating genetically . A majority of the system and makes it responsive engineered foods. Thirty-seven mandipropamid,general public an agrochemi (57%) - percent of adults surveyed believe cal usedsays to combatthat genetically blight in fruits that genetically modified foods and vegetables.modified (GM) foods are safe, in contrast to 88% of Recently,are generally the USDA unsafe approved to surveyed researchers. This differ- a new geneticallyeat, while 37%engineered says such ence in opinion was greater than varietyfoods of potato are (http://nyti.safe; by that regarding other issues, such ms/1EcNE98).contrast, The 88% “Innate” of AAAS as the use of animals in research potato is both resistant to bruis- and whether or not climate scientists say GM foods ing, thus reducing the number change is mostly due to human of vegetablesare generally that have safe to .be The activity. To view the full survey discarded,gap andbetween contains citizens 50%–70% results and analysis, visit http:// lower amountsand scientists of the precurin seeing- pewrsr.ch/1wF3R2h. sor to acrylamide,GM foods as a suspectedsafe is 51 percentage points. This is the largest opinion difference between the public and scientists. . Citizens are closely divided over animal Survey of U.S. adults August 15-25, 2014. AAAS scientists survey Sept. 11-Oct. 13, 2014. research: 47% favor and Other responses and those saying don’t know or giving no answer are not shown. 50% oppose the use of PEW RESEARCH CENTER animals in scientific research.1 By contrast,

1 10 Animal research isASPB a common NEWS short- hand| MARCH/APRIL in survey-based reports 2015 to describe views about “the use of animals in scientific research” such as medical research that tests the effectiveness of drugs and procedures on animals. The two terms are used interchangeably in this report.

www.pewresearch.org People

Ten ASPB Members Elected to the 2014 Class of AAAS Fellows

en members of the and technology in the areas of are defined as AAAS members gold rosette to symbolize their American Society of Plant research; teaching; technology; “whose efforts on behalf of the distinguished achievements at the TBiologists (ASPB) were services to professional societ- advancement of science or its AAAS Annual Meeting, which elected to the 2014 class of AAAS ies; administration in academe, applications are scientifically or took place on February 15, 2015, Fellows. Each year, the AAAS industry, and government; and socially distinguished.” in San Jose, California. Council elects fellows based on communicating and interpret- New fellows were honored Congratulations to the follow- their contributions to science ing science to the public. Fellows with a certificate and a blue and ing ASPB members:

Andrew F. Bent Christoph Benning Andrew D. Hanson Ann M. Hirsch Teh-hui Kao University of Wisconsin– Michigan State University University of Florida University of California, Pennsylvania State Madison Los Angeles University

Norman G. Lewis Daniel M. Roberts Stanley J. Roux Pamela J. Weathers Ester van der Knaap Washington State University of Tennessee, University of Texas at Worcester Polytechnic Ohio State University University Knoxville Austin Institute

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  11 Luminaries

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

Richard Richards CSIRO Fellow, CSIRO Plant Industry, Canberra, Australia BY SAMBASIVAM PERIYANNAN ASPB Student Ambassador, Postdoctoral Fellow at CSIRO Plant Industry

ichards’s research inter- vegetable garden and chooks [an ecology, and genetics. I moved ests are to understand the Australian slang word for chick- briefly to LaTrobe University Rgenetic and physiological ens], and this gave me an insight under his supervision. A year basis of variation in growth, devel- and interest in food production and later, Noel accepted a position opment, and yield of wheat, and seasonality. I can trace early child- in the agriculture faculty at the then to apply this understanding hood explorations into genetics by University of Western Australia, to breed higher-yielding wheats— selective breeding of budgerigars, and I followed him. I have been particularly in water-limited pigeons, and mice, which gave hooked on agriculture ever since. environments. This research has me a fascination of genetics and resulted in more than 200 refereed a challenge to understand genetic If you had six months off, what scientific publications. In addition, variability. Further on, by studying would you do with your time? nine wheat cultivars developed racehorse pedigrees, I started to by Richard and his group have understand that genetics was only What a luxury that would be! been released commercially in part of the picture and that actual Three things come to mind. Australia in the past decade. He is Richard Richards performance was hugely influenced First, more time with my three also interested in understanding by how a horse is managed, and very young grandchildren. I find how breeding and crop manage- so the genotype (G), environment them endlessly fascinating. They ment intersect to lead to improved (E), and management (M) are all are so full of fun and energy and isotope composition in plants and yields. Richard has been principal important. Understanding G × E × are uninhibited, inquisitive, and its use in improving water use ef- scientist for the wheat breeding M is pivotal to understanding crop wonderful to be with. Second, ficiency. company Advantage Wheats Pty production. travel with my wife would feature Ltd. In this role, he works closely I went on to study biology at large. I would travel back to the with industry to ensure adop- What got you interested in plant Melbourne University and gravi- many wonderful places around tion of suitable varieties. Richard biology in general, and what tated to plant biology and genetics the world that my career has taken is an adjunct professor with the influences directed you to your rather than animals. Despite the me, but do so in a more leisurely specific area of research? University of Western Australia semirural childhood, where rais- way, and also travel to new places. and an elected member of the As a young child I lived on the ing chooks and preparing them to I would also like to spend an Australian Academy of Science fringe of a country town surround- eat or catching rabbits to eat was extended period working as a and the Australian Academy ed by nature. This provided a seem- standard, I became squeamish volunteer in a small rural village of Technological Sciences and ingly endless playground to explore. later on, and so studying plants in a developing country. Travel to Engineering. He was recently I was also lucky to have parents was the default. In searching for an inland Australia and other parts awarded the Rank Prize in that gave me a long leash to explore honors supervisor, I was fortunate of Australia would also be high London, shared with Graham this nature-filled playground. My to find Noel Thurling, who shared on the agenda. Third, get back Farquhar for their work on carbon parents also had a productive my interest in plant physiology, to basics with clay and pottery, 12  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 Luminaries

which kept me sane during my are also important to expand your yield in our major food crops. and then through changing the PhD, and start dabbling in paint- knowledge/experience base. At the same time, we recognize photosynthetic pathway in the ing. Australian indigenous artists We tend to work in a discipline that global demand for food, long term. Altering root systems have provided a whole new way of we have expertise in and where we fiber, and fuel from plants will so they capture more water and looking at landscapes, and this is a are comfortable. At all career stages, continue to grow and is not going nutrients is also a big and difficult space I would like to explore. we must understand the layer to plateau until about 2050. This target that requires more research below us (a more fundamental is occurring when land for food attention. Who influenced your scientific one) and a layer above us (a more production is declining, water My “next big things” are, of thinking early in your career, applied or complex one). Thus, if resources for agriculture are course, based on my interests. and how? we are working at a single plant declining, and climate change Plant biology is a vast playing level, we should aim to understand is lurking with unknown, but field, so there are many big things The interface between plant/crop what is happening at a cellular/ almost certainly negative, impact to work on. physiology and genetics and then molecular level and also the crop on food production. We have a harnessing this through breeding level. This gives us entry into more global crisis. As an employer, what are the five and agronomy to improve food fundamental science and entry It is also important to recog- key qualities you look for in a crops is what I am drawn to. My into the application of our science. nize that major scientific discov- potential team member? honors and PhD supervisor, Noel These are important, as they are eries in plant science can take Thurling, introduced me to some Passion to probe and question, likely to have a greater impact on about 15 years, under the most of this. team spirit, communication, what we do and an ability to engage optimistic circumstances, to be Other luminaries that have courage, hands-on, observant, with other people with different adopted by industry. This makes had a major influence on me are initiative. Having any five of these skills so that we are always learning. our work very urgent. It also John Passioura and Tony Fischer, qualities should result in being a I am a strong advocate for makes us focus on research direc- both at CSIRO, who provided a great team member. having a small side project—one framework to think about crop tions that are going to be most that the boss does not know about! improvement and hence sharp- important if we are to somehow What advice would you give to a We have to be courageous in ened and harnessed my research avert the crisis ahead. student interested in plant biol- science and take risks if we are to ogy today? focus. Having a framework is so move forward. Often we make an What do you think is the next important to identify dead ends observation that suggests some- That you have chosen well and big thing in plant biology, and and, conversely, to work on the thing else is important that we are this can be an incredible jour- why? most important science questions not investigating, as it is not one of ney. But, it carries with it some that will make a lasting differ- the milestones we have to report The above thinking leads me to responsibility. You can make a ence. Graham Farquhar is another on. Making small investigations two major challenges in plant real difference, and the world is luminary who opened up more into these whims may lead to a biology: improving photosynthe- going to rely on young people fundamental areas of science to whole new area of investigation in sis and improving root systems such as yourself. Changing me. The last three have demon- the future. Thus, having a hobby and fitting these into sustainable climate; declining water resourc- strated to me the importance of project is useful as long as you are agricultural systems where they es; increasing demand for food, probing deeper into a problem confident it makes some sense will be expressed. It is extraordi- fuel, and fiber; and sustainable and in fact asking the big ques- and you have a very good reason nary that 100 years of intensive land management are going to tions that get to the nub of an for doing it. This means talking it breeding has had little impact need science-based solutions. issue. It is so crucial to target areas over with trusted colleagues first to on the rate of photosynthesis in There are many ways you can of high impact; otherwise, we make sure you are not going down almost all crops. Total photo- make a difference and all are squander our intellectual abilities. some crazy route. synthesis has increased through important. Inspiring the young longer crop duration, faster leaf about science as a teacher is so What do you think are good What scientific discoveries over area development, and canopy critical. I am in awe of teach- career moves for young scien- the past couple of years have architecture but not through ers like this, and they deserve tists, and why? influenced your research direc- changes in photosynthesis at far more attention than they Finding the best team to work in or tions, and why/how? the leaf level. I believe we still currently receive and need more with is vital. Good teams have ener- The greatest recent influence on have significant opportunities accolades. Plant research, of gy, intellectual rigor, and ideas and my research direction has been to improve photosynthesis by course, is also critical, if you attract collaborators. Collaborating the recognition that we may be changing canopy architecture and think this is your calling. The and working in new environments reaching a physiological limit for leaf duration in the short term, continued on page 14 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  13 LUMINARIES different interests to your own continued from page 13 are always illuminating, and period ahead is the most we tend to be more receptive to important period plant scien- learning from these experiences. tists have ever faced. Take up Third, to make an impact we scientific arms, think broadly, have to communicate our ideas question, work on the big in simple terms. Many scientists issues that really interest you, struggle with this, often because work with the best people, and they are so passionate about then enjoy the ride. It can be what they do and so they want exhilarating. to tell everything in great detail. This is often totally ineffective Share Your Enthusiasm! What experience or training except to other scientists work- do you think it is most impor- ing in the same area. Observing Teaching Tools Submission tant to have? the best communicators and the techniques they use to sell their Competition Three things come to mind. messages will help you learn BY MARY WILLIAMS What you like doing and are how to communicate effectively. good at comes naturally. So For years we’ve been asking people how they define a great you need to look beyond this What is the single most impor- teacher. One trait that repeatedly comes up is “enthusiasm.” for effective experience and tant factor for a successful Nobody enthuses about plants better than plant scientists, so training. First, training and career in plant biology? we’re offering you a chance to “share your enthusiasm”! experience in new tools and techniques that enhance your The fire in your belly to make Have you got a passion for plant science? Do you have a favor- ability to extend your research a difference. If you have this, ite paper, experiment, topic, or method that you like to share are important. Second, experi- then you are well on your way to with undergraduates? Have you found a clever way to engage ence in labs with related yet having a successful career. n students and stimulate their curiosity?

We are soliciting short pre-proposals for contributions to the Teaching Tools in Plant Biology feature of The Plant Cell. Tell us what you are excited about that you would like to develop into a Teaching Tools article. We will invite the authors of a selected few pre-proposals to submit complete articles for review. Upon acceptance they will be published as a Teaching Tools in Plant Biology feature in The Plant Cell and awarded a $500 stipend.

As Charlotte Bronte said, “True enthusiasm is a fine feeling whose flash I admire where-ever I see it.” So go ahead and share your enthusiasm!

The three pre-proposal competition deadlines in 2015 are April 30, August 31, and December 31, 2015.

You can find complete competition guidelines and the proposal submission form at http://bit.ly/1vUwqPF.

14  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 Science Policy

Policy Update BY LAUREN BROCCOLI Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

Congress Reaches • NSF received funding above come to an agreement and change $612.4 million, which would Agreement on FY2015 FY2014 levels for all accounts. overall spending caps will have be a $20.4 million (3.4%) in- Appropriations The CRomnibus provides NSF significant implications for how crease. In December, Congress con- with $7.344 billion overall, many of the proposed increases Source and Additional cluded negotiations and passed a which is $172.3 million above Congress can provide in the an- Information final Continuing Resolution and FY2014, with an increase of nual appropriations process. • The president’s FY2016 budget Omnibus (CRomnibus) appro- $124.7 million to the Research Proposed agency funding request overview is available priations bill to fund federal agen- and Related Activities account. levels of interest to ASPB include at http://www.whitehouse. cies for the remainder of fiscal • NIH received $30.084 billion, • NIFA would be funded at $1.5 gov/omb/budget/Overview; year (FY) 2015. The bill includes a $150 million (0.5%) increase billion. NIFA’s AFRI would be more detailed information is funding for 11 of the 12 an- above the FY2014 enacted funded at $450 million, which available at individual agency nual appropriations bills (except level. would be a significant increase websites. the Department of Homeland • The DOE Office of Science of 38.5% over the FY2015 re- • Details about the INFEWS Security, which remains under a maintained funding at the quested and enacted level of program are available at http:// continuing resolution) and up- FY2014 level of nearly $5.1 bil- $325 million. For ARS, the bill www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/ holds the $1.013 trillion spending lion, providing $1.7 billion for would provide $1.398 billion, nsf15040/nsf15040.jsp?WT. cap for FY2015 agreed to in the Basic Energy Sciences (BES), an increase of $221 million mc_id=USNSF_25&WT. Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. which is an increase of $20.4 (18.8%) over the FY2015 en- mc_ev=click. million (1.2%) from FY2014. acted level. The request would Some Agency Funding Biological and Environmental provide $20 million for the NIFA Releases RFA for Levels for FY2015 of Research (BER) received $592 new Competitive Capacity FY2015 Food Security Interest to ASPB: million, which is an $18.1 Award Program focusing on Grant Program million decrease (3%) from plant and animal breeding • The USDA National Institute The NIFA announced a Request FY2014. advances. of Food and Agriculture for Applications (RFA) through • NSF request is $7.724 billion (NIFA) is funded at $1.289 bil- Source and Additional AFRI for its FY2015 Food overall, which would be a lion, an increase of $12.4 mil- Information Security Challenge Grant $379.3 million (5.2%) increase lion (1.0%) over the FY2014 • The full text of the CRomnibus Program. The program will fund over FY2015. The president enacted level. The Agriculture is available at http://docs.house. research proposals in plant health, also proposed $75.0 mil- and Food Research Initiative gov/billsthisweek/20141208/ production, and products; animal lion in funding for the new (AFRI) is funded at $325 CPRT-113-HPRT-RU00- health, production, and products; Innovations at the Nexus of million, an increase of $8.6 HR83sa.pdf. food safety, nutrition, and health; Food, Energy, and Waters million (2.7%). For the and agriculture economics and Systems (INFEWS). Agricultural Research Service President Releases rural communities. • NIH would be funded at $31.3 (ARS), the bill provides FY2016 Budget Request In FY2015, NIFA intends to billion, which would be a $1 $1.178 billion, an increase of On February 2, President Obama award up to $16.8 million for billion (3.3%) increase over $55.1 million (4.9%) over the released his FY2016 budget re- the Food Security Challenge the FY2015 enacted level. FY2014 enacted level. Notably, quest detailing proposed spend- and is soliciting proposals for The DOE Office of Science the bill includes a provision ing levels for federal research, the following priority areas: request is $5.3 billion, which (Sec. 749) exempting AFRI health, and education programs. Agricultural Production Systems; would be a $272 million through FY2015 from the 1:1 While the president has pro- Breeding and Genomics of Crops (5.4%) increase. BES would re- matching requirements that posed increased funding for and Livestock; and National ceive $1.8 billion, which would were mandated in the 2014 core research agencies, whether Strategy for Sustainable Crop be a $116.1 million increase Farm Bill. Congress and the president can (6.7%). BER would receive continued on page 16 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  15 Science Policy

POLICY UPDATE Sciences Education and (such as new technologies for Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water continued from page 15 Literacy Initiative is available more efficient resource utiliza- Systems,” or INFEWS. The budget and Livestock Production in the at http://1.usa.gov/19GPtSX. tion), natural processes (such as request also notes that INFEWS United States. Details from the biogeochemical and hydrologic will be a priority research theme funding opportunity are below. NSF Releases SEES: cycles), biological processes (such for the FY2016 NSF Research Letters of Intent are due April 2, Interactions of Food as agroecosystem structure and Traineeship competition and that 2015, and full applications are due Systems with Water and productivity), social/behav- additional DCLs will be issued in by June 4, 2015. Please consult the Energy Systems Dear ioral processes (such as deci- priority topic areas to emphasize RFA for full details. Colleague Letter sion making and governance), the food-energy-water theme in other NSF-wide programs. This is the second RFA to be NSF issued a Dear Colleague and cyber elements.” Further Prior to submitting a proposal, released for FY2015 through Letter (DCL) on February 2 displaying this interdisciplinary the primary investigator must NIFA’s main competitive extra- soliciting proposals for work- commitment, all seven of NSF’s contact the appropriate director- mural research program. In shops or supplements to exist- directorates, as well as the Office ate’s point of contact and then December, AFRI announced an ing active NSF grants focusing of International and Integrative submit through the normal NSF RFA for the newly titled Food, on the interactions of systems Activities, are participating in submission process. Workshop Agriculture, Natural Resources, involving food, energy, and wa- these initial FEW activities. proposals must be submitted by and Human Sciences Education ter (FEW). This initiative stems This DCL is the first oppor- March 30. and Literacy Initiative, previously from NSF’s Science, Engineering, tunity announced by NSF within the Fellowship Grants, which will and Education for Sustainability the food-energy-water space. Source and Additional accept undergraduate, graduate, (SEES) umbrella. Through this Several directorates across the Information and postdoc students. DCL, NSF intends to build upon foundation have expressed inter- • The DCL is available at http:// Sources and Additional the SEES Water Sustainability and est in creating a program or www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/ nsf15040/nsf15040.jsp?WT. Information Climate program to also include initiative within this research mc_id=USNSF_25&WT. • The RFA for Food Security energy and food systems. topic over the past year. President mc_ev=click. n is available at http://1.usa. NSF seeks to engage many Obama’s FY2016 budget request, gov/190Qnto. disciplines across the scientific which was released on February • The RFA for the Food, community and has therefore 2, proposed funding for a new Agriculture, Natural broadly defined FEW systems to NSF-wide interdisciplinary initia- Resources, and Human incorporate “physical processes tive titled “Innovations at the

16  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 Science Policy

ASPB NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 09, 2015

CONTACT: Tyrone C. Spady, Ph.D. Director of Legislative and Public Affairs [email protected], (301) 296-0934 (office)

ASPB Response to Release of President Obama’s FY2016 Budget Request

ROCKVILLE, MD—The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), a professional society of over 4,000 researchers and educators devoted to the advancement of the plant sciences, is extraordinarily pleased with the bold vision for the nation’s research enterprise articulated in President Obama’s fiscal year (FY) 2016 budget request, which proposes to increase overall investment in research and devel- opment by 5.5%. Moreover, ASPB applauds the president’s recommendation for increased support of fundamental research, innovation, and science education. The Society is specifically encouraged that the president’s budget highlights food and agriculture, climate science, and energy research, all of which involve plant science, as areas of particular priority.

“The scientific and bioeconomy workforce needs of the nation are dependent upon the rigorous in- vestment and stewardship of the U.S. research enterprise,” said ASPB President Julian I. Schroeder. “Particularly, in light of the mounting challenges we face, as thoroughly described in the Plant Science Decadal Vision, with regard to our agricultural economy, energy security, climate change, export op- portunities, and limited natural resources, the president’s budget is an important demonstration of the kind of sustained federal action that will be required to meet our agricultural challenges and ensure our economic competitiveness in the 21st century.”

# # #

ASPB is a professional scientific society, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, devoted to the advancement of the plant sciences worldwide. With a membership of some 4,000 plant scientists from throughout the United States and more than 50 other nations, the Society publishes two of the most widely cited plant science journals: The Plant Cell and Plant Physiology. For more information about ASPB, please visit http://www.aspb.org/. Also follow ASPB on Facebook at facebook.com/myASPB and on Twitter @ASPB.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  17 Education Forum

From SURF to Turf Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Launches a Research Career Spanning from Aquatic Algae to Organic Agriculture BY JAMES (JAY) H. THEIRER Johns Hopkins University

Fledgling Research As an undergraduate majoring in biology at the University of Maryland, I was excited to ex- plore the research opportunities that my school had to offer. My grandfather had taught as a plant physiology professor at Loyola University Maryland, so plant bi- ology had always been of particu- lar interest to me. Serendipitously, Charles Delwiche offered me a position in his lab studying the evolution of the ethylene-signal- Jay collecting algal field samples during a Delwiche Jay presenting his poster at Plant Biology 2012 (Austin). ing pathway after I served as a TA lab expedition to Wisconsin. for one of his courses. Critical to the success of this project was the involvement of my other under- graduate mentor, Caren Chang, society was willing to provide who is an expert on the molecular funding and travel support dem- mechanisms of ethylene signaling. onstrated that my enthusiasm in the project was well placed. Applying for SURF After a year of working on the The ASPB Meeting ethylene project, promising pre- One of my best experiences liminary results from sequence during my SURF was the ASPB data had been collected and it was meeting. A delayed flight and a time to start work on generating night spent on a cot in an airport functional genetic and molecular terminal added some unforeseen evidence. Dr. Chang recom- adventure to my voyage to Austin mended that I apply for the ASPB for the Plant Biology 2012 confer- Jay planting seedlings in an organic greenhouse outside of Nice, France. SURF, which would not only ence, but I arrived only seconds provide funding for my project late to the poster session with my but also provide me with the op- unwieldy poster tube in hand. I and it was fascinating to network school. I wrote about some of my portunity to present my results received excellent feedback from with scientists from all over the experiences at the ASPB meeting at a national conference. Being the poster session and left with world. If it weren’t for SURF, I in my personal statement for my awarded the SURF was an excit- many new ideas for experiments wouldn’t have been able to at- graduate school applications and ing step forward in my research and improvements to my project. tend a major research conference for my NSF graduate research fel- career; the fact that a national The meeting itself was enormous, until my second year of graduate lowship application. 18  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 Education Forum

Plant Biology Abroad globe. As a long-term student Long-Term Rewards Department of Cell Biology and Following graduation, I was of French language, I decided The repercussions of my SURF Molecular Genetics, an NSF- interested in experiencing the to move to France for several keep rolling in, even several years graduate research fellowship, and less scientific side of plant biol- months to immerse myself in down the road. The most concrete many successful grad school appli- ogy, namely organic farming. French language and organic ag- benefit is the publication that cations. Less tangible but equally Several of my friends had been riculture through the WWOOF- resulted from my SURF-funded important are the experiences involved in the World-Wide France program. I shared some project, on which I am a co–first I had during my SURF tenure, Opportunities on Organic Farms of my ethylene-signaling exper- author (https://cmns.umd.edu/ which helped prepare me for my (WWOOF) program, which tise with my host family, and news-events/features/2698). I career as a scientist. I am currently provides organic farming educa- they taught me all about the am also certain that the SURF in my second year of grad school tion opportunities around the practical side of farming. contributed to my receipt of the at Johns Hopkins University, and Appleman-Norton award for looking back I have nothing but excellence in plant biology from gratitude for all of the people who the University of Maryland, helped me get here. n

Mentoring James

“Thanks to his initiative, Jay was the main driver respon- sible for getting our SURF project off the ground. He also helped to forge the bridge between my lab in ethylene signaling and the Delwiche lab in evolutionary genomics. It was great fun working with Jay as he launched into the world of science, and I’m looking forward to watching his career trajectory.” —Caren Chang University of Maryland That’s the forecast if you use Model TSC33SD for your vernalization studies. At a setting of 6.5º C, it provides 250 micromoles of digitally “It was great working with Jay during SURF and beyond. controlled light intensity. And our unique air delivery system provides excellent control of air temperature on each shelf because it can be He has a rare mix of intelligence, industry, and a modest adjusted to correct for air density as the temperature setpoint is changed. good humor that makes him a pleasure to work with. Any No other manufacturer offers that! lab would have been thrilled to have him, and I’m proud Lighting detail • 5-50º C temperature range that he decided to spend his undergraduate time with us.” Sunny and• BlackCold light and HO —Charles Delwiche light capabilities University of Maryland • Shelf to shelf temperature uniformity • 33” W x 29” H footprint • Quiet bottom-mounted compressor Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (http://surf. • 16.7 ft² of shelf space aspb.org) fund promising undergraduate students so they can under the lights conduct research in plant biology during the early part of their • 8” between shelf and lights college careers. SURF recipients must present their research at • Shelves/lights unplug Made in the USA ASPB’s annual Plant Biology meeting in the year following the and slide out for removal fellowship award. SURF 2015 closed on February 11. The results • Optional humidity control will be published in the May/June issue of the ASPB News. Come meet the 2014 SURF recipients during the Undergraduate Poster Please contact us at 800-998-0500 or www.powersscientific.com Session at Plant Biology 2015. for more information and pricing.

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  19 Education Forum

Plant-Powered Science Outreach in San Jose ASPB Exclusively Champions Our Field at AAAS Family Science Days BY ALEJANDRO CORTEZ University of California, Riverside

an Jose, California, was a sunny backdrop for the SAAAS Family Science Days (http://bit.ly/1DZfeYm) held February 14–15 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. Inside the venue, children’s bright smiles and “ah-ha” moments pro- vided an atmosphere that was ev- ery bit as radiant and warm. With more than 5,000 participants, the ASPB education and outreach booth offered a family-friendly, interactive experience for a pre- dominately young audience. The open layout of the ASPB booth The whole family wants to know more about plant mutations Everyone is eager to extract DNA with encouraged an easy flow from from Zac. Alejandro. station to station, each encom- passing a variety of topics in plant biology.

Sunflowers Plant, made a reprise appearance Visitors to this station were able at the ASPB booth. These two to see sunflower seed heads up “kid-sized” vertical floor banners close and to watch a time-lapse featuring the friendly plant duo video of a sunflower’s move- greeted people approaching the ment during the day (http://bit. booth from both directions. It ly/1qhSSPA). One five-year-old was not uncommon to see visi- girl visitor asked,“Sunflowers tors poking their faces through come from a seed, but you can the cutout to pose for photo ops. only get seeds from sunflowers, This simple interaction brought so then where did the very first the characters to life and sparked sunflower come from?” Noted questions about Plant Power. The Ralph introduces The Mating Game to two generations. volunteer Nicky Creux from the coloring book itself was available University of California, Davis, for families to take home with “Such an insightful question from them. the University of Wisconsin, play- fpsc.wisc.edu) were featured front such a little person!” ers interact with basic concepts of and center under growth lights, The Mating Game gamete segregation during pol- helping to attract visitors of all Photo Ops This station proved that playing lination and what effects certain ages and lead them to make a Sally Sunflower and Charlie and learning go hand in hand. In genotypes have on the phenotype connection with plant biology Cactus, main characters from the The Mating Game, a board game of the progeny generation. Live and plant genetics. ASPB coloring book My Life as a developed by Scott Woody from Brassica rapa FPsc plants (http:// 20  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 Education Forum

DNA and Strawberries for plant biology and enthusi- Hundreds of attendees extracted asm to share their knowledge strawberry DNA using household with a broad audience was truly 2015 Family Science Days Volunteers items by “squishing” (as many energizing and inspiring. The Mavens of ASPB Community Outreach participants put it) frozen fruit natural curiosity of our young- into a pulp in a mixture of water, est participants was matched by Judy Callis, Nicky Creux, Zachary Chestnut, Daniel Lin, and Ralph McNeilage, University of California, Davis shampoo, and salt. They then the expertise of our volunteers precipitated the “gooey” DNA and nurtured by their friendly Alejandro Cortez, University of California, Riverside by adding rubbing alcohol to demeanor. Perhaps what we as Bob Creelman, Mendel Biological Solutions volunteers experienced was best filtered extract in their souvenir Scott Woody, University of Wisconsin microfuge tube. Clearly everyone stated by Zac: “I had a great time enjoyed using plants as model interacting with the kids and their systems to learn about DNA parents and was amazed at how and why it is isolated in order to interested in plants and science some of the youngest visitors understand plant genomics. As to discussing and practicing a representative of the Dynamic were.” Scott Woody, ASPB Education cutting-edge research, make Genome Program (http://bit. such a graceful transition and Committee representative and ly/1MADlT2) at the University connect with the science-curious primary booth organizer, added, of California, Riverside, I was attendees at Family Science pleased to coordinate and experi- The ASPB booth greatly bene- Days. As perhaps the sole booth ence the impact of this station. fited from the volunteers who in the exhibition hall that had took time from their academic plant biology as its focal point, Kudos, Volunteers schedules to participate in this our volunteer hosts demonstrat- As a first-time volunteer at the important outreach event. ed both empathy and an evident ASPB booth, I did not know what It was a remarkable thing to ability to educate, excite, and to expect for the AAAS Family watch my colleagues in plant perhaps inspire the next genera- Science Days. Everyone’s passion science research, so accustomed tion of plant biologists. n

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  21 Education Forum

The Life Science Teaching Resource Community Partner Meeting A Little Disney Magic Adds Sparkle to This ASPB Collaboration BY KATIE ENGEN ASPB Education Coordinator

rlando, Florida, was Preliminary data shows prog- Future Innovations or undersubscribed audiences an ideal location for ress has been made since 2010 The Orlando meeting next fo- (e.g., K–3 educators) Othe 2015 Life Science and the wordwide audience is cused on • sustaining the partnership Teaching Resource Community growing. through budget strategies, • clarifying the overall mission (LifeSciTRC) Partner Meeting Additional analysis of an fund­raising, or grant writing. and expanding ways of shar- (January 19–20). Yes, the weather in-depth community survey is As a new partner, ASPB is ing the vision with others was perfect. Better still, that being conducted by an indepen- tasked with two specific goals: invisible-yet-omnipresent, just- dent evaluator, Flora McMartin • brainstorming methods and right level of support woven into of Broad-based Knowledge. assigning responsibilities for GOAL 1: Grow a bigger to All Things Disney made an The partners will collaborate to growing the LifeSciTRC to plant science resource energetic, productive, whistle- publish results in a timely and include more active partners selection. while-we-worked atmosphere informative manner. and to meet the needs of new This is where YOU can help! for the assembled partners. Of The digital library is a rich en- course, the experienced leader- 2014 Page Views by Country vironment where plant biology ship of event organizers Marsha community members can submit, Matyas and Miranda Byse (both 2% share, and promote effective, of the American Physiological France 15% active-learning resources or col- 3% All Other Society) added its own magic to Russian Countries lections for teaching plant science. create a fluid, productive agenda. Federation 10% This is important because, as This meeting was called to report China 57% noted by one meeting participant, community progress to date and United States “Active learning resources make 13% to dream big about exciting in- you teach like a boss!” Ukraine novations for the community’s So far the digital library future. features some important founda- tional resources for teaching plant Progress 2010 2014 ASPB’s involvement actually is 2010 2014 Clicked On or Downloaded Resource 159051 328169 Resource Page Views 543505 1179797 one of the outcomes of the com- munity’s goals. ASPB became a Number of Resource Page Views Number of Resources Clicked on or Downloaded partner in 2014 as part of a five-

year plan to expand and diversify 328169 the LifeSciTRC ecosystem. This 1179797 growth included both catalogued content and additional partners who could actively assist with 159051 543505 governance issues. Currently, there are nine professional society organizations serving as partners 2010 2014 2010 2014 in the community. 22  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 LifeSciTRC

The Life Science Teaching Resource Community (#LifeSciTRC) is an online community for life science educators at all levels. The community and peer-reviewed educational resources found at http://www.lifescitrc.org are free and open to educators world- wide. Initiated in 1997 by the American Physiological Society (APS) Education Committee to share their resources with teach- ers, the project expanded to a full, database-driven, digital library with standardized metadata. LifeSciTRC shares its cyberstruc- TRC meets in Orlando: Alan Dittrich, Miranda Byse, Peter English, ture among numerous societies. It continues with ongoing sup- Beth Ruedi, Randy Daughters, Marsha Matyas, Ken Gordon, Flora port from APS and NSF funds alongside a partnership with the McMartin, and Angela Breslin. Not pictured: Ida Chow and Katie BioSciEd Net collaborative. As of January 2014, the LifeSciTRC Engen. PHOTO BY IDA CHOW. contained more than 6,700 peer-reviewed teaching resources and 600 registered users. All resources in the LifeSciTRC are under a Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial- science or biology with plants at If you submit you will retain NoDerivs. various levels, but much more is the copyright on any original needed. You are invited to search material. Unless you specify addi- for or submit resources or collec- tional copyright restrictions, your tions to enhance your impact as item will be considered to have a an educator. LifeSciTRC is set Creative Commons License. Community Partners up to accept almost anything that could be used as a teaching GOAL 2: Build collabora­ American Physiological Society resource. Formats include tions through the Marsha Matyas and Miranda Byse • animation LifeSciTRC. Human Anatomy and Physiology Society • audio or video, including vid- ASPB staff will support our mem- Peter English eos and podcasts bers and TRC participants as they Society for Developmental Biology • illustration, graph/chart expand the library by Ida Chow and Randy Daughters • digital presentation (e.g., • tweeting key resources American Association of Anatomists PowerPoint) • promoting active outreach Shawn Boynes events • photograph Massachusetts Society for Medical Research • seeking options for publica- • simulation Alan B. Dittrich tions about TRC • teaching strategies and guide- • encouraging the use of the Northwest Association of Biomedical Research lines Ken Gordon community forums so like- • course syllabus minded educators can col- The Physiological Society • lecture or lecture outline laborate on aligned interests or Blair Grubb and Angela Breslin • laboratory exercise or manual problem solve on similar issues Genetics Society of America • assignment/activity (nonlabo- • offering “Grow Points” for Beth Ruedi ratory) ASPB members submitting to American Society of Plant Biologists • assessment tool (nonexam) TRC Katie Engen • exam with or without an • supporting funding initia- answer key. tives. n

Seeking more course curricula options? Need peer review for the evidence-based teaching resources you’ve created for undergraduate biology educa- tion? Select from or submit to http://www.coursesource.org, an open-access journal of student-centered biology education resources. The Plant Biology Learning Framework offers the goals and learning objectives that undergraduate biological sciences majors should master by the time they graduate. ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  23 Education Forum

Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD) is May 18, and ASPB is serving as this year’s U.S. national coordinator. The international event showcases how plants are essential to the food, medicine, fuels, and fibers integral to our daily lives and a sustainable environment. All are welcome to participate! (Pssst . . . it’s okay if your event isn’t on May 18. A close date is just fine.)

You are invited to spread the word, use or share these free resources, and create an activity that cultivates the fascination in your community, campus, or classroom. To share your event plans or ask questions, contact [email protected].

Resources Contests for declaring the cool things plants do (cash prizes, too) Messaging to spread a fascination of plants Give Us Your Best Shot for May 18 and beyond Photo contest (http://bit.ly/1KGlfLV). USA Messaging Guide (http://bit.ly/1KAYL0C): taglines, $50 for the best image in each category. social media options, key terms, and heftier talking points, plus BrainyQuotes© on plants. Fascinating Plant Films YouTube video contest (http://bit.ly/1D0f6em). $100 for the best video in each category. Resource Guides to create activities tailored for specific audiences and interests Name a New Variety of Petunia Color-changing petunia naming contest (http://bit.ly/ 1FGHW10). $500 grand prize.

K–12 Schools Fashion Statements for Fascinating Plants USA RESOURCE GUIDE Design a T-shirt contest (http://bit.ly/1My0Nk1). $100 for the best design in each category. http://bit.ly/16GQVTS Interactive maps to see FoPD celebrations Public Engagement and across the United States and around the world Informal Education Report your plans to [email protected] and your event will USA RESOURCE GUIDE be added to the maps. http://bit.ly/1APe3gu

http://www.bit.ly/1zPvF90 Higher Education USA RESOURCE GUIDE

http://bit.ly/1A6a9jq

Media and Network Leaders USA RESOURCE GUIDE

http://bit.ly/1DcH4C3 http://www.plantday.org/map.htm

24  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 Obituary

Andrew A. Benson 1917 – 2015

ndrew A. Benson (called When Andy left Berkeley in Andy by his friends) 1955, he was appointed to the Adied on January 16, 2015, faculty at Pennsylvania State in La Jolla, California; he was University and turned his atten- born in Modesto, California, on tion to plant lipids. In 1957, he September 24, 1917. He gradu- discovered the major membrane ated from Modesto High School phospholipid phosphatidyl glyc- in 1935 and studied chemistry erol, and in 1961, the sulfolipid at the University of California, sulfoquinovosyl diglyceride. Both Berkeley, obtaining a B.S. in are essential to the formation and 1939. He performed graduate function of photosynthetic chloro- work at the California Institute of plast membranes. In recognition Technology under Carl Niemann, of his outstanding contributions to receiving his doctorate in 1942, the lipid field, the book Lipids in and then returned to Berkeley as Dee and Andy Benson at the dinner held at the La Jolla Country Club on Photosynthesis, edited by Hajime SOURCE: BUCHANAN an instructor in the Department of September 24, 2014, commemorating his 97th birthday. Wada and Norio Murata, was AND DOUCE, 2015. Chemistry. There, he was exposed dedicated to him in 2009 (Volume to photosynthesis and radioisotope 30 in the series “Advances in research by Samuel G. Ruben and times, collected in hot methanol, with other members of the Calvin Photosynthesis and Respiration,” Martin Kamen, two pioneers who and analyzed by two-dimensional group. The compounds identified Springer, Dordrecht). had discovered 14Carbon in 1940. paper chromatography. The in lollipop experiments served In 1962, Andy moved to His research came to a halt in 1942 labeled compounds were local- as the basis for formulating the the Marine Biology Research with the onset of World War II. ized on the chromatograms and carbon dioxide reduction cycle Division, Scripps Institution During that period Andy served identified by autoradiography. of photosynthesis. Although of Oceanography, in La Jolla, in various functions in the civil These techniques, introduced by Calvin had proposed the origi- where he spent the remainder of service. Andy to the Calvin group, subse- nal concept of a cycle, Andy his career, becoming emeritus In 1946, Andy was appointed quently became the gold standard was pivotal in bringing the idea in 1989. At Scripps he initially a research associate in the for 14C-labeling experiments by to fruition. He developed tech- continued his research on plant Radiation Laboratory at Berkeley laboratories worldwide. niques for degrading 14C-labeled lipids, but with time turned his in the photosynthesis group that In 1950, Andy chemically sugar phosphate intermediates to attention to marine biology. With was being assembled by Melvin identified ribulose 1,5-bisphos- locate the 14C-label in individual his coworkers he recognized Calvin. By feeding 14C-labeled phate as an essential component C-atoms, innovations central to the importance of calcitonin in CO2 to suspensions of the green of the photosynthetic carbon deciphering the cycle. By late calcium regulation in salmon, alga Scenedesmus, he identified reduction cycle. This 5-carbon 1953, the photosynthetic carbon studied the role of arsenic in 3-phophoglyceric acid (PGA) as sugar phosphate proved to be reduction cycle was more or less oceans, and identified previously the first stable product of photo- the long-sought missing link in worked out, and evidence for the unknown intermediates of arsenic synthesis in joint work carried the cycle that enables photosyn- complete cycle was published the metabolism in aquatic plants as out with Calvin. For these stud- thetic organisms to fix CO2 and following year. Working in 1954 well as the highest concentration ies, he designed the “lollipop,” a form 3-phosphoglycerate. Other with Jacques Mayaudon, Andy of arsenic in kidneys of giant flattened glass vessel that could intermediates of the carbon showed independently of Samuel clams of the Great Barrier Reef, be illuminated from both sides. cycle, including sedoheptulose Wildman that the highly abun- Australia. In 1992, he and Arthur 14 After the introduction of CO2, 7-phosphate (a 7-carbon sugar) dant “fraction I protein” of leaves Nonomura discovered the abil- samples of the illuminated and pentose monophosphates catalyzed the incorporation of ity of methanol to stimulate the Scenedesmus suspension were (5-carbon sugars), were identi- CO2 into ribulose 1,-5-bisphos- removed after short exposure fied by Andy in collaboration phate to yield 3-phosphoglycerate. continued on page 26 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2  25 Obituary

ANDREW BENSON butions to photosynthesis, this one of us (BBB; see https://www. Roland Douce continued from page 25 metabolic pathway is increasingly youtube.com/watch?v=c4jiYk- Université de Grenoble and CEA growth of crop plants. 13C studies referred to as the “Calvin-Benson W_30). The following year he Govindjee on this effect led to the detection cycle.” Many scientists and histori- celebrated his last birthday, his University of Illinois, Urbana- of an unexpected glycoside, a ans believe that the Nobel commit- 97th, with a dinner held at the Champaign lectin substrate, and a previously tee should have given the Nobel La Jolla Country Club that was unrecognized plant pathway. Prize to both Calvin and Benson. attended by his wife, Dee, and A more complete version of this obit- For 60 years, the work of One of us (Govindjee) persuaded other family members, close uary can be found in Lichtenthaler, Andrew Benson on the discovery Benson to present details of his friends, and former collaborators. H. K., Buchanan, B. B., Douce, R., of ribulose bisphosphate and the time with the Calvin group. This Then, as throughout his life, he and Govindjee (2015). Andrew A. identification of intermediates he later discreetly described in served as a model for all of us. A two personal retrospectives, Celebration of Life ceremony was Benson, 1917–2015. Photosynthesis involved in CO2 fixation has been Research. doi 10.1007/s11120-015- “Following the Path of Carbon held for him on February 6, 2015, at the cutting edge of plant science. 0119-8. The breadth of his approach, in Photosynthesis” and “Paving at the La Jolla Country Club. the quality of his work, and the the Path” (Benson, 2002 a,b). His References contributions were also described Awards advances in understanding that Benson, A. A. (2002a). Following in a television series (Walker, 2012) his discoveries brought about are Andy received numerous honors the path of carbon in photosynthe- simply superb. He captivated the and a popular book (Morton, and awards during his career, sis: A personal story. Photosynthesis enthusiasm of all scientists studying 2007). The breadth and depth of including the Sugar Research Research 73: 29–49. photosynthetic organisms. Rather his contributions to photosynthesis Foundation Award, 1950; Ernest Benson, A. A. (2002b). Paving the than work in the usual competitive became better known in the scien- Orlando Lawrence Memorial path. Annu Rev Plant Biol 53: 1–25. tific community when he made manner, he encouraged others to Award of the Atomic Energy Buchanan, B. B., and Douce, R. become involved and take up his a video with one of us (BBB) in Commission, 1962; Phil.D. ho- (2015). Andrew Benson honored studies where he left off. 2012. The video has been posted noris causa, University of Oslo, on birthday No. 97. Photosynthesis Key to Andy’s success was on YouTube (http://youtu.be/ Norway, 1965; fellow of AAAS, Research 123: 115–116. his habit of working at the bench GfQQJ2vR_xE), and the transcript 1965; Stephen Hales Prize of Buchanan, B. B., Douce, R., and almost every day and his dissat- has been published (Buchanan ASPB, 1972; elected member of Lichtenthaler, H. K. (2007). Andrew isfaction with imprecise results. and Wong, 2013). Filming of the the National Academy of Sciences, A. Benson. Photosynthesis Research 92: He always asked basic, essential video followed the publication of 1973; elected fellow of the 143–144. questions as the starting point for a special issue of Photosynthesis American Academy of Arts and Buchanan, B. B., and Wong, J. H. new research endeavors, always Research organized to commemo- Sciences, 1981; elected member of (2013). A conversation with Andrew approached scientific inquiries rate Andy’s 90th birthday in 2007 the Norwegian Society of Science Benson: Reflections on the discov- ery of the Calvin–Benson cycle. with enthusiasm, and expressed (Photosynthesis Research, Vol. 92; and Letters, 1984; Supelco/AOCS Photosynthesis Research 114: 207–214. great satisfaction in his work. He see also Buchanan et al., 2007). Research Award, American Oil was also known for his inspira- The special issue was presented Chemists Society, 1987; and Govindjee (2010). Celebrating Andrew Alm Benson’s 93rd birthday. tional personality. He would listen to Andy at a memorable dinner Lifetime Achievement Award of Photosynthesis Research 105: 201–208. carefully to the results and ideas held at the historic restaurant Le the Rebeiz Foundation for Basic Harkewicz, L. (2006). Oral history of of others, and then offer solid Procope in Paris that was orga- Biology, 2008. On the occasion Andrew Alm Benson. http://libraries. advice on additional experimental nized to honor him on his 90th th of his 97 birthday, he was hon- ucsd.edu/speccoll/siooralhistories/ birthday (Lichtenthaler et al., approaches. In this way, he intro- ored with the first Andrew A. Benson.pdf duced countless young and visiting 2008). Detailed information on Benson Award for “Conferring Lichtenthaler, H. K., Buchanan, B, scientists to plant biology, motivat- his biography and research activi- the Greatest Benefit on Mankind” and Douce, R. (2008). Honoring A. ing them to perform at the highest ties can also be found in an article for his recent work on the role of Benson. Photosynthesis Research 96: level. He hosted numerous scien- honoring him on his 93rd birthday lectins in improving crop produc- 181–183. (Govindjee, 2010) and in an earlier tists in his laboratory, especially tivity. The award is sponsored by Morton, O. (2007). Eating the sun: postdoctoral scholars. oral history interview (Harkewicz, BRANDT iHammer. How plants power the planet. New In the eight years he spent 2006). York: Harper Perennial. in Berkeley, Andy was the key Andy retained full mental Hartmut K. Lichtenthaler Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Walker, T. (2012). Botany: A bloom- contributor in elucidating the vigor until the very end of his ing history: Photosynthesis. http:// essentials of the carbon reduction life. In his 96th year, he made a Bob B. Buchanan www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ cycle. In recognition of his contri- congratulatory video on behalf of University of California, Berkeley p011lymf. 26  ASPB NEWS | MARCH/APRIL 2015 Obituary

André E. Läuchli 1933–2015 BY KARL H. MŰHLING and GERHARD THIEL

n January 9, 2015, the personality and dip- the physiology of localization and salinity. He was academic community lomatic behavior was salt resistance in a dedicated teacher in the area Ospecializing in environ- one of his advantages plants, subcellular of environmental stress physiol- mental plant-stress physiology and as a leading scientist, compartmentation ogy and plant nutrition, and the plant nutrition lost an outstanding making him very of ions in plants, students loved him as a teacher. colleague. André Läuchli was born popular among his fel- the mobility of Most of his PhD students and on December 15, 1933, in Basel, low faculty members. ions in plants, and postdoctoral scholars followed Switzerland. After studying botany Consequently, he was the efficiency in in his footsteps and became at the University of Basel, he re- soon elected chair uptake and utiliza- professors in the areas of plant ceived his PhD (1960) under the of the Department tion of nutrients physiology and plant nutrition, supervision of Max Geiger-Huber. of Land, Air and in plants. For his which further demonstrates his In 1967, he earned his lecturer Water Resources scientific impact, scientific impact. In 2003, André degree in botany after submitting (1984–1991). André André E. Läuchli he was awarded the was promoted to distinguished a postdoctoral thesis (1967) at the was a dedicated chair Humboldt Research professor, and he remained in University of Basel. Thereafter, and unselfishly worked long hours Award for Senior U.S. Scientists this role until his retirement in he worked for two years (1968– into the night on research and his and an honorary doctorate (Dr. 2006. Only a small fraction of 1970) as a postdoctoral scholar administrative duties. After his h.c.) for agricultural sciences the faculty in the college ever with Emmanuel Epstein at the successful and dedicated work from the Justus-Liebig University reach this outstanding achieve- University of California, Davis. He as a chair, he served as executive of Giessen, Germany. His exper- ment. After his retirement, then joined the faculty at Texas associate dean for the College of tise in plant physiology contin- André was appointed Winthrop A&M University (1970–1972) Agricultural and Environmental ues to be highly acknowledged Research Professor in 2011 at the as assistant professor. Two years Sciences (1992–1998). His typical in scientific journals, where he University of Western Australia later, he was appointed associ- way of diligent work and punctual- served on the editorial boards of in Perth. ate professor at the University ity can best be described as “Swiss the Journal of Plant Physiology, André is survived by his caring of Technology at Darmstadt, clockwork,” which allowed him to Planta, Plant Biology, and wife, Rita; his two daughters, Germany (1972–1977). For a posi- be successful as he assumed higher Physiologia Plantarum. In addi- Christina and Sabine; and six tion as a full professor of botany, responsibilities at the University tion, he served five years as asso- grandchildren. He will be deeply he moved again within Germany of California. Thus, in 1998 he ciate editor for the highly cited missed in the scientific commu- to the Veterinary University in was appointed as associate vice Plant Physiology and as editor of nity of plant sciences. We will Hannover (1977–1979). Later, chancellor for research for the Plant Biology. According to Web honor his scientific achievements he realized his heart belonged University of California, Davis. of Science, his work is highly in environmental plant stress on the campus at the University André had several sabbati- cited. He published approximately physiology and plant nutrition of California, Davis, where, in cal leaves as visiting professor 140 original papers, mainly in and will always keep him in our 1979, he was offered a position to Switzerland (1975), Germany highly reputable plant science memory. n as full professor in plant nutri- (1992, 1997, 2008), and Australia journals, and more than 30 book tion. Once back at Davis, the (2009, 2013). His professional chapters. In addition, he edited combination of his outstanding interests were mainly focused on several books in the field of ion

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