July/August 2017 • Volume 44, Number 4

p. 6 p. 8 p. 9 Phenome 2018 Plant Scientists ANU Scientist Graham Tucson, AZ Elected to the U.S. Farquhar Wins Kyoto February 14–17 National Academy of Prize Sciences

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS

President’s Letter 2017 ASPB The System Can Still Work, But Election Results Not Without Your Help Hearty congratulations to our new of- ficers! They will begin their service to BY SALLY MACKENZIE ASPB on October 1, 2017. Look for more Pennsylvania State University information about our new leaders in the next issue of the ASPB News.

t is not easy to recall a time be funded. But during times when there was so much of funding uncertainty, it Iuncertainty about federal is especially important that support for science. Part of this everyone consider how they ambiguity is, of course, a con- might help a very lean system sequence of President Trump’s run effectively and fairly. In proposed budget for fiscal year particular, we should look 2018, which portends sizable for ways to address the topic reductions in funding for sci- of the most common hall- entific research. Such research Incoming President-elect already hovers below 2% of the way conversation among Rob Last, Michigan State University total federal budget, and most scientists who rely on grant recent federal funding rates Sally Mackenzie support for their research: have seemed alarmingly low the highly biased and seem- for years. Yet, funding rates for NSF (2017) ingly arbitrary tone of grant reviews. plant-relevant research programs averaged It is not clear whether this problem is 22% in 2016; for USDA’s Agriculture and more pervasive now than it has been in Food Research Initiative (2017), 17% in the past. However, a number of valuable 2015; and for NIH’s National Institute of commentaries have been published over the General Medical Sciences, nearly 30% in past few years addressing the importance 2016 (Miklos and Lorsch, 2017). of the peer review process and the increas- These rates, although not what we Incoming Elected Member ingly uncivil tone that characterizes reviewer would like them to be, nevertheless offer Christine Foyer, University of Leeds the opportunity for outstanding science to continued on page 3 Contents ASPB Council

President Sally Mackenzie Immediate Past President, Chair Richard A. Dixon President-elect Harry Klee Secretary Alice Harmon 1 President’s Letter Treasurer; Chair, Board of Trustees C. Robertson McClung Elected Members Joe Kieber 4 Plant Biology 2017 Maureen McCann Chair, Membership Committee Jill Deikman Chair, Minority Affairs Committee Adán Colón-Carmona 6 Phenome 2018 Chair, Publications Committee Neil E. Olszewski Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Marisa Otegui People Chair, Education Committee Sarah Wyatt Chair, International Committee Leon Kochian 8 Plant Scientists Elected to the U.S. National Chair, Science Policy Committee Nathan Springer Sectional Representatives Academy of Sciences Mid-Atlantic Section Hua Lu Midwestern Section Ed Cahoon 9 Graham Farquhar Wins Kyoto Prize Northeastern Section Peter Melcher Southern Section Becca Dickstein Luminaries Western Section Camille M. Steber Council members highlighted in blue 10 Rajeev Varshney also serve on the Board of Directors. ASPB Staff Science Policy Chief executive officer Crispin Taylor, [email protected] 13 Policy Update Director of finance and administration Clara Woodall, [email protected] Executive and governance affairs administrator Sylvia Lee, [email protected] Accounts receivable and payable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, [email protected] Education Forum Senior staff accountant Jotee Pundu, [email protected] Director of meetings and events Jean Rosenberg, [email protected] 16 Fascination of Plants Day 2017 Conference coordinator Teresa Myers, [email protected] Director, digital strategy and member services Susan Cato, [email protected] 17 Announcing the 2017 Summer Undergraduate Manager, member services Shoshana Kronfeld, [email protected] Research Fellows (SURF) Meetings, marketing, and membership assistant Melanie Binder, [email protected] Legislative and public affairs director Tyrone Spady, [email protected] Executive coordinator, Plant Science Natalie Henkhaus, [email protected] Obituary Research Network Education coordinator Winnie Nham, [email protected] 21 Thomas J. Guilfoyle Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, [email protected] Publications assistant Diane McCauley, [email protected] Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, [email protected] Subscriptions assistant Linda Palmer, [email protected] Managing editor Patti Lockhart, [email protected] Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, [email protected] Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, [email protected] Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Ashton Wolf, [email protected] Senior features editor, The Plant Cell Nan Eckardt, [email protected] Features editor, The Plant Cell Mary Williams, [email protected] Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, [email protected] Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, [email protected]

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

2  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 President’s Letter

PRESIDENT’S LETTER possesses a competitive streak proposal for which we are an we can to make sure the current continued from page 1 that leads to critical dissection of expert leaves the task to others system works to its very best. And comments. Nichols and Ioannidis each and every technical detail, who are not. Anecdotal inquiry that means saying yes when asked (2012) made a compelling, data- appreciates risk and innovation in of NSF panel managers provides to review a proposal that aligns supported argument that the most a proposal, or prefers conformity. a reminder that not all reviews with our expertise and interests innovative research generally goes Unless the proposal is fundamen- are weighed equally in their and taking the time to provide unrewarded in the grant review tally flawed in its logic or design, impact. It is the thoughtful, care- cogent, expert, and carefully system. these factors, which reflect the fully worded, detailed review worded reviewer advice. n This state of affairs exists reviewer’s personal preference, that most often sways panel largely because there is nothing tend to take precedence over the opinion. More importantly, it is REFERENCES built into the grant review process proposal’s scientific soundness. the reviewer who spends as much Miklos, A., and Lorsch, J. (2017). to address its inherent and irre- What is to be done? Clearly, time describing precisely why the Stable success rates and other funding futable bias. Anyone who has ever the peer review system could be work is important, high priority, trends in fiscal year 2016. Bethesda, served as a review panel member significantly improved to reflect potentially transformational, and MD: National Institute of General Medical Sciences. http://bit.ly/2lZfHcU. recognizes the intrinsic subjectiv- an understanding of this inherent relevant to the broader field who ity of the process, with reviewer bias. Agencies might treat review- helps steer the discussion. Nichols, J. M., and Ioannidis, J.P.A. commentary often focused on ers as the highly biased experts Until federal agencies are able (2012). Research grants: Conform and be funded. Nature 492: 34–36. the relative “importance” of the they are and formally treat to incorporate into their review work, appropriateness of the reviewer input as advisory rather process a more sophisticated NSF. (2017). Biological Sciences (BIO) funding rates. http://bit.ly/2tbnxAu. technical approaches, and style than decisive to the process. approach to inherent reviewer of the proposal writing. These But each of us has a role to bias, and until our government USDA Agriculture and Food are clearly matters of individual play, too. What we tend to forget and the private sector resolve to Research Initiative. (2017). AFRI annual review funding portfolio: Fiscal taste, influenced by whether any with the many demands placed treat research funding as a critical year 2015. http://bit.ly/2uNySsP. particular reviewer serves as a on our time is that declining to investment in the U.S. economic champion of his or her own field, review a manuscript or grant future, we will have to do what

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  3 Plant Biology 2017: Five Days in Blue Hawaii Great science, new colleagues, creative ideas, and professional insights!

16 workshops

1,580 attendees 1,101 from 47 countries abstracts and 48 states in the United States 40 resume reviews

958 posters

4  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 22 elevator 20 blog posts pitch videos Documenting the Learning how to tell the meeting experience world what we do and through the written word why it’s so important http://bit.ly/2fnIXcy http://bit.ly/2fnqzk8

130 new Plantae 15 users video interviews

35 symposia 91% of attendees used the conference app

2017 ASPB award winners. Back row, left to right: Rick DeRose, Ganesh Kishore, Stephen Padgette, David Stalker, Julia Bailey-Serres,Widmar Tanner (2016 award winner), Blake Meyers, Edgar B. Cahoon, Julia Santiago Cuellar, Prateek Tripathi, ASPB President Sally Mackenzie, Georges Freyssinet, Kevin Folta, Jiří Friml (2016 award winner), and Richard Vierstra. Front row, left to right: Marguerite Varagona, Daniel Szymanski, David Smyth, Eran Pichersky, Joe Kieber, Maureen Hanson, Anja Geitmann, Sarah Wyatt, Ralph Bock, and Gloria Coruzzi (2016 award winner), and Luca Comai. ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  5 TUCSON, AZ • FEBRUARY 14–17 HILTON EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT Embracing and Harnessing the Complexity of Biological Systems

The newly established Phenome quantitative traits, and metadata conferences are designed to bridge analysis. Attendees new to phenom- the gap between the lab and the ics found that the conference pro- field—and between academia and in- vided an excellent perspective on dustry—by fostering connections and the state of the technology, research collaborations among plant scientists, trends, and knowledge gaps. engineers, data scientists, and problem solvers from a range of other fields. The Phenome 2018 organizers are building on this momentum. Established by the National Plant According to committee chair Chris Science Council and the North Topp, Phenome 2018 will emphasize American Plant Phenotyping Network the “collaboration of biologists, engi- (http://nappn.plant-phenotyping.org/) neers, computer scientists, and allies, and powered by ASPB Meeting & Event including industry” and include an Solutions (http://meetings.aspb.org/), “emphasis on how we collect and or- the annual Phenome meetings pro- ganize data, how we process it, and mote research and technology related how we use it to develop statistical to genotype–environment interactions, and conceptual frameworks to un- adaptations to the changing environ- derstand biological complexity, from ment, plant communication, plant molecular to ecological scales.” phenotyping, and other key aspects of the bioeconomy. These emphases ad- Phenome 2018 will also provide many dress the Decadal Vision (https://tinyurl. opportunities for discussion, learn- com/yaf9swr6) call to “increase the ing, and collaboration at workshops, Registration ability of plant scientists to understand, poster sessions, and short-format predict, and alter plant behavior.” talks. Organizing committee member OPENS Alina Zare stated, “We plan to have Phenome 2017, the inaugural confer- sessions focused on ‘Sensors and September 2017 ence, brought together more than Systems’ topics in which researchers 200 key research drivers from aca- can share their experience and recent Phenome2018.org demia, industry, and government. advances in putting together agri- These diverse participants enjoyed cultural robotics systems. I am par- a broad range of networking oppor- ticularly looking forward to learning tunities and symposia on emerging about both the development of new technologies, plasticity in plant traits, sensing modalities and creative adap- computational modeling, metabolo- tations of existing sensor systems for mics, environmental/stress biology, agriculture research questions.”

6  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 Praise from Phenome 2017 Attendees ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Great talks from some of the best scien- tists in the world.

Phenome 2017 had workshops before and after the meeting and specific concur- rent sessions to bring together a diverse set of researchers to introduce the group to big data sets, computing infrastructure, CHAIR CO-CHAIR Ivan Baxter Jennifer Clarke Chris Topp Nathan Springer Danforth Center University of and other mechanisms to help us connect Danforth Center University of Nebraska across disciplines. Minnesota

Hearing the leaders speak about their programs gave me guidance for running my own.

High quality…talks from both plant biolo- gists (focused on interesting biology by using phenomics instead of just talking about the tools) and engineers [and] com- Malia Gehan Carolyn Jan Leach Sally Mackenzie puter scientists (who did focus on tools, Danforth Center Lawrence-Dill Colorado State Penn State but did a good job of both explaining the Iowa State University concepts behind the tools and demon- Ad hoc University strating relevant applications in their talks). member Malia Gehan [Beneficial aspects were] meeting col- (Danforth Center) will leagues, making new connections, and be organizing getting up to speed with the latest in this workshops and field. a hackathon where attend- Phenome brought together many of the ees will work leading experts in plant biology applica- on a phenotyp- ing problem as Josh Peschel Pam Soltis Alina Zare tions to phenomics. a group. Iowa State Florida Museum University of University of Natural History Florida and University of Florida Join the Plant Phenomics Follow @PlantPhenomics and #phenome2018 on Twitter. network on Plantae.org. ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  7 People

Plant Scientists Elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences

ive plant scientists have been elected as members of Fthe U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in recognition of their distinguished and con- tinuing achievements in original research. These plant biologists are among the 84 new members and 21 foreign associates just elected. There are now 2,290 ac- tive NAS members and 475 for- eign associates. The following were elected to this year’s NAS class: Dominique Bergmann Donald R. Ort Craig S. Pikaard

Dominique Bergmann In addition to serving as the Dominique is a Gordon and Betty Society’s president (1996–1997) Moore–Howard Hughes Medical and as editor-in-chief of Plant Institute investigator and profes- Physiology (2005–2012), Don has sor in the Department of Biology served on the Executive, Program, at Stanford University. Her lab Education, and Science Policy works on the development of Committees and the Board of stomata to better understand cell Trustees. He is a recipient of the specialization, stem cell renewal, 2006 Charles F. Kettering Award and cell polarity. Dominique is and in 2007 was named a Fellow a recipient of the 2010 Charles of ASPB. Albert Shull Award. Craig S. Pikaard Donald R. Ort Douglas W. Schemske Douglas E. Soltis Craig is a Gordon and Betty Don is the research leader of the Moore–Howard Hughes Medical USDA/ARS Global Change and Douglas W. Schemske Douglas E. Soltis Institute investigator and dis- Photosynthesis Research Unit and Douglas is the John Hannah Douglas is a distinguished pro- tinguished professor of biology the Robert Emerson Professor of Distinguished Professor of Plant fessor in the Florida Museum of and molecular and cellular bio- Plant Biology in the departments Biology in the Department of Natural History and Department chemistry in the Department of of plant biology and crop sci- Plant Biology at Michigan State of Biology at the University of ences at the University of Illinois, Biology at Indiana University University. A central theme of his Florida. His research interests are Urbana–Champaign. His current Bloomington. The Pikaard lab work is probing the link between in plant systematics, genome evo- research emphasis is on photo- is currently working on projects temporal and spatial variation lution (polyploidy), floral evolu- synthetic energy transduction examining the roles of chromatin in ecological conditions and the tion, angiosperm diversification, centers and their impact on the modifying enzymes and noncod- adaptive differentiation of popula- and phylogeography. regulation of the photosynthetic ing RNAs in gene silencing and tions and species using ecological ATP synthase enzyme complex. epigenetic phenomena. Craig is and genetic approaches to better ASPB extends its sincerest con- Don has been highly active in the a recipient of the 2015 Martin understand the origins and main- gratulations to these outstanding ASPB community over the years. Gibbs Medal. tenance of biological diversity. plant scientists. n 8  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 People

This article was first published on June 16, 2017, by the Australian National University (https://tinyurl.com/ycevdhcs). It has been edited for the ASPB News. ANU Scientist Graham Farquhar Wins Kyoto Prize

raham Farquhar has be- honor. “This award acknowledges Nations Intergovernmental come the first Australian Graham’s crucial work and global Panel on Climate Change, which Gto win a Kyoto Prize—the leadership to help feed the world won a Nobel Prize in 2007. He most prestigious international in a changing climate,” Professor is an associate editor for Plant award for fields not traditionally Schmidt said. “I’m proud that we Physiology. honored with a Nobel Prize. have a person of Graham’s caliber Graham first came to ANU as Graham won the 2017 Kyoto working at ANU, tackling some an undergraduate, completing Prize in Basic Sciences for his of the most profound challenges his bachelor of science in 1968. life’s work in plant biophysics facing humanity and the environ- He returned to the university to and photosynthesis, which has ment.” complete his PhD in environ­ involved research on water- As part of the award, Graham mental biology in 1973. He was efficient crops and the impacts will receive 50 million yen (U.S. appointed a distin­guished profes- of climate change. He has helped $475,000). Kyoto Prizes have been sor at the ANU Research School develop new water-efficient vari- awarded annually since 1985 of Biology in 2004, and he is a Graham Farquhar eties of wheat, improved global in three categories-Advanced chief investigator at the Australian food security, and found evapora- Technology, Basic Sciences, and Research Council Centre of tion and wind speeds are slowing Arts and Philosophy-to people Excellence for Translational as the climate changes. students, and the ANU, where I “who have contributed signifi- Photosynthesis, which is based at “It’s wonderful to get this kind have worked for my whole career. cantly to the scientific, cultural, ANU. He also leads a collabora- of international recognition, but it It’s a wonderful honor for all of us.” and spiritual betterment of tion between ANU, University of also brings on a case of imposter The prize is the latest in a m an k i n d .” Western Sydney, and CSIRO on syndrome,” said Graham, who string of accolades, including the Graham was appointed an Forests for the Future: Making the works at the Australian National Prime Minister’s Prize for Science Officer in the Order of Australia Most of a High CO2 World, fund- University (ANU) Research in 2015 and Britain’s prestigious (AO) in 2013 and won the 2016 ed by the Science and Industry School of Biology. “I can think of Rank Prize, which Graham shared Australian Academy of Science Endowment Fund. so many people among my peers in 2014 with CSIRO colleague Macfarlane Burnett Medal and For more information on the who have done more than I have. Richard Richards. Lecture. He was elected a Foreign Kyoto Prize, visit www.kyotoprize. The work that this prize recognizes ANU Vice Chancellor Associate of the U.S. National org/en/. n has really been a team effort, so I’d Professor Brian Schmidt congrat- Academy of Sciences in 2013 like to acknowledge my colleagues, ulated Graham on the latest and was a member of the United

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  9 Luminaries

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

Rajeev Varshney Program Director, Research Program–Genetic Gains, and Founding Director, Center of Excellence in Genomics, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics BY RISHI R. MASALIA ASPB Student Ambassador and Research Student, Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia

ajeev Varshney grew up in University of Western Australia, Legume Genetics and Genomics, the small town of Bahjoi, the Guangdong Academy of and the InterDrought-V confer- RUttar Pradesh, India. Agricultural Sciences, and the ence. Rajeev always wanted to be a Beijing Genomics Institute in For his research contribu- scientist, but fueled by a love of Hong Kong. In 2013, Rajeev was tions and willingness to serve comics, his interests tended to made program research director of the community, Rajeev has been be space based. However, Rajeev legume gains for ICRISAT, and in awarded numerous prizes, includ- eventually became grounded, opt- 2016, he became program research ing the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar ing to pursue his new interest: the director of the Research Program– Prize for Science and Technology cosmos of the cell. Genetic Gains (RP–GG). in 2015. He was elected to the He received his bachelor’s (BSc Rajeev’s research revolves Indian National Science Academy Honours) and master’s degrees in around sequencing and identi- in 2013 and the National botany from the Aligarh Muslim fying markers associated with Academy of Sciences, India, in University in Aligarh, India, and drought tolerance in regionally 2015. He’s also an extremely nice, Rajeev Varshney his PhD in agricultural botany important crops, which is itself all-around friendly guy. with P K Gupta at Chaudhary a facet of ICRISAT’s mission to Charan Singh University in identify long-term solutions to For those not familiar with Meerut, India. After receiving Patancheru, India, in late 2005 and overcome poverty and hunger ICRISAT, can you describe the his PhD, Rajeev ventured to was promoted to principal scien- for millions of small farmers. organization, the mission, and Gatersleben, Germany, where he tist three years later. During this Beyond his research, Rajeev your role? studied the structural and func- time, he took up and maintained has given a lot of his time to the ICRISAT is a nonprofit, non- tional genomics of barley and dual appointment status with the scientific and global communi- political organization that comparative genomics of cereal Generation Challenge Programme ties. He has been on the editorial belongs to the consortium of grasses at the Leibniz Institute of hosted at the Consultative Group boards of many scientific journals centers supported by CGIAR. We Plant Genetics and Crop Plant for International Agricultural and has served on or chaired conduct agricultural research for Research. Research’s (CGIAR) International the steering committees for development in Asia and sub- After five years in Germany, Maize and Wheat Improvement international conferences includ- Saharan Africa and are based in Rajeev accepted a position Center in El Batán, Mexico. Over ing the Food and Agricultural Hyderabad, Telangana, India, as senior scientist for applied the next few years, in addition to Organization’s Agricultural with two regional hubs and six genomics at the International his work with nonprofit organiza- Biotechnologies in Developing country offices in sub-Saharan Crops Research Institute for the tions, Rajeev was also appointed Countries Conference, the Africa. ICRISAT conducts Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in adjunct or visiting professor at the fourth International Congress on research on five highly nutritious, 10  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 Luminaries

drought-tolerant crops—chick- What are some of the projects gene products. Approaches such elevation in this figure by 2050. pea, pigeon pea, millet, sorghum, you’ve been working on? as genomics and transcriptomics Simultaneously, climate change and groundnut—and works with For the past 10 years, I’ve been have allowed linking of genes to is resulting in huge yield loss a mission to reduce poverty, working on legume crops, which biological functions responsible every year, making the situation hunger, malnutrition, and envi- provide proteins and nutri- for, for instance, various agro- worse. In my opinion, different ronmental degradation in the tion to the large populations in nomically important traits. At the fields of plant biology are of equal dryland tropics. developing countries and form CEG, by using these approaches, importance, as all plant biology I lead the Research Program– the livelihood of several million we have assembled reference disciplines help us understand Genetic Gains and Center of smallholder farmers. With an genomes and resequenced several biological mechanisms and Excellence in Genomics (CEG) objective to enhance crop produc- thousand lines, and we have deliv- facilitate plant improvement. at ICRISAT. As a director of tivity and benefit human health, ered several molecular breeding For developing countries, where RP–GG, I provide strategic direc- we, together with several partners lines for our six mandate crops agriculture remains the primary tion and supervision for research around the world, have been (chickpea, pigeon pea, groundnut, method of earning livelihoods for activities aimed at enhanc- engaged in decoding the genomes pearl millet, sorghum, and finger the majority of the population, ing genetic gains of breeding of several crops. Comprehensive millet). there is not anything more funda- programs. We accomplish this analysis of those genomes helped However, genes are regulated mental than agriculture. by harnessing the full potential us understand the genes respon- at the transcriptional level as well Students and young research- of ICRISAT’s gene bank and sible for different traits required as the posttranscriptional level, ers, in my opinion, need to germplasm, as well as modern for farmers and for human health. with the majority of gene prod- focus more on finding solutions breeding approaches and a faster For instance, peanut genome ucts functioning together with for grand challenges such as varietal replacement in farmers’ analysis conducted recently has other gene products, leading to how to feed 9 billion people by fields. As a director of the CEG, provided clues on peanut aller- a complex network of intercon- 2050. Such questions provide a I look after service- and capac- gen genes, and I believe that nected components for a specific vast ocean of opportunities to ity-building activities related to once these are altered, allergen- biological process. Systems help others and will themselves genomics research and molecular free peanut products could be biology is an emerging holistic be rewarding to pursue in the breeding activities. produced. approach that allows under- coming years. standing of biological systems Additionally, students need to ICRISAT’s main goals revolve What scientific discoveries of by combining various -omics be committed and work hard to around smallholder farmers. Can the past few years have influ- approaches such as genomics, achieve the goal they’ve set. There you explain your role in helping enced your research directions? transcriptomics, epigenomics, ICRISAT achieve these goals? will always be obstacles in life, For me, the primary influence proteomics, and metabolomics, and things will not go as planned, We create long-term solutions to over the past few years has been together with modeling, synthetic but instead of changing your goal, overcome poverty and hunger, advances in rapid whole-genome biology, and high-performance you should change the approach and we help millions of small- sequencing. With these tech- computational analysis. In brief, to pursuing your goal. holder farmers with improved nological breakthroughs, gene systems biology is the study of varieties that allow them not only sequences can now be more easily an organism or trait, viewed as What inspires you to continue to do subsistence farming but also linked with phenotypic character- an integrated and interacting your science? to grow their own food and make istics to enable study and under- network of genes, proteins, and I always have been inspired by the farming profitable. standing of different traits for the biochemical reactions. In my idea of achieving the impossible. Because my work focuses on development of improved crop opinion, systems biology can help When your job can impact the legume crops, which are rich in varieties. This effort can address us understand better the entirety lives of millions of smallholder protein, oil, and micronutrients some of the critical issues of our of processes and traits that farmers, achieving the impos- such as iron and zinc, we signifi- time, such as climate change, happen in a biological system for sible becomes more important. cantly contribute to malnutrition nutrition, and environmental the greater benefit of humankind. The current “impossible” that I reduction. While working on degradation. am pursuing is developing high- these key aspects, we make sure to What advice would you give to a yielding legume varieties with engage highly talented and moti- What’s the next big thing in student interested in plant biol- enhanced drought tolerance and vated staff with gender balance plant biology? ogy today? disease resistance through molec- and apply new technologies at the Until recently, biological ques- Today, almost a billion people ular breeding. CEG for high-quality breeding tions have been addressed mainly worldwide live in hunger. and research. by studying gene functions and Moreover, there will be a steep continued on page 12 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  11 LUMINARIES continued from page 11

In addition, the other three key things that inspire me are (1) good-quality science with which to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, (2) good- quality research papers to share our knowledge and benefit the global scientific community, and finally (3) training of the next Power Your Event with generation of highly motivated PowerPower Your Your EventEvent withwith scientists to continue achieving ASPB Meeting & Event Solutions the impossible. n ASPBASPB Meeting Meeting && EventEvent SolutionsSolutions

ASPBASPB can can help help you you with with logistics logistics management management support support for for meetings meetings ASPB can help you with logistics management support for meetings largelarge and and small small so soyou you can can focus focus on on the the activitiesactivities that that matter matter most most to toyou: you: large and small so you can focus on the activities that matter most to you: connecting,connecting, communicating communicating and and collaborating collaborating with with other other scientists. scientists. connecting, communicating and collaborating with other scientists.

Rishi R. Masalia is a graduate stu- dent at the University of Georgia. He is a biologist, bioinformatician, artist, avid science communica- tor, and all-around nerd. You can read about his research and science communication endeavors at www. rishimasalia.com or follow him on Twitter: @RishiMasalia.

12  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 Science Policy

Policy Update BY LAUREN BROCCOLI Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

House Science, Space, LaHood (R-IL) took softer tones, USDA Secretary Sonny USDA Announces Agency and Technology Subcom- indicating they were looking to Perdue Appears Before Reorganization, New mittees Hold Hearing on streamline indirect costs and House Agriculture Positions ensure federal funds are spent in NSF Reimbursement of Committee On May 11, Secretary of the most efficient and effective way Facilities and Administra- On May 17, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue an- possible. All committee member tive Costs Agriculture Sonny Perdue nounced a restructuring of USDA Democrats argued against any On May 24 the House Science, appeared before the House that will create two new posi- caps and noted that reimburse- Space, and Technology (HSST) Agriculture Committee to testify tions-Under Secretary for Trade ment rates are already below Subcommittee on Research and at a hearing on the “State of the and Foreign Agricultural Affairs the total costs of research. Many Technology and Subcommittee Rural Economy.” Topics discussed and Under Secretary for Farm members on both sides also noted on Oversight held a joint hear- included the potential budget cuts Production and Conservation- the importance of streamlining the ing on “Examining the Overhead proposed in the FY2018 budget and streamline mission areas to regulatory burden for grantees. Cost of Research.” The hearing fo- request. Secretary Perdue also an- support trade and domestic affairs cused on examining the payment One witness, James Luther, swered questions about the USDA priorities. This new structuring of facilities and administrative associate vice president of finance reorganization that would create a will also shift oversight of the (F&A) costs by NSF and ensur- at Duke University and chairman new position of Under Secretary Rural Development programs ing that these costs are as efficient of the board for the Council on for Trade, streamline a new mis- directly to the Office of the and transparent as possible. The Governmental Relations, defended sion area focused on domestic Secretary. impetus for the hearing was the the importance of F&A costs agriculture, and eliminate the The new Under Secretary fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget re- and university practices. Richard job of Under Secretary for Rural for Farm Production and quest proposal that would cap Vedder, professor of economics Development. Conservation will oversee the F&A costs on NIH grants at 10% emeritus at Ohio University and Although some of these Farm Service Agency, the Risk of total research costs. director of the Center for College changes were mandated in the Management Agency, and the All committee members Affordability and Productivity, 2014 Farm Bill, others are part Natural Resources Conservation acknowledged the importance of recommended vast changes to a of government-wide efforts to Service. This new role and consol- F&A costs and their support for system he described as distorting reduce costs and the federal idation of existing programs is the critical partnership between research incentives and driving up workforce. Secretary Perdue consistent with the Trump admin- the government and universities to costs. Vedder also recommended emphasized that these structural istration’s interest in bolster- conduct research. However, HSST two potential alternative systems changes will help elevate issues ing domestic-focused mission chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) to reimburse universities for F&A of concern to rural communi- areas and streamlining USDA expressed concern with what he costs: one would set a uniform rate ties, which remain a priority of services, focusing on U.S. agricul- described as improper uses of F&A, across universities, eliminating the the Trump administration. The tural producers. Although these such as “fancy buildings,” and stated need to negotiate or justify costs, rest of the hearing focused on changes will eliminate the Under that F&A costs have continued to and the other would establish a trade and farm incomes; agricul- Secretary for Rural Development expand, taking up now a quarter of points system that would enable tural research was not specifically and shift oversight directly to the NSF budgets (these facts were later consideration of a university’s F&A discussed. Secretary, the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and disputed by other members). He rate as part of proposal review, Source and Additional Information said that the committee is looking thus incentivizing universities to Environment will retain oversight at potential caps and other limita- lower their rates. • The archived webcast and wit- of the U.S. Forest Service. tions on F&A costs. ness statements are available at USDA released a full report in Source and Additional Information Research and Technology https://tinyurl.com/y7fc7vz5. conjunction with the announce- Subcommittee chair Barbara • A full webcast and witness ment that highlights the signifi- Comstock (R-VA) and Oversight testimonies are available at Subcommittee chair Darin https://tinyurl.com/y8eoaulk. continued on page 14 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  13 Science Policy

POLICY UPDATE administration’s insistence on President Trump Releases Agency–Energy would be continued from page 13 putting its stamp on federal FY2018 Budget Request eliminated. Overall, most of spending. In the end, however, the cuts at DOE are targeted at On May 23, the Trump adminis- cant economic contributions the administration relented on its university grants and research tration released the full FY2018 made by the agricultural industry top priorities, such as money for a and development projects, budget request, which gener- and the potential for increased border wall and increased defense with funding prioritized for ally proposes dramatic cuts and growth through administrative spending, and signed the omni- national laboratories. eliminations for federal research reorganization. The White House bus into law to avoid a govern- funding at NSF, DOE, and USDA. • USDA’s National Institute of accepted public comment on the ment shutdown. These proposals are inconsistent Food and Agriculture (NIFA) restructuring through June 12. The following are topline with the recently enacted FY2017 would receive $1.26 billion, numbers for agencies of interest Sources and Additional Information omnibus, which demonstrates a decrease of 7.8% below the to ASPB: FY2017 enacted level. Within • The press release announcing bipartisan congressional priori- NIFA, the Agriculture and the administrative changes • DOE’s Office of Science is ties for these same programs, as Food Research Initiative is available at https://tinyurl. funded at $5.39 billion, an detailed above. Looking ahead, would be funded at $349 mil- com/k3whxsr. increase of $42 million, or Congress will begin the FY2018 0.7%, above the FY2016 appropriations process with sig- lion, a $26 million decrease • Secretary Perdue’s op-ed in the enacted level. Despite the nificant disregard for the admin- below the recently enacted Wall Street Journal is available administration’s proposed istration’s dead-on-arrival budget. FY2017 omnibus level. at https://tinyurl.com/kkkye8c. elimination, the Advanced Congressional appropriators have Many of the projects proposed • The full USDA report to Research Projects Agency– already voiced criticism of the for steep cuts or elimination by Congress is available at https:// Energy received $306 million, budget request, including chair- the administration have broad tinyurl.com/y9p2vfjq. an increase of $15 million, or man of the Senate Agriculture congressional support, and fund- • More information about the 5.1%, above the FY2016 en- Appropriations Subcommittee ing is likely to be maintained by public comment period is acted level. The Biological and John Hoeven (R-ND). The follow- Congress through the FY2018 available at https://tinyurl. Environmental Research pro- ing are proposed topline numbers appropriations process. For com/n6z98a5. gram received $612 million, a of interest to ASPB: example, NSF has champions in $3 million, or 0.5%, increase. Congress who will likely protect • NSF would receive $6.653 it from major cuts, although NSF FY2017 Omnibus Appro- • NSF is funded at $7.472 bil- billion, a decrease of $819 would likely be squeezed if overall priations Bill lion, an increase of $9 million, million, or 11%, below domestic discretionary spending In May, the House and Senate or 0.1%, above the FY2016 the FY2017 enacted level. was to be reduced dramatically. Appropriations Committees enacted level. Research directorates would Similarly, agricultural research concluded negotiations on an • USDA’s National Institute of see relatively similar top-level within USDA has received strong omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. Food and Agriculture (NIFA) cuts of approximately 10%. bipartisan support in Congress 244) to fund federal research received $1.36 billion, an Core research and infrastruc- and saw a funding increase in agencies for the remaining five increase of approximately ture programs would be rela- the FY2017 omnibus, so it seems months of FY2017. In contrast to 2.72% above the FY2016 level. tively protected, whereas most unlikely that there will be support the increases provided through Within NIFA, the Agriculture cross-cutting initiatives and for the proposed cuts in FY2018. the recent FY2017 omnibus, the and Food Research Initiative strategic investments from the FY2018 Trump administration is funded at $375 million, an previous administration would Source and Additional Information increase of $25 million above be deeply cut. budget blueprint released in • The president’s FY2018 budget the current enacted level. March proposed cutting nonde- • DOE’s Office of Science request is available at https:// fense programs by $54 billion to Source and Additional Information would receive $4.5 billion, a tinyurl.com/k3d6u4j; more de- pay for $54 billion in defense in- proposed decrease of 17%. • Full details for the omnibus tailed information is available creases, cuts that were reaffirmed Basic Energy Sciences would at individual agency websites. in the president’s full FY2018 can be found at https://tinyurl. receive $1.6 billion, a decrease request outlined below. com/l6ymw67. of 16.9%, while the Biological The delayed conclusion of the and Environmental Research FY2017 appropriations process account would decrease seven months into FY2017 was by 42.9%, or $263 million. brought about by the Trump Advanced Research Projects 14  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 Science Policy

DOE’s Biological and Envi- Advisory Committee are avail- NSF Funding Opportunity: NIFA anticipate distributing ronmental Research Advi- able at https://tinyurl.com/ Joint Solicitation for the a total of $14.5 million for 20 sory Committee Meeting y9fn55kz. Plant Biotic Interactions awards. No preliminary propos- als are required; the submission DOE’s Biological and Environ­ Program NSF BIO Advisory Commit- deadline for full proposals is mental Research (BER) Advisory On April 14, NSF and USDA’s tee Meeting September 1, 2017. Committee met on April 20 National Institute of Food and and 21. Steve Binkley, acting On April 25 and 26, the NSF Agriculture (NIFA) released a Source and Additional Information Advisory Committee for the Office of Science director, and joint solicitation for the Plant • The full solicitation is avail- Biological Sciences (BIO) held Sharlene Weatherwax, BER as- Biotic Interactions (PBI) pro- able at https://tinyurl.com/ its spring 2017 meeting. The sociate director, presented news gram, which supports basic re- y882xbld. n from the DOE Office of Science. committee discussed NSF’s 10 search on the interactions among Despite Secretary of Energy Rick Big Ideas, such as the rules of plants, microbes, and inverte- Perry’s recent confirmation, he life and convergence research. brates and applied research to has started defining DOE priori- BIO is currently in the process of develop methods for sustainably ties that do not align with BER shaping priorities related to the increasing crop yields. A primary rules of life and identifying ex- mission areas, such as exascale focus of this program is to in- amples and narratives to inform computing, U.S. leadership in vestigate symbiotic relationships this effort. Other topics included high-performance computing, and among agricultural plants and the upcoming turnover for the cybersecurity of energy systems. viruses, bacteria, fungus, patho- Advisory Committee and the on- All six of the Office of Science as- gens, pests, and other plants— going nomination process for new sociate directors have briefed the more specifically, the genetic, members. new DOE political appointees on genomic, and cellular signaling Finally, the Advisory program accomplishments and responses and their effect on “nu- Committee hosted a series of priorities. With respect to BER, tritional, metabolic, and develop- guest speakers to discuss inter- these priorities include energy and mental processes.” agency collaborations between infrastructure security and the ef- Applicants should consider NSF and mission-driven research fect of climate variability. genetic, genomic, biochemi- agencies. Speakers included cal, metabolic, and image-based Gary Geernaert, director of USDA National Institute of Food approaches in the investigation of the Climate and Environmental and Agriculture (NIFA) deputy Sciences Division (CESD), director Dr. Parag Chitnis and fundamental principles and ways presented updates on the CESD Dr. Mary Voytek, senior scien- discoveries may be applied to including a new five-year strategic tist for astrobiology at NASA. the agricultural industry, includ- plan being developed. He noted These guest panelists discussed ing potential economic benefits impacts on the DOE missions past collaborations with NSF if applicable. Although a broad including predicting future black- BIO, including the NASA Ideas objective of the PBI program is outs, improving pipeline security, Lab and the NSF–NIFA Plant to fill existing information gaps enhancing infrastructure risk Biotic Interactions program, as regarding recognition and signal- calculations, and deploying more examples of ways to leverage ing between these symbionts, resilient energy infrastructure. federal funding to address grand successful proposals must consid- Grand challenges of the strategic challenges. Due to the upcoming er this in a more targeted context, plan include system forcers of the NSF move, the next BIO Advisory investigating the biological “coupled Earth–energy–human Committee meeting will occur in mechanisms and systems neces- system,” high-latitude feedbacks April 2018. sary to overcome key agricultural and interdependencies, biogeo- problems. Source and Additional Information chemistry, integrated water cycle, Eligible entities under this and data-model integration. • Archived details on the BIO solicitation include but are not limited to institutions of higher Source and Additional Information Advisory Committee meeting are available at https://tinyurl. education, professional and scien- • The agenda and several pre- com/y8886jqk. tific societies, observatories, and sentations from the BER research labs. NSF and USDA ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  15 Education Forum

Fascination of Plants Day 2017 BY NATALIE HENKHAUS Executive Coordinator, Plant Science Research Network

hank you to everyone who the importance of plant science Photo Contest Winners participated in Fascination research. As the national coordi- Congratulations to the winners of the ASPB Social Media Photo Contest! Tof Plants Day 2017 on May nator for the United States, ASPB 18! It was a great success, and we registered nine events around FIRST PRIZES are looking forward to the next the country and awarded prizes Jennifer Robison (Twitter) and Marwa Zafarullah (Facebook) event in 2019. through a photo contest. Take a SECOND PRIZES Fascination of Plants Day look at the photos submitted by Lynn Sosnoskie (Twitter) and Sandra Raimundo (Facebook) is an international event orga- searching the tag #PlantDayUSA HONORABLE MENTIONS nized by the European Plant on social media. Event recaps and Ravi Palanivelu, Monica Lewandowski, Ian Street, Zoe Dubrow, Tim Science Organization (learn participant experiences can be Taylor, Joanna Jelenska, Sen Subramanian, and Pratibha Choudhary more at epsoweb.org/fopd17). found on the ASPB blog (blog. Now in its fourth year, the event aspb.org). View all winning photos on the ASPB blog (blog.aspb.org/2017/06/01/ raises awareness of plants and fascination-of-plants-2017-success-stories/).

Plant Day 2017 U.S. Participants We acknowledge the following U.S. participants: Argelia Lorence and Rodney Shea Harris Plant Imaging Consortium, Arkansas State University Bjorn Hamberger and Anne-Sophie Bohrer-Cognon Michigan State University Courtney Price Ohio State University and Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center First Prize (Facebook) Hua Lu Wild type Arabidopsis thaliana University of Maryland, Baltimore County (above) and plant with stem fas- Jason Wallace ciation (right), a rare condition of abnormal growth in vascular University of Georgia plants in which the cells around the growing tip become elongated. Marcella Tello-Ruiz Botany Live According to the photographer, “It is rare to find this kind of plant showing fasciation so beautifully in the stem.” PHOTO BY MARWA ZAFARULLAH Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Many ASPB members par- and Gramene ticipated in Fascination of Marcia Harrison-Pitaniello Plants Day by taking part in Marshall University the first Botany Live event First Prize (Twitter) (learn more by visiting “Happy Mother’s Day was in- Peggy Lemaux botany.live and on social spired by my mother. Her favor- University of California, Berkeley, media by searching ite flowers are daisies, and they and Communication, Literacy & #BotanyLive). Thanks to were in full bloom at her house Education for Agricultural Research Anne Ostreider, Ian Street, Mother’s Day weekend. I wanted Rajnish Khanna and Mary Williams for orga- to capture the brightness of the i-Cultiver and Carnegie Institution nizing this event! spring.” PHOTO BY JENNIFER ROBISON for Science Contact plantday@aspb. (@OSHNGIRL ON TWITTER) Rebecca Roston org for more information. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 16  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 Education Forum

Announcing the 2017 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF)

he ASPB Summer will present their research at Plant of the project to the mentor’s at a primarily undergraduate or Undergraduate Research Biology 2018. research program, institutional doctoral granting institution. TFellows (SURF) program SURF recipients possess high commitment to the proposed Awards reflect the ratio of appli- funds promising undergraduate academic achievement, strong research, and the mentor’s cants in each group. students so they can conduct re- motivation and skills for conduct- commitment to undergraduate Congratulations to these 15 search in plant biology during the ing research, and career objectives research. SURF fellows and their mentors! early part of their college careers showing interest in or close rele- Proposals are evaluated in over the course of 10 consecutive vance to plant biology. Reviewers two groups based on whether weeks. This year’s SURF recipients also consider the contribution the research will be conducted

SURFers from Doctoral Granting Institutions

Samantha Connolly Cameron Criswell David “Max” Hagelthorn Christopher Imler

Samantha Connolly, University Cameron Criswell, Texas A&M David “Max” Hagelthorn, Christopher Imler, University of of Vermont University University of California, Davis Florida Mentor: Jeanne M. Harris, Mentor: Ping He, Associate Mentor: Philipp Zerbe, Assistant Mentor: Gerardo Nunez, Lecturer Associate Professor Professor Professor and Undergraduate Adviser Project: Determining the function Project: Understanding plant cell Project: Functional characteriza- Project: Genetic and biochemical of NPF1A in Lotus japonicus death with “bak to life” screens tion of stress-inducible diterpene evidence for direct rhizosphere acidi- fication in Vaccinium corymbosum The SURF award gives me the It is an honor to receive the ASPB synthases in switchgrass opportunity to explore an excit- SURF award and to have the The ASPB fellowship process I owe my selection for this award ing question involving legumes, chance to take on my first under- has been extremely educational to my mentor, without whom I genetics, and evolution. I am graduate research project. The in grant writing. Receiving the wouldn’t have been able to engage happy to be able to spend my ASPB SURF program will enhance award is an honor and will in such meaningful and rigorous summer fully immersed in a my career objectives. This opportu- provide me with invaluable expe- research. I look forward to work- plant biology lab, and I believe nity will greatly expand my under- rience in scientific research. ing on what is the beginning of a this experience will help prepare graduate experience by allowing lifelong commitment not just to me for a career in research. In me to work closely with my academia but to a continued love addition, I am excited to join the mentor. I will gain invaluable expe- and appreciation of plant life. ASPB community and to be a part rience in the lab, further enhancing of the 2018 ASPB meeting. my skills as a young researcher. continued on page 18 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  17 Education Forum

SURFERS FROM DOCTORAL GRANTING INSTITUTIONS continued from page 17

Victoria Morris McKenzie Pickle Angus Rae Alex Riley

Victoria Morris, University of McKenzie Pickle, University of Angus Rae, University of Alex Riley, University of Illinois California, Riverside California, Riverside Newcastle, Australia at Urbana–Champaign Mentor: Carolyn Rasmussen, Mentor: Carolyn Rasmussen, Mentor: David Collings, Mentor: Amy Marshall-Colon, Assistant Professor Assistant Professor Associate Professor Assistant Professor Project: Microtubule dynamics in Project: Role of microtubule dy- Project: Measuring cell wall an- Project: System genetics of rhizo- cell division using maize tangled-1 namics in cell division using maize isotropy in Arabidopsis roots using bium mutualists of varying partner I am grateful for the opportu- tangled-1 mutant polarized fluorescence quality nity to continue my research as I am extremely grateful to ASPB G’day from Down Under! I Being awarded this fellowship a recipient of the ASPB Summer for selecting me to receive this am thrilled by the opportunity is such an amazing honor! The Undergraduate Research fellowship and supporting my the SURF grant has given me SURF award will allow me to Fellowship. Participating in this research. Since I began my under- to conduct research—over the continue my work this summer research experience and present- graduate career at UC Riverside, winter here in Australia—in excit- studying mutualism in the ing at Plant Biology 2018 will I have been working and partici- ing new techniques of measuring legume–rhizobium system. This allow me to delve further into pating in a research lab. The cell wall anisotropy and by the award, along with the opportu- the world of plant research as I SURF award allows me to contin- chance to travel halfway around nity to present my research next prepare for graduate school. ue my research while also giving the world to attend and partici- year, will allow me to become a me the opportunity to share my pate in Plant Biology 2018. I better scientist and will help me work at an international confer- know this experience will prove throughout my future in plant ence with other plant scientists. invaluable as I pursue a career in biology. the plant sciences.

18  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 Education Forum

SURFers from Primarily Undergraduate Institutions

Elizabeth Winnicki Robert Yvon Patricia Goytortua Kenneth Kim

Elizabeth Winnicki, University Robert Yvon, University of Patricia Goytortua, Instituto Kenneth Kim, University of West of Hawaii at Manoa Massachusetts Politécnico Nacional, Mexico Georgia Mentor: Michael Kantar, Assis- Mentor: Alice Cheung, Professor Mentor: Rubén Rellán-Álvarez Mentor: Mautusi Mitra, Associate tant Professor Project: Discovering the connec- Project: Effect of having a PT or Professor Project: Analyzing the genetic tions of the FERONIA receptor Pising allele associated with lipid Project: Molecular characteriza- diversity of the varieties of sweet kinase and its functional partners metabolism of maize plants grown tion of two high light sensitive potato found in Hawaii and North in Arabidopsis in Mexican highland conditions Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mu- tants, defective in a novel function- America A cascade of doors have opened I am honored, greatly excited, and ally uncharacterized gene The SURF award allows me to for me as a result of the SURF grateful to ASPB and my mentor. develop my understanding in award. I am grateful to ASPB for This fellowship gives me the I thank my research mentor for genetics and genomics with an making this fellowship available opportunity to further enhance introducing me to the fascinat- emphasis on genetic diversity, and to my mentor, whose hard my skills and be prepared for ing world of plant biology and plant genetic resources, crop work and personal investment graduate school by conduct- mentoring me to apply for the diversity and improvement, and in my studies have created this ing research at the National SURF award. The award will food security. It provides an opportunity. I am excited to Laboratory of Genomics for allow me to hone my molecular opportunity to develop my career continue my research to impact Biodiversity. I will be closer to research skills and increase my goals because I am able to delve our global understanding of realizing my goal of strengthening knowledge about photosynthe- into the field of plant biology how plants respond to patho- Mexico through the dissemina- sis and photoprotection. I am through practical experience and gens, develop, and reproduce. tion of knowledge and develop- excited to characterize the novel study of the relevant literature Additionally, I am thrilled to be ment of profitable ideas that functionally uncharacterized to prepare myself for graduate able to continue mentoring two contribute to solving problems. Lsr1 (light stress related 1) gene school and beyond. fellow undergraduate students and confirm its functional role as well as a high school student in photoprotection in the model during the fellowship. I take great green microalga Chlamydomonas pleasure in introducing the area reinhardtii. My undergraduate of plant biology to other fledgling research will provide me with a researchers, which has been made strong foundation for a future possible by SURF. career in plant biology. I thank ASPB for providing me with this amazing opportunity.

continued on page 20 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  19 Education Forum

SURFERS FROM PRIMARILY UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTIONS continued from page 19

Tayler Lewis Lauren Pope Jennifer Walz

Tayler Lewis, Radford University Lauren Pope, James Madison Jennifer Walz, University of St. Mentor: Tara Phelps-Durr, University Thomas Associate Professor Mentor: Jonathan Monroe, Mentor: Amy Verhoeven, Project: Computational modeling Professor Professor and Director of the AS1/AS2 complex Project: Structural and physiologi- Project: Determining the role of I am very excited to receive cal characterization of Arabidopsis xanthophyll cycle dynamics and thaliana β-amylase 2: A unique thermal energy dissipation in the ASPB’s SURF award! This starch-degrading enzyme desiccation tolerance of common summer, I will computation- bryophytes in Minnesota ally model the 3-D structure ASPB’s SURF award will allow of the Asymmetric Leaves 1 me to take my interests in plant I am honored to receive the SURF and 2 (AS1 and AS2) proteins biology to a new level by funding grant in order to research moss in Arabidopsis. I will also clone summer research and giving me drought tolerance. This research the AS1 and AS2 genes, express the opportunity to learn more will provide valuable experience them in Escherichia coli, and about plant biology careers. I plan for my future plans, includ- begin the process of verifying the to earn my PhD in plant biol- ing graduate school studying 3-D structure of these proteins. ogy after graduating from James horticulture. I am excited to be Receiving the SURF award allows Madison University, and the involved with the plant commu- me to gain 3-D perception skills SURF award will be an invaluable nity and to meet people who have and obtain a variety of new scien- experience in helping me take an equally unique obsession with tific knowledge while developing that next step in my educational plants. n my own scientific identity. Upon career. I look forward to present- completion of my undergraduate ing my work in Montreal in 2018! biology degree, I plan to attend physical therapy school, with the hope of pursuing a career in pedi- atric physical therapy.

20  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 Obituary

Thomas J. Guilfoyle 1946–2017 BRUCE McCLURE, University of Missouri

e sadly note the death of our colleague WEmeritus Professor Thomas J. Guilfoyle, who died suddenly on April 30 at the age of 71. Tom was born in Mendota, Illinois, on January 13, 1946, to Lawrence and Marguerite Guilfoyle. He earned his BSc from Illinois State University in 1968. His graduate studies at the University of Illinois were inter- rupted by two years of service in the U.S. Army, but he took Tom and Gretchen Hagen, his wife his MSc (1969) before leaving and research partner (1973). and then returned to finish his PhD with John (Jack) Hanson in some accumulation is associated 1974. He did postdoctoral work with both increased activity and with Joe Key at the University of accumulation of RNA polymerase Georgia, and in 1976 he joined I, which provided a connec- the Departments of Botany and tion between auxin and the key Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota. In 1986, he moved enzyme in rRNA transcription. Tom Guilfoyle to the University of Missouri, Tom’s important contributions where he joined the Department include identification of auxin- the GH1 clone, identified by rapid, direct, and specific, ending of Biochemistry and the regulated genes, the proteins Gretchen Hagen in the Guilfoyle any controversy over whether it Interdisciplinary Plant Group. that regulate their transcription, laboratory, encoded an AUX/IAA directly affects gene expression. Tom and his colleagues played and the framework for under- protein. The well-known GH3 Tom and his lab then worked a key role in moving auxin standing how auxin-regulated gene turned out to encode an backward from the auxin- research to the molecular level. transcription works. In the late regulated genes to identify The notion that auxin affects 1970s, he and his lab showed that auxin conjugation enzyme. Tom’s other components of the auxin transcription was, at one time, auxin rapidly affects the abun- laboratory used run-on tran- signaling pathway. Crucial controversial; auxin responses dance of specific proteins. Later scription assays to demonstrate experiments showed that the GH3 were thought to be too rapid to experiments identified changes in that auxin induces transcription gene promoter had three auxin be regulated at the transcriptional mRNA within 15 minutes, again of GH and other genes within response elements (AuxREs) level and therefore were thought pointing toward rapid, direct minutes. Other experiments with that were sufficient to confer effects on transcription. the SAUR mRNAs showed that to be indirect. Joe Key, however, auxin inducibility when joined Three labs cloned cDNAs for gene expression changes occur in had observed a massive ribosome to constitutively active promot- auxin-regulated mRNAs almost response to internal changes in accumulation in soybean hypo- ers. This knowledge led to the cotyls after auxin treatment. Tom’s simultaneously in the 1980s. Like auxin, not just externally applied graduate work showed that ribo- some of the other genes isolated, hormone. Auxin’s effects were continued on page 22 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 4  21 Obituary

GUILFOYLE He published in the leading scien- 2014, the Charles Reid Barnes independence, creativity, and continued from page 21 tific journals, including Science, Life Membership Award in 2009 critical thinking. Above all, he Nature, and Proceedings of the (jointly with Gretchen Hagen), wanted to see or hear something creation of the widely used DR5 National Academy of Sciences. It and the Fellow of ASPB Award in that was new and exciting.” reporter, a standard tool for is impossible to imagine today’s 2007. During his graduate studies understanding how auxin dynam- subtle and developed under- As a mentor for his 12 gradu- at the University of Illinois, Tom ics regulate growth. Tom and his standing of auxin-regulated gene ate students and 24 postdoctoral met Gretchen Hagen, who would colleagues discovered the auxin expression, which is a triumph fellows, Tom set high standards become his wife and research regulatory factors (ARFs), a family of plant biology, without Tom’s for scientific rigor and hard partner. In the lab, they shared of proteins that bind the AuxRE, contributions. work while cultivating indepen- their passion, talents, energy, and and then demonstrated that some Tom was an active, longtime dence. According to University creativity to advance our under- ARFs promote transcription while member of ASPB. He gener- of Minnesota Professor Neil standing of the auxin response. others inhibit it. Further studies ously contributed his time and Olszewski, who completed his Outside the lab, they enjoyed of the ARF proteins found that expertise in many ways, includ- doctoral work with Tom in the good wine, cooking, jazz, and AUX/IAA proteins can interact ing as coeditor of The Plant Cell 1980s, “He loved discussing the company of their stalwart with and inhibit transcriptional for over a decade. His editorial and debating ideas and encour- cat, Junior. Tom and Gretchen activation by ARFs. Ultimately, work was an expression of how aged it in others. He treated his retired in October 2016 and Tom’s work converged with that much he cared for the scientific graduate students and postdocs as looked forward to the prospect of in other laboratories showing enterprise and its values. Tom’s colleagues and encouraged us to life without faculty meetings and that auxin binding to its receptor scientific discoveries and service be independent and develop our classes. Still, Tom’s passion “to see triggers polyubiquitination and to plant biology were recognized own ideas and research approach- or hear something that was new subsequent destruction of AUX/ by ASPB with three of its most es.” Tim Ulmasov, a former and exciting” never abated. His IAA proteins. prestigious awards: the Lawrence postdoctoral fellow in Tom’s lab, love of science brought him to Tom’s research was published Bogorad Award for Excellence echoed these sentiments: “He his office almost every day. He is in 113 articles and 32 chapters. in Plant Biology Research in expected greatness. He demanded sorely missed. n

Recognizing the value of true peer review

Plant Physiology and The Plant Cell recognize the value of fair, thorough peer review, so we reward our reviewers with Journal Miles. The “miles” are valid for two years and can be redeemed for ASPB membership. More options are coming soon! Miles awarded from either journal can be combined and redeemed together. http://www.aspbjournalmiles.org/

22  ASPB NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2017 New open access journal from ASPB and SEB

Plant Direct is a new open access, sound science journal for the plant sciences that gives prompt and equal consideration to papers reporting work dealing with a variety of subjects. Topics include but are not limited to genetics, biochemistry, development, cell biology, biotic stress, abiotic stress, genomics, phe- nomics, bioinformatics, physiology, molecular biology, and evolution. A collaborative journal launched by ASPB, SEB, and Wiley, Plant Direct publishes papers submitted directly to the journal as well as those referred from a select group of the societies’ journals. Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Ivan Baxter USDA-ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit Donald Danforth Plant Science Center plantdirectjournal.org

All articles are freely available to read, download, and share

Submit your manuscript today! Go to https://plantdirect.msubmit.net/

Learn more about the societies Stay connected! SEB is a non-profit registered charity, dedicated to the promotion of all aspects of experimental biology.

ASPB’s mission is to promote the growth and devel- opment of plant biology, to encourage and publish research in plant biology, and to promote the inter- ests and growth of plant scientists in general.

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