September/October 2005

ASPB News THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS Volume 32, Number 5 September/October 2005

Inside This Issue Mike Thomashow Assumes Presidency October 1

President’s Letter Michael F. Thomashow became ASPB and then a full professor. In 2002, he president October 1, 2005. He succeeds was named university distinguished Amasino Becomes President-Elect Roger Hangarter, who is now immedi- professor. ate past president. Thomashow’s early research Carptia Elected Secretary “I am very much looking forward was directed toward understanding

Koch Joins Executive to the coming year,” Thomashow said. how Agrobacterium tumefaciens Committee “As president-elect, I came to appreci- causes the formation of tumors on ate, more than I had in the past, how plants. As a Damon Runyon–Walter strong and vibrant our Society is due Winchell Cancer Fund Research fel- Plant Biology 2005 to the hard work and commitment of low, he and coworkers demonstrat- coverage starts on its membership in a variety of areas, ed that the T-DNA is integrated page 8 ranging from education to outreach, to into the nuclear genome, where the public affairs, scientific meetings and, genes that it encodes are expressed. of course, publication of our eminent Mike Thomashow Further studies in his own lab estab- scientific journals. I have also observed lished that the auxin-independent firsthand the excellence and dedication of the staff phenotype of crown gall tumors is due to the ex- at ASPB headquarters who keep us on a steady pression of two genes carried on the T-DNA that course moving forward. These are exciting times for encode enzymes mediating the synthesis of auxin. plant biology, filled with promise and opportuni- Upon moving to MSU, Thomashow initiated a new ties. I look forward to my role in helping ASPB con- line of research focusing on mechanisms of abiotic tinue its vital roles in support of the plant biology stress tolerance. He and his coworkers have de- community.” scribed a small family of regulatory genes and their Thomashow is a researcher in the Michigan State targets in Arabidopsis that make up the CBF cold University–Department of Energy Plant Research response pathway, which is activated at low temper- Laboratory and faculty member in the Department ature and has a central role in cold acclimation and of Crop and Soil Sciences and the Department of freezing tolerance. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at MSU. He Thomashow participates in teaching a graduate- earned A.B. (1972) and Ph.D. (1978) degrees in mi- level course in plant molecular biology, offers peri- crobiology at UCLA and conducted postdoctoral re- odic “special topics” graduate courses on abiotic search on Agrobacterium tumefaciens with Eugene stress tolerance, and serves on graduate research Nester at the University of Washington, Seattle thesis committees. His professional activities have (1978–1980). He was an assistant and associate pro- included service on grant review panels for NSF, fessor in the Department of Microbiology at Wash- USDA–NRI, NIH, and NASA; the editorial boards ington State University, Pullman (1981–1986) of Plant Physiology (1988–1992, 1999–2005), Planta before moving to MSU. At MSU, he was an associate (1990–1994), CryoLetters (1995–1999), and Plant continued on page 5 The ASPB News is now available online as well as in print. Members will be alerted by e-mail when a new issue is posted. The ASPB News welcomes member feedback. Contact the editor at [email protected].

ASPB Officers & Staff CONTENTS

President Michael Thomashow 517-355-2299 1 Thomashow Assumes Presidency President-Elect Richard Amasino 608-265-2170 Immediate Past President Roger Hangarter 812-855-5456 4 President’s Letter Secretary Nick Carpita 765-494-4653 Treasurer Mark R. Brodl 210-999-7246 5 Amasino Is President-Elect Chair, Board of Trustees Elizabeth Hood 870-932-0844 Chair, Publications Committee C. Robertson McClung 603-646-3940 ASPB Launches Open Access Option Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Laura Olsen 734-763-0976 Minority Affairs Committee Anthony DePass 718-488-1487 Education Committee Lawrence Griffing 979-845-6493 6 Carpita Elected Secretary Elected Members Bonnie Bartel 713-348-5602 Nick Carpita 765-494-4653 Koch Elected to Executive Committee Linda Walling 909-787-4687 Sectional Representatives 7 Wada Is New Corresponding Member Midwestern Allan Showalter 740-593-1135 Northeastern Rakesh Minocha 603-868-7622 Plant Physiology Archive Complete Southern Mel Oliver 573-882-9645 Mid-Atlantic Heven Sze 301-405-1645 Western Thea Wilkins 530-752-0614 8 Plant Biology 2005 coverage starts here

Executive director Crispin Taylor, ext. 115 [email protected] 14 Addressing Ethical Standards Executive assistant Donna Gordon, ext. 131 [email protected] Assoc. dir. of finance & administration Kim Snell, ext. 140 [email protected] 16 People Systems administrator Burton Nicodemus, ext. 146 [email protected] RNAi Explained: Rich Jorgensen Accounts receivable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, ext. 143 [email protected] Featured on Special NOVA Broadcast Staff accountant Stefanie Shamer, ext. 144 [email protected] Assoc. dir. of meetings, marketing, & membership Jean Rosenberg, ext. 110 [email protected] Energizing Plant Biology— Manager of marketing and web services Wendy Sahli, ext. 123 [email protected] Chris Somerville Speaks on Future Marketing research assistant Chrissy King, ext. 122 [email protected] of Biofuels in U.S. Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, ext. 141 [email protected] Subscriptions research assistant Carolyn Freed, ext. 142 [email protected] Women in Plant Biology 18 Director of public affairs Brian M. Hyps, ext. 114 [email protected] Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, ext. 117 [email protected] 19 Message to ASPB Members Affected Publications assistant Diane McCauley, ext. 133 [email protected] by Hurricane Katrina Managing editor John Long, ext. 119 [email protected] Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, 845-878-4570 [email protected] 20 Membership Corner Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, ext. 130 [email protected] Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Leslie (Ash) Csikos, ext. 125 [email protected] 22 AAAS/ASPB 2006 Mass Media Science News and reviews editor, The Plant Cell Nancy Eckardt, 970-495-9918 [email protected] Fellowship Call for Applications Science editor, The Plant Cell Beatrice Grabowski, ext. 121 [email protected] Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, ext. 118 [email protected] 23 Public Affairs Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, ext. 120 [email protected]

29 Education Forum

ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is published six ASPB News times annually, in odd-numbered months. It is edited and prepared by ASPB staff from material provided by ASPB members and other Headquarters Office interested parties. Deadline for January/February 2006 15501 Monona Drive Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered ASPB News: December 5, 2005 Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA month (for example, December 5 for January/February publication). Phone: 301-251-0560 Submit copy by e-mail whenever possible; submit all other copy by Fax: 301-279-2996 mail, not by fax. Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; [email protected]; 301-251-0560, ext. 117.

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On the basis one position in the impact factor rankings remain strong, it is more critical than of my own ex- among all plant journals. Plant Physiology ever for scientists to become more involved perience, the is close behind with its highest ranking in speaking out in support of science re- excellent scien- ever. The entire collection of Plant Physi- search. The Public Affairs Committee tific program ology from 1926 has now been digitized can use your help and can help you get combined with and is available at PubMed Central. As the involved. the Seattle venue made Plant Biology 2005 publishing industry continues to face the Some highlights of the two Executive a great event. We can thank the ASPB Pro- Open Access push, ASPB has worked to Committee meetings in Seattle include gram Committee (chaired by Edgar Spald- stay ahead of the curve, and over the next moving the highly successful Summer Un- ing); Jean Rosenberg, the associate director few years we can expect to see changes dergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) of meetings, marketing, & membership; from our Publications Division that will program from an exploratory Good and the many ASPB staff who worked so keep our journals at the forefront. Works project to a recurring part of the hard to make the meeting run smoothly The ASPB Committee on Public Affairs ASPB portfolio, accompanied by an in- for the participants. Sleepless in Seattle continues to monitor the funding situa- crease in the number of SURF awards seems to be an appropriate description of tion for the plant sciences. This has been a available. The Executive Committee also how most of the ASPB staff experienced particularly critical year since the federal voted to create a new Fellows of ASPB the meeting. Of course, the success of the budget deficit is putting unprecedented award to be given in recognition of distin- meeting was also due to the excitement pressure on all federal granting agencies. guished and long-term contributions to provided by the nearly 1,700 plant biolo- In addition, changes in the staff at the plant biology and for service to the Soci- gists in attendance, which made it one of DOE Energy Biosciences Program left this ety; the first fellows will be announced in our largest meetings ever. In spite of the important program particularly vulnera- 2007. The final piece of the “Ethics in many other attractions Seattle had to offer, ble. The Public Affairs Committee mobi- Publications” series was also approved. attendance at the scientific sessions and lized a major effort, with assistance from a This document, prepared by the Publica- workshops seemed to be at an all-time large number of ASPB members, to turn tions Committee, defines ASPB’s proce- high. Highlights of the meeting are de- the tide in favor of maintenance of this dures and policies for handling allegations scribed elsewhere within this newsletter. critical program for plant research and to of publisher or staff misconduct. With this Now that my term as president of ASPB quickly replace the program staff. The final document in place, ASPB is the is ending, I will try to summarize some of Public Affairs Committee will continue to only Society I am aware of that has es- the major activities that occurred during monitor the situation, and we are hopeful tablished such a comprehensive set of the year. Fortunately for me, there were no that by the time you read this column the ethics policies. The ethics documents are major crises to deal with. Instead, we were DOE Energy Biosciences Program will be available on the ASPB website at http:// able to use the year to build on the many back on track. In addition to the chal- www.aspb.org/publications/ethics.cfm. changes that were implemented during lenges facing DOE, NASA recently sus- In case you missed or somehow man- the previous few years and to devote time pended funding of fundamental life aged to sleep through the meeting in to looking forward. In the previous issue science research to follow President Bush’s Seattle, you might be interested to know of the ASPB News, Crispin Taylor, our ex- “vision” to send humans to the Moon and that on October 1, Mike Thomashow ecutive director, summarized a strategic Mars. Without NASA’s fundamental life became president, I became immediate planning meeting we held; you can look science program, research on plant re- past president, and Rick Amasino became forward to more details as plans are set in sponses to gravity will be severely com- president-elect. Also, Nick Carpita became motion. I am pleased to say that the Soci- promised in the coming years since other secretary and chair of the Program Com- ety is in very good shape, primarily as a agencies are not likely to devote their re- mittee, and Karen Koch joined the Execu- result of the selfless contributions of the sources to research that NASA had taken tive Committee as an elected member. membership and the dedication and pro- ownership of until now. With funding Roger P. Hangarter fessionalism of our staff. rates falling below 10 percent for many [email protected] Our journals, which serve as the core grant programs, waiting in silence for the of ASPB, continue to do very well. The government to recognize the problem is Plant Cell continues to retain its number not a viable option. For plant research to

4 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 Rick Amasino Is President-Elect

Richard Amasino became ASPB president- elect on October 1, 2005, and will assume the office of president in October 2006, suc- ceeding Mike Thomashow. Amasino received his undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1977. He did his Ph.D. research from 1977 to 1982 at Indiana University in the laboratory The Open Access movement in of Carlos Miller, where he studied the role of scholarly publishing advocates that auxin and cytokinin in the growth and mor- research content should be freely phology of crown gall tumors. From 1982 to available to all immediately upon 1985 he was a postdoc in the laboratories of Rick Amasino publication. This approach has Milt Gordon and Gene Nester in the Depart- ments of Biochemistry and Microbiology at development. His professional activities have prompted publishers to examine the the University of Washington, where he was included many grant review panels for the feasibility of a shift from traditional involved in the identification of the genes NSF and USDA–NRI, and he currently subscription-based (“user pays”) that Agrobacterium has evolved to direct serves on the editorial boards of Plant Physi- financial models to an “author-pays” plant hormone production in crown gall tu- ology, The Plant Journal, Plant Cell and Envi- model, in which some or all of the mor cells. Since 1985, he has been a faculty ronment, and Science. He was a founding costs of publication are typically member in the Department of Biochemistry member of the North American Arabidopsis borne by authors. at the University of Wisconsin. Steering Committee, and he helps to locally What does our author commu- At Wisconsin, Amasino’s early research coordinate the yearly International Confer- program included studying the regulation of ence on Arabidopsis Research when it is nity think about Open Access? To leaf senescence and the role of DNA methy- held in the United States. His honors in- gauge the plant science communi- lation in the expression of transgenes. His clude a McKnight Foundation Individual ty’s interest in this new approach to group’s recent work has resulted in progress Research Award (1986), the Shaw Scholar publishing and to help ASPB deter- toward a molecular understanding of the Award (1986), the Presidential Young Inves- mine the viability of “author-pays” process of vernalization, particularly the role tigator Award (1989), and the Alexander publishing models, the Society is of chromatin modification in the epigenetic von Humboldt Foundation Award (1999). conducting an 18-month Open switch that establishes competence of the His University of Wisconsin honors include Access “experiment.” Beginning meristem to flower after exposure to the a Steenbock Career Development Award with the December 2005 issues of prolonged cold of a typical winter season. (1985–2000), the Vilas Associate Award Plant Physiology and The Plant Cell, Amasino teaches general biochemistry to (1999), the Hilldale Award (2005), and a authors of articles accepted by the junior and senior undergraduates and par- Wisconsin Distinguished Professorship journals will be given the option to ticipates in a graduate-level course on plant (1998 to present). pay a surcharge to make their online article free from the moment of publication to anyone with continued from page 1 Internet access. The surcharge, Molecular Biology (2001–2003, editorial ad- mittee on Basic Research on the topic of which is in addition to the usual visory board); organizing committees for “Plant Genome Science: From the Lab to the author charges, will be $1,000 (dis- the Gordon Research Conference on Plant Field to the Market” (1999) and is currently counted to $500 if the author’s Temperature Stress (1995) and the Keystone director of the NASA Astrobiology Insti- institution subscribes to the journal). Symposium on Plant Abiotic Stress (2004); tute–led team studying microbial life at low the Promega Biotechnology Research Award temperature. Thomashow’s honors include For more information, go to nominating committee, American Academy the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation http://www.aspb.org/publications/ of Microbiology (2002 to present); and the Award (2001) and the MSU Distinguished openaccess.cfm or contact Nancy National Research Council, Polar Research Faculty Award (2002). He is an elected fel- Winchester, ASPB director of pub- Board Committee on Frontiers in Polar Bi- low of the American Academy of Microbiol- lications, at [email protected]. ology (2002). He has testified before the U.S. ogy (2001) and an elected member of the House of Representatives, Science Subcom- National Academy of Sciences (2003).

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 5 Nick Carpita Elected Secretary

Nick Carpita became ASPB course on cell wall carbo- panel head for BARD’s Cell and Molecular secretary on October 1 and will hydrate chemistry. Biology section from 1993 to 1998. He was serve for the next two years. Carpita’s research inter- the coordinator of “Cytonet,” a research The secretary is also chair of est is the structure and group studying the cytoskeleton– plasma the Program Committee. function of the plant cell membrane–cell wall continuum, conducting Carpita is on the faculty of wall. He studies the unique several workshops that fostered research in the Department of Botany and cell wall of cereals and re- this area. In 2003, he served as vice chair for Plant Pathology at Purdue lated species and conducts the Gordon Research Conference on Cell University. He grew up near research on the synthesis of Walls and will serve as chair for the 2006 Clearwater, Florida, where he cell wall polysaccharides in conference. He was also named to the Inter- became interested in plants his vitro. He heads a team of national Advisory Board for the Tenth Inter- first year in high school. He plant biologists at five in- national Cell Wall Meeting held in 2004. He Nick Carpita got his degree in biological stitutions who use Fourier was recently named to ISI’s “highly cited au- sciences at Purdue University in 1972 and transform infrared spectroscopy as a high- thor” (http://isihighlycited.com) list for Plant a Ph.D. in plant physiology at Colorado throughput method to recognize genetic & Animal Sciences. One of his articles pub- State University in 1977. His postdoctoral mutations in maize and Arabidopsis that lished in The Plant Journal (Plant J. 3[1]: work from 1977 to 1979 with Dr. Deborah cause defects in cell wall composition. This 1–30, Jan 1993] is ranked the highest cited Delmer at Michigan State University– program hopes to define biological func- paper ever in Plant & Animal Sciences with Department of Energy Plant Research Lab- tions for many of the 2,500 genes expected currently over 1,000 citations (go to http:// in- oratory kindled his interest in the biology of to be involved in wall biogenesis and cites.com/papers/NicholasCarpita.html to the plant cell wall. He returned to Purdue disassembly. read his interview). University in 1979 as an assistant professor Carpita teaches an undergraduate course Nick Carpita has been a member of ASPB in the Department of Botany and Plant called “Plants and Civilization” that traces since 1975. He served on the editorial board Pathology, where he matriculated through the history of agriculture and the broad im- of Plant Physiology from 1987 to 1992 and the ranks to professor in 1989. He was a vis- pacts plants have on human civilization. He was monitoring editor from 1998 to 2001. iting professor in the Plant Biology Institute teaches a graduate course on plant carbo- From 1996 to 2000, he served on the editori- in Zürich, Switzerland, 1986–1987, and re- hydrate chemistry and various methods al board of Planta and since 2003 has been a turned as a guest professor for the summer courses and research workshops for under- corresponding member of the editorial of 1994, teaching a course on plant develop- graduate honors students. He has served on board of the Brazilian Journal of Plant Physi- ment. He also was named guest professor at several competitive grants panels, including ology. In 2002, he was elected to the Execu- the Botanical Institute of São Paulo, Brazil, those of the USDA–NRI and DOE’s Energy tive Committee of ASPB. in spring 1998, where he presented a Biosciences, and was a panel member and

Karen Koch Is Elected to Executive Committee

Karen Koch joined the ASPB Executive tural Sciences Department and Plant Molec- torial advisory Committee as elected member on October 1. ular and Cellular Biology Program at the board of Cam- Koch received her bachelor’s degree in University of Florida, Gainesville, where her bridge Universi- biology in 1974 from the University of interests focus on feast and famine responses ty Press. She was Wisconsin–Eau Claire and her Ph.D. in from gene to whole-plant levels, with em- a monitoring 1979, in botany–plant physiology, from the phasis on carbohydrate metabolism, parti- editor of Plant Karen Koch University of Iowa, Iowa City. She was a tioning, and signaling. Physiology from postdoctoral research associate in the de- She has received numerous professional 1987 to 1993 and also served on the ASPB partments of Agronomy and Plant Genetics awards, has held a number of offices, has Committee on Women in Plant Physiology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison; an participated on many NSF and USDA–NRI as well as on the Membership Committee. assistant professor and later associate pro- grant review panels, and was host and orga- In 2002, she participated in a focus group fessor in the Fruit Crops Department at the nizer for a regional meeting of undergradu- convened to assess a forthcoming ASPB University of Florida, Gainesville; and since ate interns in the NSF–REU summer research textbook titled Molecular Life of Plants, by 1992 has been a professor in the Horticul- program. She previously served on the edi- Buchanan, Gruissem, Jones, and Vickers.

6 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 Masamitsu Wada Is New Corresponding Member

Masamitsu Wada recently became studies were carried out, green algae Mougeotia, probably being the newest ASPB corresponding Wada’s studies on or- raised by simple fusion of phytochrome member, another achievement in an ganelle movement are of gene and phototropin gene, indicating that outstanding scientific career. note for the novel micro- the chimeric photoreceptors were raised Wada’s work has focused on scopic techniques that twice independently during the course of elucidating the mechanisms of he developed to conduct plant development. light-induced organelle move- many of his experi- Wada was born and educated in Tokyo, ment and photomorphogenesis. ments. Over the course where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and His studies—originally in fern of three decades of con- Ph.D. degrees in plant biology at the Univer- but later in moss and Arabidopsis centrating on ferns, Wada sity of Tokyo. In addition to his scientific besides fern—demonstrated that developed molecular and contributions, he has served the plant biolo- light-induced chloroplast move- genetic tools that facili- gy community in a variety of editorial and Masamitsu Wada ment is linked to changes in the tated detailed dissection leadership capacities. These have included cytoskeleton and reveals the involvement of of the light responses of these plant systems. editorships of the Botanical Magazine, the both red and blue light sensory systems in Most notably, in characterizing photorecep- Journal of Plant Research, and Plant Cell and fern and moss but only blue light in Ara- tor genes in Adiantum, he and his colleagues Physiology, as well as terms as secretary of the bidopsis. These sensory systems act not only identified a chimeric photoreceptor consist- Botanical Society of Japan, president of the through different photoreceptors but also ing of a phytochrome fused with a pho- Photobiology Association of Japan, and vice through different mechanisms. Using Ara- totropin. This chimeric molecule appears to president of the International Union of Pho- bidopsis mutants, Wada showed that chloro- have derived from the fusion of convention- tobiology. He is currently a co-editor of The plast movements protect the bleaching of al phytochrome and phototropin cDNAs via Plant Cell, president of the International leaf color and necrosis associated with reverse transcription and chromosomal in- Union of Photobiology, and president of the growth under high light conditions. In addi- tegration. Very recently he and his colleagues Botanical Society of Japan. tion to the rigorous detail in which these found similar chimeric photoreceptors in

Plant Physiology Archive Complete January 1926 through Present Now Online

At long last, Plant Physiology has been dig- research content free after itized in searchable PDF format back to 12 months. (ASPB also volume 1, number 1, January 1926! The makes its current content archive resides in its entirety at PubMed Cen- free to institutions in devel- tral (PMC; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/ oping nations through its tocrender.fcgi?journal=69&action=archiv), participation in AGORA, which scanned all back files from 1926 an initiative of the United through 1992 at no cost to the Society. Years Nations Food and Agriculture 1993–1997 reside at both PMC and at High- Organization. See ASPB News, Wire Press, the journal’s online provider. May/June, 31(3):7; http:// HighWire expects to have the full archive, www.aspb.org/newsletter/ back to 1926, on the journal site (http:// mayjun04/07agora.cfm for the www.plantphysiol.org) by year-end. The Plant full story.) Cell was digitized in its entirety—back to Jan- “This freely available archive uary 1989—several years ago, and that archive represents a tremendous resource for plant available online, the Plant Physiology archive now resides at both HighWire and PMC. biologists,” said Crispin Taylor, ASPB’s exec- includes numerous classic papers that col- All legacy content is available free of utive director. “In addition to the sense of lectively represent the intellectual founda- charge to anyone with access to the Internet, completeness that comes from having the tion of the discipline.” in keeping with ASPB’s policy of making its entire content of both the Society’s journals

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 7 Plant Biology 2005

From July 16 to 20, nearly 1,700 attendees from 39 countries and five continents gathered in Seattle, Washington, for Plant Biolo- gy 2005 —ASPB’s annual meeting. The city first major lived up to its promise of more sun than symposium, and rain and lots of java. No dripping umbrellas an evening reception needed juggling as attendees carried their in the Exhibit Hall. Four coffee into each day’s morning events. more days followed, offering 30 On Saturday, July 16, the meeting offi- minisymposia, four more major sym- cially opened with the awards ceremony, the posia, nine well-attended workshops, and poster sessions that were open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. By late afternoon of July 20, after the President’s Symposium, participants left the convention center tired but well informed, concluding PB2005. Less than one month later, we had collect- ed feedback from 538 attendees on the plusses and minuses of the 2005 meeting. Here’s what they thought…first the highlights!

Attendees enjoying the opening reception in the Exhibit Hall.

Maarten Chrispeels visits an exhibitor with ASPB staff member Jean Rosenberg.

Visitors line up at the ASPB Education Booth to learn about Fast Plants and more from Paul Williams.

8 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 a symposium, supporting light—it was a “New Approaches for Integrat- major benefit of atten- ing Plant Genomes for Function,” or- dance. Some commented ganized by Natasha Raikhel (University of that the convention center, California, Riverside), the 2005 Stephen Hales because of its layout and open at- award winner. Plant, Cell and the Environ- mosphere, further enhanced the net- ment sponsored “Photosynthesis—From working function. Photons to Sugar,” which was organized by Careers and Jobs Posters, Posters, Posters Don Ort (University of Urbana–Cham- paign). The three other featured symposia This year ASPB’s job board featured more The 1,206 posters were clearly the #1 event were “Epigenetic Control of Gene Expres- than 60 openings, and Monsanto had a re- at PB2005. Posters are always a highlight of sion,” organized by Vicki Chandler (Univer- cruiting booth in the Exhibit Hall. In fact, every meeting, but in 2005 they achieved sity of Arizona); “Proteolysis Controlling one attendee told us he had gotten a job by new heights—a few people even commented Plant Growth and Development,” organized the end of the meeting! This year’s annual that the posters were so good it was hard to by Rick Vierstra (University of Wisconsin); career workshops —“Where Are the Other take any breaks from the meeting to see lo- and ASPB’s President’s Symposium, “Cellu- Jobs?” and “Getting and Keeping a Job”— cal attractions! You can view the abstracts lar Dynamics and Plant Growth, organized were sponsored and organized by the online at http://abstracts.aspb.org, and in- by Roger Hangarter (University of Indiana). Women in Plant Biology Committee terested parties can contact each poster’s (WIPB) and attracted nearly 200 people for primary author. In addition to the many Networking! four hours on Sunday, July 17. Some of the positive comments, we also received some Whether outside the registration area, dur- comments we got: “It was good to hear great suggestions for better organization of ing coffee breaks, or at scheduled opportu- [about] actual experiences in hiring” and next year’s posters. nities for networking, all 538 respondents “Very insightful! Great program!” Rest as- The Symposia said that the opportunity to reconnect sured that WIPB will be working hard to with old colleagues and meet researchers develop equally rewarding workshops for Each one of PB2005’s major symposia was in their field was more than just a high- next year’s meeting in Boston. praised for its outstanding presentations on continued on next page recent developments in plant biology. Pioneer Hi-Bred was, for the first time, a sponsor of

Laura Olsen (left), and Judith Verbeke before Judy’s talk at the Women in Plant Biology Committee lunch.

Attendees networking at exclusive poster session.

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 9 Plant Biology 2005

Featured Speakers This year’s Women in Plant Biology Jefferson did double duty at the meeting, The Minority Affairs Committee luncheon Committee luncheon, sponsored in part by joining Joe Tohme of the International Cen- speaker, Dr. Elma Gonzalez, Department of Monsanto, was attended by 180 people. The ter for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA, luncheon speaker, Dr. Judith Verbeke, Na- Colombia and the other panelists in the spoke movingly of her 40-year professional tional Science Foundation, gave a heartfelt “Where Are the Other Jobs?” career work- journey from south Texas, where she grew and humorous account of her career begin- shop put on by the Women in Plant Biology up in a family of migrant farm workers, to nings, aided by the lyrics of crooner Garth Committee. her current position on the faculty at UCLA. Brooks. Essentially offering an extended, And Now for the “Lowlights”…Oi Vay! Beginning with a tough but fair English multimedia biography, Verbeke also spoke The Dinner Dance—A Bust! teacher, Gonzalez was fortunate to encounter about the importance of mentoring, as well a number of supportive mentors along the as the joy of finding the right professional Although 700 people attended this year’s way who encouraged her to pursue her goals niche in life. Tuesday evening event at the Pacific Science with vigor and dedication. Among many Richard Jefferson, who received the 2005 Center, and many seemed to greatly enjoy other things, Gonzalez’s talk demonstrated ASPB Leadership in Science Public Service the venue, overall the affair did not meet ex- that there are many pathways into the plant Award and gave the Perspectives of Science pectations. Some of our respondents liked sciences and that these pathways should be Leaders seminar on Saturday evening, has the Pacific Science Center, but many gave the open to all. What you need are the proven clearly found his calling. Most recently not- food two thumbs down for the price. The ingredients for success: preparation, courage, ed for his efforts to develop readily available feedback was deafening, and we definitely hard work, opportunities…and a dash of technologies for plant transformation, Jef- heard you! You can look for something dif- luck. Her bottom line: No one can know ferson has spent a good portion of his career ferent as ASPB’s Program Committee plans which child will grow up to be a scientist. working in international crop development ahead for 2006. More to come… ALL children are entitled to a good educa- centers; he currently directs CAMBIA, the The Badges tion. There is a need for well-trained teach- Center for the Application of Molecular Bi- What started out as a good idea for net- ers, a need to abolish overcrowded classrooms, ology to International Agriculture, in his working turned out to be unpopular be- and a need to hold school management ac- adoptive Australia. He spoke passionately of cause of designations such as “graduate countable. Excellent counselors—many more his concerns that the current status quo, in student” or “postdoc” at the bottom of the than we now have—are critical. And we which an array of organizations own patents name tag. The rumor mill had it that there must have high expectations for our chil- on technology required to generate trans- was a “gentle revolution” of turning around dren, coupled with a first-rate science cur- genic crops, creates obstacles in agricultural the inserts so the designation was hidden. riculum. In closing, Gonzalez thanked many biotechnology, particularly in the developing So next year in Boston, look for bigger let- people, but most passionately her mother world. (See the full story on page 27 of this tering for the names (another comment) and father…and her “little kitty cats.” issue of the ASPB News.) and no inserts!

Roger Hangarter and Pamela Ronald were among many ASPB members expressing apprecia- tion to awardee Richard Jefferson (center). ASPB president Roger Hangarter New members are welcomed at the sections’ ice cream social. presided over Plant Biology 2005.

10 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 THE MEETING HAD SOME GREAT FIRSTS First Early Career Award Presented matics to brute force genetic screens—and This year, ASPB sections banned together to The Early Career Award was instituted by by using the best model system for the ques- host an ice cream social instead of their the Society’s executive committee in 2005 to tion with parallel studies of cyanobacteria, usual individual section receptions. The recognize outstanding research by scientists alage, and vascular plants. event was attended by 125 people, making at the beginning of their career. This award Miyagishima’s mentors describe him as a it a great venue for sharing and learning is a monetary award made annually for ex- rising star with unusual scientific depth and more about the makeup and activities of ceptionally creative, independent contribu- insight. the sections. tions by a member of the Society who is not Because of the high quality of this year’s For the first time, the Minority Affairs more than five years post-Ph.D. on January nominees, the Award Selection Committee Committee provided travel recognition 1 of the year of the presentation. also chose three young scientists for special awards to seven faculty members and six The first award was presented to Dr. recognition. Dr. Simon Chan, mentored by students, most from the New York City area Shin-ya Miyagishima. Miyagishima received Professor Steven Jacobsen, is a Department and one from Greensboro, North Carolina. his Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo un- of Energy Life Science Research Foundation After the awardees arrived in Seattle, an der the supervision of Professor Tsuneyoshi fellow at UCLA. He has made seminal dis- orientation lunch was hosted on Saturday, Kuroiwa. Since August 2003, he has been at coveries in the area of de novo methylation. July 16, at the convention center. Awardees the University of Michigan with Professor Dr. Jeffrey Moseley, mentored by Dr. Arthur were greeted and welcomed by Anthony Katherine Osteryoung. Grossman at the Carnegie Institution, is also DePass, chair of ASPB’s Minority Affairs Miyagishima is recognized for elucida- a DOE Life Science Research Foundation Committee; Roger Hangarter, ASPB presi- tion of the sequence of events that occur fellow. Moseley has discovered key genes in- dent; and Crispin Taylor, executive director. during the division of the plastid via a series volved in nutrient deficiency responses in Chlamydomonas. Dr. Jan Zouhar, at present This year’s awardees follow: of beautiful studies combining electron and immunofluorescence microscopy to monitor a research associate at Masaryk University in Faculty Members the dynamics of the plastid division com- the Czech Republic, was mentored by Profes- Carolle Bolnet, Medgar Evers College plex. He is also recognized for the discovery sor Natasha Raikhel. He is recognized for his Charles desBordes, Medgar Evers College of both plasti-localized and cytosolic mole- contribution to vacuole proteomics and the Tony Nicolas, New York City College cules that catalyze each step by applying a discovery of new chemical inhibitors of the of Technology repertoire of approaches—from bioinfor- vacuole targeting pathway in Arabidopsis. Marva Butters, Long Island University

Miguel Cervantes-Cervantes, Lehman College (left) MAC chair Anthony DePass addressed the crowd Michelle Garrett, Bennett College gathered to hear luncheon speaker Elma Gonzales. Nathley Ceasar, St. Marks Day School (below) A mere bottle cap became a plant biology Students lab in the hands of Paul Williams (left) and Education Booth visitors. Aymar Borel Soh Fotso, Medgar Evers College Cordula Hunze, Medgar Evers College Shakira Humphrey, Lehman College Tenneil Simmons, New York City College of Technology Venkata Ambati, Lehman College Adam Kavalier, Lehman College

Margaret Corbit from the Cornell Theory Center participated in the Education Workshop on informal science education, coordinated by David Salt. Ideas or suggestions for Plant Biology 2006? Expresso your thoughts to [email protected].

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 11 Plant Biology 2005

Natasha Raikhel, whose term as editor-in-chief of Ed Kaleikau (left) discusses NRI research programs with Physiology Bob Spreitzer. recently ended, and Don Ort, her successor. Plant

(from left) William Terzaghi, Susan Lee Blauth, Jodie Ramsay, and David Becker shared insights at the PUI breakfast.

Recipients of the first MAC Recognition Travel Awards get to know each other at the start of the meeting. Photo credit: Cordula Hunze

12 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 ASPB staff (and friends) were still standing at the end of the meeting!

Anthony DePass and Suzanne Cunningham study Education Booth plant lab materials.

(from left) Natasha Raikhel, former editor-in-chief of Physiology; Junior, formerJocelyn managing Brimo, editor Natasha’s of assistant; Melissa (from left) Parag Chitnis, Michael Mishkind, Gerald Nancy Winchester, ASPB publications director. Plant Berkowitz, Judy Verbeke, and Machi Dilworth see a Plant Physiology; future young scientist, Annie Sunshine Berkowitz, in and Jerry’s arms.

Former President Dan Bush shows Staff members and a friend off his skills with a yo-yo. stop for dungeness crab soup at Pikes Market.

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 13 Addressing Ethical Standards: Establishment of Publisher and Staff Guidelines Puts ASPB Ahead of the Curve

Over the past two years, ASPB has devel- documents are available via http://www. viewers. You might not, however, think too oped a number of documents outlining the aspb.org/publications/ethics.cfm. much about the obligations of the staff who Society’s expectations for the various parties Although a number of disciplinary soci- are handling your papers or the publisher of who contribute to the publications process, ety publishers have developed ethics guide- the journal to which you entrust your work. along with procedures and policies to help lines for their authors, fewer have done so Therefore, reproduced here in its entirety is us deal with allegations of misconduct. It for their editors and reviewers. In fact, we ASPB Policies and Procedures for Handling appears that this comprehensive series of wondered whether we had stepped into un- Allegations of Publisher or Staff Misconduct. documents regarding ethics in publishing charted territory as we began to develop this As we stated in a previous column (ASPB puts ASPB ahead of the curve compared to final document on staff and publisher con- News, March/April 2005), we want our pub- many other scientific societies. In 2003, we duct. Staff found relatively little in the publications to be at the cutting edge not only developed guidelines for authors, followed lished literature upon which to build, as of plant science, but of science in general. in early 2005 with guidelines for editors and discussions of ethics as they relate specifi- And we recognize that, to do so, they must reviewers. Also in 2005 we addressed con- cally to the publisher are apparently not be models of scientific responsibility and flicts of interest. Finally, we tackled staff and common. Covering guidelines for staff is integrity. This document lays out explicitly publisher responsibilities, and on July 19, particularly tricky because, as ASPB’s legal ASPB’s commitments as a publisher to 2005, ASPB Policies and Procedures for Han- counsel pointed out, the involvement of em- you—our editors, authors, and readers. dling Allegations of Publisher or Staff Miscon- ployees adds a whole new dimension of ad- C. Robertson McClung duct was approved by the ASPB Executive herence to employment laws and Society Chair, Publications Committee Committee during the Plant Biology meet- employee requirements. [email protected] ing in Seattle. With this publication, ASPB’s Perhaps for many of our readers, it is not too hard to imagine what constitutes ethical Nancy Winchester suite of documents outlining proper scien- Director of Publications tific conduct in publishing is complete. All behavior for authors, editors, and peer re- [email protected]

ASPB Ethics in Publishing: Policies and Procedures for Handling Allegations of Publisher or Staff Misconduct

The American Society of Plant Biologists Expectations for the Publisher • work to educate its member, author, and expects members of the Society and all indi- Expectations for the American Society of editorial communities through a variety viduals involved in the peer review and publi- Plant Biologists, as journal publisher, in- of venues about ethical conduct in scien- cation of its journals to maintain high clude the following. The Society will tific publishing ethical standards for scholarship. This docu- • provide the human, financial, and other • in cases of alleged misconduct by authors ment is the fourth in the ASPB “Ethics in resources needed to publish the journals or editors/reviewers, adhere to the proce- Publishing” series, which describes ethical • facilitate the prompt review of manu- dures outlined in the ASPB “Ethics in guidelines for all parties involved in the scripts submitted to its journals Publishing” series and “ensure that inves- publishing process as well as procedures for • facilitate the timely publication of arti- tigations are handled as expeditiously as addressing allegations of ethical violations. cles accepted by its journals possible and without harming the repu- Ethics in Publishing: ASPB Policies and Proce- • not seek to delay publication of a paper tation of anyone against whom an allega- dures for Handling Allegations of Publisher for any reason other than to address tion is made but who is found not to and Staff Misconduct has been developed to technical issues associated with publica- have violated the Society’s standards” offer guidelines for sound publishing prac- tion (for example, should authors be (Science and Engineering Ethics, volume tice. Please also refer to Ethics in Publishing: tardy in submitting corrected page proofs 9, issue 2, 2002, p. 236) ASPB Policies and Procedures for Handling or submit final figures that fail to meet • ensure that retractions or corrections Allegations of Author Misconduct; ASPB Poli- the technical requirements for publica- approved by an editor are published cies and Procedures for Handling Allegations tion), adherence to journal policies, or promptly in the journal. of Editorial Misconduct; and Conflicts of In- credible concerns about the science terest at http://www.aspb.org/publications/ ethics.cfm.

14 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 Expectations for Staff such allegations in writing and transmit ASPB employment practices. If such vio- As representatives of ASPB, staff members this written document to the president, lations have been alleged, then legal ad- are expected to uphold the ethical responsi- who chairs the Ethics Review Committee vice will be sought to determine if it is bilities of the Society. Specifically, staff will (ERC; president, past president, executive proper for the ERC to seek information • maintain confidentiality about reviewers, director, chair of the Publications Com- from the accused. reviews, comments, and decisions mittee, and the editors-in-chief of both 7. All actions taken in connection with an • not misrepresent the review process to an journals). investigation of an allegation, including author 2. The allegations and all information relat- telephone calls, must be documented in • not forge or fabricate a reviewer’s report ing to allegations and subsequent in- writing. Copies of documentation and or alter the scientific content of reviews quiries will be kept confidential by the correspondence should be sent to the • not alter the scientific content of an arti- party making the complaint, the ERC, president, who shall ensure the security cle under review or accepted for publica- and any Society members and staff work- and confidentiality of the records. tion in the journals without author and ing on the matter. The complaint and in- 8. The ERC may seek the assistance of the editorial approval formation developed in any subsequent executive director, the Executive Com- • ensure that papers are scheduled for pub- investigation will not be disclosed to any mittee, and any other available ASPB re- lication in accordance with established third parties except as required by law or sources in carrying out its confidential procedures and without bias as may be necessary to enforce the deci- investigation and enforcing its decision. • not falsify data related to the journal sion of the ERC. (e.g., impact factors, acceptance rates, 3. The ERC will review the allegations to This document was approved by the ASPB turnaround times) determine their validity and if further ac- Executive Committee July 19, 2005. • adhere to the procedures for handling al- tion is necessary. The ERC will conduct legations of ethical misconduct by au- all inquires it deems necessary to resolve thors or editors/reviewers as described in the matter and shall consider all relevant the ASPB “Ethics in Publishing” series information and make findings and rec- and immediately refer any allegation of ommendations concerning any action ethical misconduct by an author or edi- that needs to be taken. tor/reviewer, or any instance of possible 4. Legal advice will be obtained to deter- conflict of interest, to the Executive Di- mine the proper legal procedures to be rector followed by the ERC if the compliant al- • cooperate with the Ethics Review Com- leges a violation of law or Society em- mittee or other investigative bodies re- ployment rules, or if the ERC determines garding possible ethical violations by an that such advice is needed to aid in con- author or editor/reviewer ducting the inquiry. • keep all details of an alleged ethical viola- 5. The executive director will not partici- tion confidential pate on the ERC when the allegation is • ensure that retractions or corrections directed against him/her. If the allegation approved by an editor are published is against the Society as publisher, or promptly in the journal. against a staff member other than the executive director, then the executive Procedure for Addressing Allegations director will be notified of the allegation. of Publisher or Staff Misconduct If the allegation is against an ASPB em- 1. Any person who has reason to believe ployee, the executive director will assist that the journal publisher or any mem- the ERC to ensure that ASPB employ- ber of the ASPB staff has engaged in mis- ment procedures are followed in the conduct or committed an ethical viola- investigation. tion in connection with their handling of 6. The person against whom the allegation an author’s work or with any other work is made shall be given the opportunity to they perform for the Society’s publica- respond to the allegations unless the tions must summarize the reasons for complaint alleges violations of law or

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 15 People

RNAi Explained Rich Jorgensen Featured on Special NOVA Broadcast

Richard Jorgensen, associate tensely purple petunia time, the gene that he inserted into his petu- professor of plant sciences at flower in his work for a nias produced RNA transcripts that folded the University of Arizona and biotech startup company. into a structure recognized by the cell’s editor-in-chief of The Plant Jorgensen explains how he RNAi machinery as “virus,” and all copies of Cell, was featured in the NOVA- inserted extra copies of a the gene transcript were destroyed, leaving scienceNOW program “RNAi gene for purple pigment the plants unable to make any purple pig- Explained,” which aired on (the gene encoding the en- ment and resulting in white flowers. PBS on July 26, 2005. The 15- zyme chalcone synthase) Lander explained how scientists now can minute program can be viewed into petunia plants, expect- make use of RNAi to turn off any gene at online at http://www.pbs.org/ ing to get deeper purple will just based on knowing its DNA se- wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3210/ Rich Jorgensen flowers, but to his surprise quence. This ability has great potential for 02.html. found that the plants pro- investigating gene function and curing dis- NOVA-scienceNOW airs five times a year duced white flowers completely lacking in ease. RNAi therapy has been used success- and covers “breaking science stories, science pigmentation. Jorgensen, along with Eric fully in mice to treat Huntington’s disease, and politics, and science and culture,” ac- Lander of the Broad Institute and Massachu- Lou Gehrig’s disease, hepatitis, and breast cording to host Robert Krulwich. In “RNAi setts Institute of Technology and Greg Han- cancer. The program highlights a successful Explained,” Krulwich tells the story of this non of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, clinical trial involving RNAi in a woman powerful discovery that could lead to cures describes how it took another decade to work with age-related macular degeneration. for a seemingly endless number of human out the mystery of the white petunias. Lander concludes that “any sort of disease diseases, including Alzheimer’s, arthritis, The secret of RNAi lies in the ability of that you can imagine is fair game” as a can- cancer, HIV, muscular dystrophy, and in- living cells to recognize abnormal RNA and didate for RNAi therapy. And it all started fluenza, to name just a few. He describes destroy it. It is believed to have evolved as an with Rich Jorgensen’s white petunias. how RNAi (RNA interference) was a puzzle antiviral mechanism that allows cells to rec- Nan Eckardt that first appeared in petunia plants in ex- ognize viral RNA and degrade it, preventing [email protected] periments conducted by Jorgensen in 1986, the virus from becoming established inside when he was attempting to create an in- the cell. Unbeknown to Jorgensen at the

Download Figures from Plant Physiology and The Plant Cell as PowerPoint Slides!

Plant Physiology (www.plantphysiol.org) and The Plant Cell (www.plantcell.org), ASPB’s premier plant science journals, now allow you to save any figure as a PowerPoint slide! This free feature is available for all articles published since 1998. From the full-text (non-PDF) version of an article, click to “View larger version”of a figure. Then click the button marked “PowerPoint Slide for Teaching.”The slide will include the full bibliographic citation of the article in which the figure was published.

We hope that you enjoy this new feature and that it enhances the teaching of plant biology in your classroom.

16 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 People Energizing Plant Biology Chris Somerville Speaks on Future of Biofuels in U.S.

ASPB member Chris Somerville delivered the keynote address at the 16th Internation- al Conference on Arabidopsis Research in Madison on June 15, 2005, during which he spoke on the importance of research and development in plant biology in the area of biomass energy. Somerville, director of the Carnegie Insti- tution of Washington, Department of Plant Biology at Stanford University, delivered an eloquent and inspiring message advocating a wider view of plant biology as an important source of energy, and not only agricultural commodities. The U.S. ethanol industry is one of the fastest growing energy industries in the world. Somerville cited a recent USDA–DOE study that estimated that Miscanthus x giganteus (Elephantgrass) crop growing in southern Germany. planting biofuel crops on existing available From Scurlock, J.M.O. (1998). Miscanthus: a review of European experience (fallow) cropland could contribute more with a novel energy crop. ORNL/TM-13732. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, than 100 billion gallons of liquid fuels each Oak Ridge, Tennessee. http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/reports/miscanthus/toc.html. year in the United States. However, he noted that grain crops such as maize are not the minimizing biomass and maximizing seed velop renewable sources of energy should best suited for biomass production, owing yield. Somerville argued that basic discover- pave the way for increased federal funding to a substantial requirement for inputs from ies in plant biology will enable increased for plant biology research. “Legislators often fossil fuels. Certain undomesticated peren- biomass production through rational im- view the big problem in agriculture as over- nial species, such as Miscanthus x giganteus provement of many different aspects of production and do not see the point of (Elephantgrass) and Panicum virgatum plant growth and development, ranging further investments in basic research that (Switchgrass), have far greater potential as from stress tolerance and disease resistance might cause more overproduction,” Somer- biomass energy crops. These species require to fundamental changes in developmental ville lamented, concluding that “in the minimal inputs and also have significantly processes. developed world, a more relevant social higher net energy outputs than conventional “Plant biomass is basically polysaccha- context for basic research in plant biology is grain ethanol crops. rides and lignin,” said Somerville, indicating energy.” He asserted that basic research on Grain ethanol crops will continue to be that basic research in these areas is of par- plants supports both the food and energy the primary focus of the biomass energy in- ticular importance because many useful uses of plants. However, because the impor- dustry over the next 20 years or so, but in changes can be envisioned in the chemical tance of plants as sources of energy is poorly the longer term we will see a shift to the de- composition of biomass. He stated that sig- understood by comparison with food uses, velopment and use of more efficient peren- nificant increases in biomass yield were pos- the community of plant biologists can play nial biomass crops. Because these species are sible because plants “have the capacity to an important role in increasing public undomesticated, there is great potential for increase photosynthesis if we unlock the key awareness of the opportunity to develop their improvement as biofuel crops and a to growth.” Arabidopsis has become a pow- sustainable and renewable sources of energy need for research in basic plant biology to erful tool for basic research in plant biology, from plants. improve our understanding of plant growth and it is increasingly clear that much of Nan Eckardt and development related to biomass pro- what is learned from studying this small [email protected] duction. Biomass crops have not yet been weed is directly applicable to other species. subjected to selection, and in addition, most A view of plant biology as having a signifi- breeding of crop plants has been focused on cant impact on improving our ability to de-

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 17 Women in Plant Biology

One Day at a Time How I Got into Biology and Graduate School

My primary school education was most un- took his advice and applied was the first direct evi- usual. It seemed like an unending battle to for a Ph.D. program. Thomas dence (to my knowledge) learn one language after another. As a child Hodges was taking a sabbat- that ATP generated an ion of a diplomat, I had lived in Scheveningen ical leave at Davis, and he gradient in isolated micro- in The Hague, Taipei, Panama City, Tehran, persuaded me to work with somal vesicles from plants. and Amman. I had studied Chinese, Span- him. I was fascinated by the Back in Kansas, I got ish, and French for about one year each idea that transporters were several calls from estab- when my parents sensed that English, not like protein enzymes and lished laboratories asking French, was going to be the next “interna- joined his laboratory. how I got sealed vesicles. tional” language. The curiosity and interest By the time I got a Ph.D. By 1981, at the joint ASPP/ in science began naturally and quite early, in degree from Purdue Uni- Heven Sze searching for roots CSPP meeting in Quebec, part due to my mother. As a diplomat’s wife versity, I was married to an- in the Shanghai Library. several laboratories report- she stayed home, but she was interested in other scientist. We both ed on ATP-driven proton what I learned at school. She had majored knew that finding jobs for two Ph.D.s was pumping in low-density vesicles, although, in psychology and minored in biology at going to be a challenge. Fortunately, my hus- unlike the PM-ATPase, the activity was not Tsing-Hua University (Beijing), so she could band found a postdoctoral position at Har- sensitive to vanadate. These findings com- understand the textbooks I brought home, vard Medical School in Boston, and A. K. bined with results of purified vacuoles led to answer questions, and discuss topics in Solomon at the Biophysics Laboratory val- the “discovery” of the vacuolar-type H+-AT- biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The ued my biochemical perspective of transport Pase that acidifies intracellular compart- Ahliyyah School for Girls was the best sec- proteins and overlooked any weakness in ments of plant and other eukaryote cells ondary school for girls in Amman. The stu- biophysics. He offered me a postdoctoral fel- (see Sze, H., 1985, Annu Rev Plant Physiol dents were expected to sit for and pass GCE low position to study transport across hu- 36, 175). In 1981, the National Science exams at the “O” level and sometimes “A” man red cell membranes. The environment Foundation (including unidentified panel level. Several classmates saw themselves as was so stimulating that I began to develop members of the Metabolic Biology pro- future leaders of society whether they came into an independent scientist. When my gram) recognized the significance of the from prominent families or not. The educa- spouse got a faculty position at the Universi- breakthrough and awarded me a grant as tion prepared us well for university. I en- ty of Kansas, I followed, readily thinking sole P.I. in spite of my tenuous position. Yet, joyed biology in particular, and so I picked that I would do whatever I could. this was insufficient to get a tenure-track botany as a major when I applied to the Na- position at the University of Kansas. Frus- tional Taiwan University. Overcoming Hurdles trated, I discussed the situation with invited We were extremely fortunate when Dr. I got a courtesy (non–tenure track) faculty seminar speakers, including Mary Dell Chu-yung Lin returned from the United position and planned to conduct an inde- Chilton, who advised I seek a position else- States and offered for the first time a course pendent research project in Eugene Fox’s where. To the university, a “faculty wife” was in biochemistry at the university. It was the laboratory as long as I could bring in some unlikely to leave the area and should be sat- new emerging discipline in biology at the grant funds. In 1979, I started developing an isfied with some bench space. By the time I time (around 1966), much like molecular in vitro membrane vesicle system to verify if received an offer from the University of biology became in the mid-1970s. I was also the plasma membrane K+-stimulated ATPase Maryland in 1982, I had just received a encouraged when he mentioned that some was an ion or an H+ pump. This was origi- grant to study calcium transport (see Sze, of us had “potential.” So I applied to a mas- nally my Ph.D. thesis project, but I had H., et al., 2000, Annu Rev Plant Physiol & ter’s program at the University of California failed before to get any active transport. The at Davis. There, Thomas Ragland, who initial results that a membrane-bound Plant Mol Biol 51, 433). In August, I drove taught plant biochemistry, summoned me to ATPase was stimulated by ionophores that eastward to College Park, thrilled to be a his office one day and asked why I was dissipated H+ and K+ gradients and that tenure-track faculty member at last! studying for a master’s degree. It was not un- ATP generated an electrical potential in iso- Balancing Act usual in those days for women graduate lated vesicles (later published in PNAS in New students and postdocs were attracted to students to get a master’s degree, take a 1980 and 1981) caused considerable excite- my laboratory and were excited to be work- technician position, and get married. With- ment among transport physiologists at the ing at the forefront of plant membrane bi- out any good prospects of getting married, I 1980 annual ASPP meeting in Pullman. It ology. I strongly felt that if a researcher

18 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 Women in Plant Biology

(student or postdoc) was interested in the models in the department. So I must have vised me to “take breaks often.” My advice to project, he or she would make new and been doing some things right! young scientists is to “strive toward your exciting discoveries. I tried to match the nat- Though I was relatively successful in sus- dreams but listen to your inner self.” In pur- ural talent, interest, and inclination of the taining a lively research program, grant suit of “success” as defined and expected by person with the project. I quizzed and chal- funding, and attracting outstanding stu- promotion and tenure committees of U.S. lenged students often to stimulate their dents, I gradually felt unhappy. What was universities, I had lost touch with what I thinking and development into independent wrong? I had everything, or so it seemed. I was—my roots and my culture. Thankfully, scientists. I tried to cultivate a concept of achieved tenure in three years and had invi- I have regained energy and balance with the sharing responsibilities in the laboratory for tations to author reviews and to give talks. support of family, friends, students, and col- the good of all. A congenial laboratory envi- Yet instead of being energized, I felt exhaust- leagues. I now know how to maintain a bal- ronment was contagious and would lead to ed to the point that I could hardly function. ance and a sense of inner peace that is so synergistic results. I continued two tradi- I escaped to Kansas for peace, tranquility, essential to meeting new challenges and to tions I enjoyed as a student. Like my Ph.D. and contemplation. I thought I would re- being creative and productive. mentor, I had (and still have) lunch with the cover in the summer, as I was not diagnosed Working in a rapidly developing field, like lab nearly daily where we would talk about with any illness. How could I leave three biology, is not unlike my childhood. One anything. Also, I liked to take everyone to graduate students afloat? I had to get back faces constant challenges to learn a new lan- the ASPP meetings, held at affordable to them. Yet for months, there was little or guage and new concepts of a discipline, and venues then, like campuses in Davis, Provi- no improvement. The positive slope to re- to adapt to the changes. Falling and failing dence, and Baton Rouge. The exposure gave covery began only when I accepted that pro- are parts of the journey and the adventure. the students and postdoctoral fellows op- fessional life as I had defined it was However, there will be a new discovery or portunities to interact with other scientists dispensable, but that one’s personal life was new insight over the next horizon as long as professionally and socially, to present their not. Inner strength comes from caring and one maintains the childhood curiosity and work, and to gain recognition. As I served love for and by family and friends. I had interest and continues to learn and probe on faculty search committees, I learned to taken that for granted, as I have always had with an open mind and a positive outlook. write effective recommendation letters. To it. As I began to rejoin the professional Heven Sze my delight, the first generation of students world, I learned that I was not alone in los- [email protected] and postdocs began to get job interviews. At ing balance. Several prominent scientists that time, there was a lack of senior role shared their experience with me. One ad-

Dear ASPB Member in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi: We’re alarmed at the extent and duration of devastation caused in your coastal state by hurricane Katrina. Your colleagues in the ASPB membership and staff and in the ASPB Southern Section are deeply concerned about the effects the hurricane may have had on you and your institution. ASPB is looking at establishing a mechanism through which ASPB members, Southern Section members, and other plant biologists at affected institutions can get in touch with plant scientists elsewhere who are willing and able to help, for example by providing lab space to displaced scientists. Please let us know by sending e-mail to [email protected] if such a service would be helpful or if there is anything else that ASPB, the ASPB Southern Section, or their members at institutions in other states and nations can do to assist. Sincerely, Roger Hangarter, ASPB President James Mahan, ASPB Southern Section Chair Crispin Taylor, ASPB Executive Director

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 19 Membership Corner

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

Name: Abidur bership provides me with an incredibly 5. Have you had any success at finding Rahman important resource for pursuing my ca- candidates as a result of a job posting Title: Senior Post- reer in plant biology. at the meeting or on our online Job doctoral Researcher Bank? 2. Was someone instrumental in getting Place of Work or No. I am not in that position yet. I hope you to join ASPB? School: University that in the future I will be able to use Not really. I was planning to attend the of Massachusetts, this resource in hiring somebody! Plant Biology meeting in 2000 and found Amherst that ASPB offers some benefits to mem- 6. Do you read print journals? If so, Research Area: bers for attending the conference. I opted where do you usually read them? Hormone signal to get a membership and since then have Yes. I love to read the print journals, in- transduction, been enjoying the privileges of member- cluding printed PDF files, and I really gravitropism, auxin transport ship. feel comfortable with print over the on- Member since: 2000 line version. Although I have to admit 3. What would you tell colleagues to 1. Why has being a member of ASPB that for a quick look, the online journals encourage them to join? been important? are very handy and good. Usually I read ASPB provides resources, contacts, and I believe that ASPB represents the largest them at my workplace. opportunities to its members. Anybody community of plant biologists. Definite- who wants to pursue a career in plant 7. What do you think is the next “big ly, it is an honor to be a part of this biology should take advantage of these thing” in plant biology? community. During my graduate study, benefits. From my experience, I would That’s a very difficult question to answer. which I did in Japan, I always felt that strongly encourage graduate students and So many new fronts have opened up in communicating with the scientists in the postdocs to join this professional society. the past five years, and more new things USA who were part of ASPB was instru- Attending the ASPB meeting always helps are coming…it is really difficult to pre- mental to my work. I had the privilege one make professional contacts, and that dict. I think one of the most exciting of attending ASPB annual meetings, in the long run is important for career things will be an integrated study of ge- which helped me connect with re- enhancement. nomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. searchers working in diverse fields of This will help us to fit a lot of puzzle plant biology. Membership also provides 4. Have you enhanced your career using pieces together. Considering environ- a platform to share research results and ASPB job postings or through network- mental pollution and its influence, phy- interact with fellow researchers to devel- ing at an ASPB function? toremediation should and must play a op collaborations, which I believe is one Yes, for sure. The ASPB meeting is a per- greater role in the future. of the most exciting parts of doing sci- fect place for exchanging ideas and de- ence. Another sweet part of attending veloping collaborations with fellow 8. What person, living or deceased, do ASPB conferences is to meet old friends researchers. I take full advantage of these you most admire? and colleagues whom I hardly get to see. opportunities and so far have made two It’s really difficult for me to pick a single Being a member, I also get immediate successful collaborations. Right now I am person to identify as the one I most ad- online access to the Society’s two highly looking for a faculty position and have mire. There have been many people who ranked plant biology journals, helping applied for a couple that I found on the in some way or the other have helped or me stay on top of the current research ASPB online Job Bank. I am keeping my are still helping me to achieve my goals. affairs. Lastly, I think that ASPB mem- fingers crossed and hoping for the best. My parents and my wife are always supportive. I am indebted to all of them.

20 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 9. What are you reading these days? Besides science reading, I just finished reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!

10. What are your hobbies? I like traveling, photography, and music. Nowadays, most of my leisure time is dedicated to my three-year-old son. HEAD

11. What is your most treasured DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY AND possession? PLANT PATHOLOGY I am tempted to say my family and friends, but I really don’t possess them. I am fortunate to have many wonderful Purdue University invites applications and nominations for the position of friends all over the world. These rela- Professor and Head, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology in the College tionships are probably my most trea- of Agriculture. sured possessions. The successful candidate must have an earned doctoral degree and an out- 12. What do you still have left to learn? standing record of scholarly achievement in a discipline of plant science Everything. Let me answer this with one relevant to the department with an established record of effectiveness in teach- of my favorite quotes, by Ethel Barry- ing, research, and/or extension. Candidates must qualify for the rank of profes- more: “You must learn day by day, year sor with tenure in the department. View the complete position announcement by year, to broaden your horizon. The at www.btny.purdue.edu. more things you love, the more you are Letters of interest should address the applicant’s vision, administrative phi- interested in, the more you enjoy, the losophy, and leadership experiences and qualifications; include a complete cur- more you are indignant about, the more riculum vitae and contact information for five references. Nominations of you have left when anything happens.” outstanding individuals for the position are welcome. Screening of applicants will begin October 15, 2005, and will continue until a suitable candidate is se- lected. Applications, nominations, and inquiries should be addressed to Craig Beyrouty—Search Committee Chair, Department of Botany and Plant Patholo- gy Head Search, Purdue University, Office of the Dean of Agriculture, 615 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2053.

Purdue University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Access/ Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 21 AAAS/ASPB 2006 Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program

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

Apply for the AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program and learn how to increase public understanding of science and technology. Fellows in the 10-week 2006 summer program will work as reporters, researchers, and production assistants in mass media organizations nationwide. Deadline: January 15, 2006.

Former host sites include:

Chicago Tribune

The Los Angeles Times

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

22 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 Public Affairs

DOE Examines Basic Research Needs for Improved Solar Energy Use

The Department of Energy Office of Basic • developing an overall deeper understand- Energy Sciences held a workshop on solar ing of the biological processes needed to energy utilization April 18–21 that has led to improve plants and microbes to increase the recently released report “Basic Research solar energy–dependent biofuels produc- Needs for Solar Energy Utilization.” The re- tion. port can be found at http://www.sc.doe.gov/ In considering basic research challenges bes/reports/files/SEU_rpt.pdf. for solar fuels, the key challenges identified Research opportunities in plant biology in the report involved in cost-effective for- and other science disciplines to better ex- mation of solar fuels were the following: ploit energy from the sun were addressed in • use advances in biotechnology to geneti- the workshop and report. cally engineer plants to more efficiently— The report noted that solar energy con- by a factor of 10—harvest solar energy version systems fall into three categories ac- into biomass, so as to re- cording to their primary energy product: quire less land area to pro- solar electricity, solar fuels, and solar ther- duce the needed amount mal systems. Each of the three generic ap- of stored biomass energy proaches of exploiting the solar resource has • genetically engineer pho- untapped capability well beyond its present tosynthetic bacterial organ- usage, the report said. isms to produce solar- Biomass-derived fuels were cited in the derived fuels report as a category under basic science • replicate the essential com- challenges, opportunities, and research needs ponents of the machinery in solar fuels production. “Through under- of photosynthesis outside standing and discovery, it is possible to in- a natural organism or plant (i.e., in an artificial crease solar energy–dependent biofuels prod- Don Ort Robert Tabita uction in plants and microbes. Challenges photosynthetic system) and associated with achieving this goal include obtain the needed 10- or 100-fold effi- the following: ciency improvement in a robust, cost- • mining biological diversity to discover im- effective system proved catalysts for biofuels production • construct entirely manmade chemical • capturing the high efficiency of the early components (out of either organic or in- steps of photosynthesis to produce high- organic molecules or inorganic semicon- value chemicals and fuels ductor particles) that, as an assembly, • understanding and modifying the bio- mimic photosynthesis by absorbing sun- processes that constrain biofuels pro- light and converting the energy into

duction because of photosynthetic sink chemical fuels such as CH4 and H2; the limitations, inefficient reductant use, and process developed must be efficient, ro- environmental factors bust, scalable, and cost-effective. Chris Somerville • elucidating plant cell wall structure and ASPB members made important contri- understanding how it can be modified butions to the workshop’s and report’s con- and efficiently deconstructed by protein sideration of plant biology. ASPB member Tabita of Ohio State University also served assemblies Chris Somerville of Stanford University gave as sub-panel chairs. ASPB member Don Ort • extending nitrogen fixation to biofuel a presentation that is detailed in a separate of the University of Illinois and Agricultural crops to reduce dependence on fossil fuel article (see p. 17) in this issue of the ASPB Research Service and editor-in-chief of Plant nitrogen fertilizer News. Somerville and ASPB member Bob Physiology contributed as a panelist.

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 23 Public Affairs

Plant Genome Solicitation Includes Support for Translating Knowledge Gained from Model Systems to Understanding Basic Mechanisms of Crops

The National Science Foundation (NSF) an- economic importance. Substantial invest- a demand for additional resources to tackle nounced that an estimated 30 awards, ments have been made in model systems, in- unmet needs. Proposals writers are encour- pending availability of funds, will be made cluding whole genome sequences, expressed aged to develop novel approaches focused in the Plant Genome Research Program sequence collections, mutant collections, on a specific problem or need. Risky pro- (PGRP) in June 2006. The combined new whole genome microarrays, and proteome posals are welcome. Priority will be given to grant awards would total approximately $35 resources. These resources have already en- new or novel tools that are likely to con- million in fiscal year 2006, pending availabil- abled considerable progress in understand- tribute broadly to the advancement of the ity of funds. The program solicitation can ing the genomic basis of a range of complex field of plant genomics. be found at http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2005/ biological processes, including traits of eco- Proposals submitted to GEPR, TRMS, nsf05603/nsf05603.htm. Full proposal target nomic importance. For example, regulatory and TRPGR will be generally supported at date is November 1, 2005. networks controlling complex traits such as award levels of up to $2 million per year for Three primary areas of opportunity will plant size and cold tolerance have been up to five years depending on the scale and be offered as components of the PGRP in FY identified in Arabidopsis. The time has come scope of the proposed research. If the re- 2006 as described in the program solicitation: to transfer the knowledge gained in a model quested levels are higher, it is incumbent system to uncover basic mechanisms under- upon the person submitting the proposal to Genome-Enabled Plant Research lying important traits in plants of economic provide sufficient justification of need. (GEPR) importance. The Senate Appropriations Committee is The NSF PGRP is evolving by increasing use Those submitting proposals are encour- recommending $100 million for PGRP for of the new tools and resources that have be- aged to choose important problems and FY 2006. The House is recommending $94.2 come available through the National Plant traits of economic importance that combine million for the program as requested by Genome Initiative (NPGI). While there still the strengths of the chosen model system or NSF. Senator Christopher (Kit) Bond (R- remain some large community resources to systems with the importance of the work in MO), together with Senators Richard Shelby be built, those available now are sufficient to the chosen target plant. Proposals should (R-AL), chairman, and Barbara Mikulski begin to address major unanswered ques- clearly justify the relevance of the research (D-MD), ranking Democrat, and their col- tions in plant biology, some of which have not activities to the goals of the NSF PGRP as leagues on the Appropriations Subcommit- been tractable using traditional approaches well their potential downstream impacts. tee of Commerce, Justice, and Science alone. To be eligible, projects should be devel- To be eligible, projects should be devel- continue to champion support for the PGRP oped on a whole genome, whole organelle, or oped on a whole genome, whole organelle, in the Senate. whole network scale. or whole network scale. Proposals are solicit- Proposers are encouraged to think out- ed from single investigators, small groups, side the box and to put forward imaginative and multi-institution “virtual centers.” The and creative ideas, selecting experimental scale of the project in terms of personnel systems best suited to the research focus and and budget should be consistent with the taking advantage of the available genomics proposed activities. The management plan tools and resources. should be appropriate for the proposed activities, and a carefully developed plan and Translational Research from Model timetable will strengthen a proposal. Systems (TRMS) Model systems, whether non-plant (for ex- Tools and Resources for Plant ample, yeast) or plant (for example, Ara- Genome Research (TRPGR) bidopsis and rice) are a powerful way to While tremendous advances have been made access complex biological pathways that may in the development of tools and technolo- not be readily accessible in many plants of gies for plant genome research, there is still

24 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 Public Affairs

International Team Maps Rice Genome Bement Cites Benefits to Science and Humanity Genetic sequence of world’s most important crop holds promise for the growing human population

Researchers with the International Rice “This is a monumental achievement. Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP) have Enough credit cannot be given to the IRGSP published the “finished” DNA blueprint for members for working together to advance a crop that feeds over half the people in the the research of such an important world world. Analysis of the rice genome, reported crop,” said Mary Clutter, assistant director in the August 11 issue of the journal Nature, for NSF’s biology directorate. revealed the location and sequence of more Estimates predict that world rice produc- than 37,500 protein-encoding genes in 389 tion must increase by 30 percent in the next million bases of DNA. 20 years to keep pace with the growing world Rice now holds the distinction of being population. Thus, maximizing rice yields is the first crop plant whose genome has been particularly crucial now, as worldwide envi- sequenced. Scientists around the world will ronmental degradation has caused decreased use the wealth of new information in efforts rice production for the past four years. to improve yields not only in rice, but also Rice plants also provide more than just in other closely related grass crops such as food. Grain is fermented into wine. Rice barley, corn, rye, sugarcane, and wheat. straw makes cattle feed, paper, rope, and “Knowing the sequence of one of the bricks. Rice oil goes into soap and cosmet- world’s most important crops will be invalu- ics, and seed hulls provide fuel for simple able to plant genomics researchers. This stoves and packing material for fragile cargo. project will potentially help millions of Even the ash from the hulls is useful—it Rice feeds over half the people in the world. people around the globe,” said National Sci- cleans discolored teeth! The crop’s genome was recently sequenced by an international team of researchers. ence Foundation (NSF) director Arden L. The U.S. National Plant Genome Initia- Drawing by Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Bement, Jr. tive coordinated the U.S. component of the Science Foundation. The IRGSP used the japonica subspecies project. The U.S. Department of Agricul- of rice, which is cultivated in Japan, Korea, ture–Cooperative State Research, Education and the United States. The group made pub- and Extension Service, NSF, the U.S. Depart- lic a draft sequence of the japonica genome ment of Energy, and the Rockefeller Foun- in late 2002. Since then, IRGSP scientists dation provided support for the work. drought. That can help scientists track down have increased the quality of the sequence to In a news story written and distributed particular genes for targeting in breeding 95 percent complete at greater than 99 per- by the Associated Press (AP), ASPB Com- programs, she said. cent accuracy. By comparison, the 3 billion- mittee on Public Affairs chair Pamela The Washington Post (front-page cover- base-pair human genome, with its 25,000 Ronald noted that the sequencing of the rice age) and many other media outlets reported genes, reached that quality level in 2004, genome lets scientists do new experiments on the landmark first sequencing of a crop some three years after its draft sequence was to unlock secrets of the plant. plant. completed. Ronald, who studies disease resistance in Formally established in 1998, the Japanese- rice but didn’t participate in the project, AP led IRGSP consortium also includes the noted, used data released earlier from the se- This article was adapted from an August 10, United States, China, Taiwan, Korea, India, quencing project to develop a way to identify 2005, news release from NSF. Thailand, France, Brazil, and the United rice genes that become active when the plant Kingdom. deals with stresses like a germ attack or

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 25 Public Affairs

Transgenes Vanish from Oaxaca Corn Fields Zero of 153,746 Seeds Sampled Have Transgenes

Remnants of the reported 2000 invasion of Snow, Sol Ortiz-García, and colleagues the presence of two transgene elements pre- Oaxaca, Mexico, corn fields by foreign genes surveyed transgene frequencies in local sent together or alone in all GM commercial from genetically modified corn have not maize in Mexico and found no evidence of varieties of maize: the 35S promoter of the been found in a recent study published in transgene introgression, PNAS reported in cauliflower mosaic virus and/or the nopa- the Proceedings of the National Academy of its “This Week in PNAS Early Edition” high- line synthase gene from Agrobacterium Sciences, August 10, 2005. lights. “Since 1996, genetically modified tumefaciens,” the PNAS highlight continued. PNAS has published results from a large (GM) transgenic maize has been grown “The researchers did not detect transgenic screen of Mexican maize for transgenes in a commercially in the United States, and bred sequences in any specimens and concluded study conducted by Allison Snow of Ohio for insect and pesticide resistance. GM that transgenic maize seeds were absent or State University and her colleagues. The ar- maize has never been approved for cultiva- extremely rare in the fields sampled in 2003 ticle can be found at http://www.pnas.org/ tion in Mexico, yet in 2000, transgenes were and 2004.” cgi/content/abstract/0503356102v1/. detected in local maize varieties in the Authors suggest that an education cam- Researchers found no cases of transgene mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico,” the PNAS paign might have deterred Oaxaca farmers contamination from 153,746 seeds sampled highlight added. from planting more genetically modified in 2003 and 2004 from Oaxaca, the site “To measure the frequency of transgene corn. Chapela is reported in Science as say- where Ignacio Chapela and David Quist of infiltration during 2003–2004, Ortiz-García ing that the team’s sampling and testing the University of California at Berkeley re- et al. sampled maize seeds from 125 fields in methods may have missed extremely low ported transgene contamination in 2000. 18 Oaxaca localities. Seeds were screened for levels of transgenes.

Preparations Conducted to Assess Opportunities for Basic Science Supporting Agriculture Research

The White House Office of Science and Senate Appropriations Committee. The re- and agriculture research across all Federal Technology Policy (OSTP) is advancing with port language points out the need for assess- agencies. The Committee further encourages preparations to do a multi-agency assessing opportunities for improving merit-based, OSTP to assess future opportunities and ment of the opportunities for basic science peer-reviewed basic science to support food avenues for improving merit-based, peer- to support agriculture research. OSTP has and agriculture research. reviewed basic science to support food and been in contact with several federal agencies, In the section of the committee report agriculture research and to report their find- and representatives from agencies are being concerning the OSTP, the committee said: ings to the Committee.” identified to work together in assessing re- “Recognizing the critical challenges and im- search opportunities. portant opportunities in agricultural re- OSTP’s actions come in response to research in this new century, the Committee port language in Committee Report 109-088 encourages OSTP to assess the merit-based, accompanying HR 2862 approved by the peer-reviewed basic science to support food

26 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 Public Affairs

Award Recipient Jefferson Warns Against Patents That Obstruct Progress

Even without his mandolin in hand at the now arguably the most widely used tool in ASPB annual meeting in Seattle, Richard Jef- plant molecular biology. While working at ferson strummed a refrain of warnings PBI, Jefferson also initiated and managed against restrictive patents on plant research the world’s first field release of a transgenic innovations. food crop on June 1, 1987. Recipient of the 2005 ASPB Leadership In the past several years, Jefferson’s ex- in Science Public Service Award for out- pertise in intellectual property matters and standing contributions to science and hu- agriculture and biotechnology research manity, Jefferson was the featured speaker in strategy and policy worldwide have be- the Perspectives of Science Leaders Program come widely recognized. He was chosen as coordinated by Committee on Public Affairs an Outstanding Social Entrepreneur by the chair Pam Ronald and her colleagues. Schwab Foundation and is a regular par- As chairman and chief executive officer ticipant and panelist at the World Eco- of CAMBIA, the Center for the Application nomic Forum Annual Meeting at Davos. of Molecular Biology to International Agri- In December 2003, he was named by culture in Australia, Jefferson has succeeded Scientific American to the List of World’s in working through a complex web of patents 50 most influential technologists and cited 2005 ASPB Leadership in Science Public to make plant transformation technology Service Award winner Richard Jefferson. as the World Research Leader for 2003 for more widely available. He developed a Photo credit: Osmat Jefferson. Economic Development. workaround for a key enabling technology He is recognized as a pioneer in new in plant biotechnology, Agrobacterium- democratized innovation and intellectual mediated transformation. He and his col- patents and urged scientists to stay focused property mechanisms and as the founder of leagues found that other species of benign on discoveries for the greater good of hu- the BIOS movement. He has been profiled bacteria can be modified in a surprisingly manity. He said there needs to be further in The Economist, New York Times, New Sci- simple way to do the same job, and the re- discoveries and dissemination of free-use entist, Financial Times, Science, Nature, sulting gene transfer technology is to be technology tools, especially for millions of Wired, and many other publications. made available on an “open source” basis as hungry people in developing countries. Jefferson is a dedicated musician, compart of the biological open-source initiative ASPB president Roger Hangarter intro- posing and performing on guitar and man- (BIOS; Nature 431, 494; 2004). duced Jefferson and presented him with the dolin. Those familiar with him know his Jefferson’s contribution of open source Leadership in Science Public Service Award. dedication extends beyond music to science plant transformation vectors could have a Jefferson was born in 1956 in Santa Cruz, and humanity. major impact in making genetic engineering California, and began his molecular biology technologies freely available in the United career in 1974 at the University of Califor- States and developing world. His contri- nia, Santa Barbara, obtaining his bachelor’s butions are scientific but with substantial degree in molecular genetics in 1978. public service implications, observed Steve In 1985, with an NIH fellowship, he Howell, a member of the ASPB Committee moved to the Plant Breeding Institute (PBI) on Public Affairs. in Cambridge, England, where he adapted In his Perspectives presentation, Jefferson the GUS system for plants and agriculture. scorned the pursuit of financial enrichment The GUS reporter gene system—through through royalty-generating, restricted-use active distribution to thousands of labs—is

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 27 Annual Reviews—The Ultimate Resource for Research in Plant Sciences

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Biologists Members Save! Access Online NOW at http://ecolsys.annualreviews.org

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Signature ANNUAL REVIEWS | Intelligent Synthesis of the Scientific Literature Call toll free (U.S./CAN) 800.523.8635 | Call 650.493.4400 worldwide A current individual print subscription includes online access to the full text content in the current volume, and 4 years of back volumes as they become available. Contact Annual Reviews for site license Fax: 650.424.0910 | Email: [email protected] options and institutional pricing. Order online at www.annualreviews.org Mail order and payment to: ANNUAL REVIEWS, 4139 El Camino Way, P. O. Box 10139, Palo Alto, CA 94303-0139 USA ASPB Education Forum

Compiled and edited by Lawrence R. Griffing, Texas A&M University, Department of Biology, College Station, TX 77843; [email protected]

Taking Plants to the People Education at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Founded in 1759, the United Kingdom’s most prestigious garden, the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG), Kew, opens its gates to over 1.5 million visitors for 364 days each year. Kew is increasingly regarded as a leader in the field of education about plants, conservation, and the sustainable use of our vulnerable natural heritage; the key driver lies in its mission to “facilitate understanding of plant and fungal biodiversity and to pro- mote sustainable management of these resources.” Education at Kew is therefore all about challenging attitudes; encouraging actions in support of sustainability; and en- hancing knowledge and skills about plants, global and local biodiversity, and conservation. Our ultimate aim is to awaken an empathy with the natural world in as many of our audiences as possible; to inspire them to take action in support of our rich, yet vulnerable, natural heritage; and to give them The Palm House at Kew enables adults and children to explore and learn about vulnerable rain forest and marine habitats. Photo credit: A. McRobb/RBG Kew. the skills with which to do so. The RBG, Kew has a very strategic and unique identity as a role model for “the Arctic to the equator. This extraordinary for and sustainably use our plant treasures; research, conservation, sustainable manage- combination of historic landscapes and through those messages we can also enlist ment, and use of plant and fungal biodiversi- wonderful heritage collections led to Kew support for Kew’s mission. ty, both in the United Kingdom and world- Gardens being awarded World Heritage Sta- But it is not only the fantastic buildings wide.” To facilitate their programs, education tus in 2003. Wakehurst Place, set in an Area and plant collections that inspire the educa- staff at Kew can draw on a wealth of collec- of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the tional delivery; it is also the fascinating sto- tions, both living and preserved, including 7 Weald in southeast England, includes a ries behind Kew’s scientific research work million pressed plant and fungal specimens, range of exceptionally fine U.K. biodiversity and development. The Orange Room Exhi- 30,000 living taxa, 75,000 plant-based arti- habitats, including two nature reserves; tem- bition at Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, facts, and a library of over 750,000 items. perate plantings from across the globe; na- Wakehurst Place, was developed in close as- RBG, Kew also incorporates two very differ- tional plant collections; and the Millennium sociation with the seed bank research staff. ent, yet complementary sites: Kew Gardens Seed Bank, which aims to store 10 percent of Working with the real-life researchers to near London and Wakehurst Place in West the world’s seeds by the year 2010. Both sites draw out exciting tales of how they collect, Sussex. are also enjoyed as “gardens,” playing a ma- store, research, and use seeds from around The London-based site offers a multilay- jor part in raising the status and value of the globe breathes life into education mes- ered heritage landscape, including features horticulture and attracting a large and di- sages. Visitors are able to take a virtual tour from the 17th century through the present verse audience. They also offer huge poten- of the laboratory and its work, watch the day, with many listed buildings and plant- tial to relay vital messages about plants and scientists beavering away beyond huge glass ings that range geographically from the their habitats and about how we should care windows, try their hand at examining seed continued on next page

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 29 Education

Hands-on and minds-on activities help build positive attitudes. Photo credit: C. Newton/ RBG Kew. continued from page 29 X-rays to determine whether our latest seed collection is bankable, and even play a seed Children can find out what a flower looks like in “Climbers and Creepers.” Photo credit: bank game to see if they are budding A. McRobb/RBG Kew. conservationists! In developing this key educational re- Kew’s festivals are another way that visi- exhibition entitled “Wild Harvest.” Similarly, source, the seed bank scientists offered sup- tors come to understand the key role that Kew’s 2005 orchid festival highlighted the port in a number of ways, providing raw Kew plays in research and conservation. work of the herbarium staff working on or- information for interpretative and exhibi- Each year Kew Gardens delivers up to five chids as well as the extraordinary but vul- tion text, ensuring that high-quality pho- events for its visitors, including an orchid nerable orchid family. tographs were taken on expeditions and festival, a spring woodland festival, a Reaching the right audiences is critical to during other work activities, suggesting summer-themed festival such as the recent Kew’s mission. More than 85,000 school- themes for the exhibition, and checking ed- one on U.K. biodiversity, an autumn “har- children and teachers visit the two sites of ucation material for scientific accuracy. vest” festival, and a Christmas extravaganza. RBG, Kew, and programs for schools are Their role continues today, building on their The events are colorful and fun-packed, and geared to engage children and teachers alike, original input, by giving tours and talks to all carry important messages about the won- using plants as a focus to deliver activities visiting secondary school or university stu- derful world of plants and Kew’s role in across the curriculum. Catching children at dents, facilitating debating sessions on their conserving them. Our U.K. biodiversity fes- an early age helps build positive attitudes to- research and its outcomes, and working tival, for example, displayed a corn field to ward the environment, and many of Kew’s alongside the school’s manager to offer an highlight the importance for wildlife of school programs are focused not only on accredited further education science module hedgerows and wild native plants in arable developing scientific literacy, but also on the on seed-banking and plant conservation. crops, took people on a raised treetop walk ability to engage with and articulate the This latter resource is now available for to explore and interact with wildlife among need for conservation and sustainable re- teachers as a CD-ROM and is proving to be some of Kew’s tallest trees, offered tours and source use. Activities exploring fair trade in very popular. Recently, a BBC-TV crew trav- lectures to view nightime biodiversity such chocolate production, working out “food eled alongside one of Kew’s seed collectors as bats and badgers, and provided wild- miles” by researching major food crops to from Wakehurst Place to film his expedition flower trails around Kew. Kew guides see how far they travel before they arrive in and collection work. This piece was featured worked with scientific staff to tell up-to-date the supermarket, actively taking part in the in the new 10-week TV series “A Year at stories of Kew’s work on U.K. biodiversity, restoration and development of a wildlife Kew” and provided not only an exciting ex- and the research staff in Kew’s Economic zone at Kew, and researching biodiversity in ample of conservation in action but great Botany collection worked alongside educa- Wakehurst Place’s ancient woodland zones media coverage for Kew’s vital work. tion staff to deliver a “field hospital” and an offer ample opportunities for discussion and

30 • ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 Education reflection. Building an empathy with nature study days and short courses on fungi and Future ASPB Annual and sustaining it through a progressive edu- grasses to plant photography and botanical Meeting Sites cation program into secondary and tertiary illustration. Professional education is en- education, from the formal to nonformal, couraged in a number of ways, from the ac- helps develop the right skills and mindset claimed Kew Diploma of Horticulture (three 2006: Boston, Massachusetts for sustainable management. Kew even en- years) and various university modules on August 5–9 gages the very young through its newly plant science and conservation to a range of Hynes Convention Center opened “Climbers and Creepers” zone. An international diplomas on conservation ASPB will hold its 2006 annual meet- imaginative and colorful activity zone for strategies, herbarium techniques, botanic ing in conjunction with the Canadian Society of Plant Physiologists, la parents and young children to play and garden management, and education. Kew’s Société Canadienne de Physiolo- learn in, the theme of this new feature is education facilitates access to both heritage gie Végétale. Mark your calendars plant and animal interaction. Children can resources and cutting-edge science for our and look for more information soon. climb inside a giant flower to see what it audiences and delivers from cradle to grave. looks like, get swallowed up inside a huge We aim to make a difference. pitcher plant, dig for fossil plants in the Gail Bromley sandpit, or crawl into a harvest mouse’s [email protected] home to see what plants it is made of. MBE FLS There is also plenty to re-engage the adult mind in a more formal way, from

2007: Chicago, Illinois The July 7–11 Hilton Chicago ASPB will hold its 2007 annual meet- Arabidopsis ing in conjunction with the Botani- cal Society of America (BSA), the American Bryological and Licheno- Book logical Society (ABLS), the American Fern Society (AFS), and the Ameri- The American Society of Plant Biologists is pleased to can Society of Plant Taxonomists publish The Arabidopsis Book (TAB), a dynamic, fully (ASPT). Mark your calendars and electronic compilation of chapters co-edited by Chris look for more information soon. Somerville, Elliot Meyerowitz, Jeff Dangl, and Mark Stitt and available free of charge on the Internet. Plant Biology 2008 TAB offers a new model for scientific publishing. to be determined Each of the chapters in the book reviews in detail an important aspect of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and the content continually evolves as new informa- Plant Biology 2009 Honolulu, Hawaii tion becomes available, making TAB the most com- July 18–22 prehensive and current work on Arabidopsis. ASPB is providing funds for the posting and mainte- For more information go to nance of TAB on the Internet as a public service. All http://www.aspb.org/meetings/. chapters and updates are hosted in partnership with BioOne (http://www.bioone.org) in both HTML and PDF formats.

ASPB News, Vol. 32, No. 5 • 31 ASPB Headquarters Telephone Extensions and E-Mail Directory

For your convenience, keep this listing of extension numbers and e-mail addresses handy when you contact ASPB headquarters so that you can reach the person best able to assist you. Our office telephone number is 301-251-0560 Crispin Taylor / ext.Crispin Taylor 115 [email protected] / ext.Donna Gordon 131 [email protected] / ext. Rosenberg Jean 110 [email protected] / ext. Snell Kim 140 [email protected] Shamer / ext.Stefanie 144 [email protected] / ext. Liu-Kuan Stephanie 143 [email protected] / ext. Cholwek Suzanne 141 [email protected] / ext. Freed Carolyn 122 [email protected] / ext.Brian Hyps 114 [email protected] / ext.Winchester Nancy 117 [email protected] Long / ext.John 119 [email protected] / ext. Kessler Annette 120 [email protected] / ext. Csikos (Ash) Leslie 125 [email protected] Sahli / ext.Wendy 123 [email protected] Missing journal issues Subscriptions, institutional and individual Plant Physiology (except missing issues) Disposition of a manuscript All other questions The Plant Cell (except missing issues) Disposition of a manuscript All other questions ASPB News Advertising Plant Physiology The Plant Cell ASPB News Membership Accounts payable Accounts receivable Accounts payable/receivable problems ASPB meetings Public affairs/government relations Education Society governance ASPB Education Foundation International issues Awards Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants Website Online orders

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