THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGISTS Volume 26, Number 5 September/October 1999

Debby Delmer Assumes ASPP Presidency October 1

r. Deborah Delmer, professor and chair of the DSection of Plant Biology at the University of California, Davis, will become president of the American Society of Plant Physiologists October 1, 1999. She will lead the Society in 1999-2000 and continue on as immediate past president in 2000­ 2001. She replaces Brian Larkins as president. Larkins will continue on as immediate past president in 1999-2000. Dr. Delmer earned her A.B. degree in bacteriology with honors in 1963 from Indiana University and her Ph.D. in cell biology in 1968 from the University of California, San Diego, studying tryptophan biosynthesis in plants. Her long-standing research III interest in the structure and biosynthesis of the plant cell wall began when she worked as a postdoc with Peter Albersheim studying the enzyme sucrose synthase. Prior to her move to California in 1997, Debby Delmer she held faculty positions at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and at the MSU-DOE Plant Research to associate directly with glucan synthases. To­ Laboratory at Michigan State University and was a gether with colleagues at Calgene, Inc., Delmer's principal scientist at the ARCO Plant Cell Research group was the first to identify plant homologs of Institute in Dublin, California. During these years, bacterial genes that encode the catalytic subunit of her group was one of the first to initiate studies on cellulose synthase, and much of her current work is the mechanism of glycosylation of plant proteins focused on a characterization of this complex gene and to show that d.olichol-based lipid intermediates family. In related work, she has studied the mecha­ are involved in the process. They also studied the nism and regulation of callose synthesis in plants structure of the cell wall of cotton fibers, modeled and also has an interest in the role of the small C­ pathways of carbon flow in fibers, and developed protein Rac in the regulation of the onset of sec­ novel techniques to measure the pore size of cell ondary cell wall synthesis. walls and the use of DMSO to determine the Most of Dr. Delmer's teaching has focused on compartmentation of metabolites between the classes in general and plant biochemistry. She has vacuole and the cytoplasm. served on review panels for granting agencies in However, Dr. Delmer's major research focus has the United States and Israel; on editorial boards for concerned the biosynthesis of cellulose in higher Plant Physiology, Plant and Cell Physiology, and plants. Some of her surprising findings are that the Annual Review ofPlant Physiology and Plant plant cells can be adapted to grow with almost no Molecular Biology; and as a member of both the cellulose in their walls and the discovery of a mem­ nominating committee for the Gude Award and the brane-associated form of sucrose synthase proposed ASPP Executive Committee. l~,

1 r J · , INSIDE ...

.\, I. . , , , .... Dan Cosgrove Voted President-Elect .f.> .,. ... '. i , ,. ~ I' Bob Goldberg Appointed Chair of Education Foundation t. /;i ! ~ '>,l'~. :~.: , :"'-, \. ',t- ;';:.t,1\. ',:'.;. .", .... Plant Biology '99 Meeting Overview ." ; ~ ,

,"I ...' <' .. ASPP Future ASPP Annual Meetings OFFICERS &STAFF fIrBsIdenl BrlanA.lorklns 520·621·9958 PrBSklenl-E!ed Deborah Delmer ... .. 530-752·7561 Immediate Pasl Presldenl 2000 Ken Koogstra ...... 517·353-2770 welrJry Saturday, July 15, through Daniel R. Bush ...... 217·333-6109 Treasurer Terri lomax .. 541·737·5278 Wednesday, July 19 Chair, BoordaITruslees Dauglas D. Randall 573·882·4847 San Diego, California Chair, Publkallons (ammlnllB Rebelca Chasan 202·628·1500 Chair, (ommlnee on the Slatus of WamM in Plonl Physiology Ann M. Hirnh 310·206·8673 2001 Choir, (ommlnee an Minority AHailJ C. S. Prakash 334-727-8023 B/KladMembelJ Saturday, July 28, through Vicki L Chandler 520·626·8725 JaeChoppell...... 606-257-4624 Wednesday, August 1 Notasho V. ROlkhel 517 -353·3518 S/Klional RepresenlrJllv8S Providence, Rhode Island Midwestern Mark BrOOI 309·341-7477 Northeastern Allsan Roberts 401·874-4098 Southern Marc A. Cohn 504·388·1464 Washington O( Janet P. Slavin .. 301·504·S629 Western Dean Della Penna. .. 702·784·6911 Headquarters Office 15501 Monona DrIve Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA Phone: 301-251-0560 Fax: 301-279-2996 fncullve dlrec/or, John Lisock, Jr., exl. II S .... [email protected] Execullve asslsi~~i; D~'~~~'G~;d~~:~~j:'i'3i' ...... ,, [email protected] Oiflciar of finance and adminislra/ion, ASPP NEWS is distributed to 011 Susan K. Chambers, ext. III (hambers@ospp,arg Accoun/anl, Sandra A. Glancali, exl. '40 ASPP members and is published ...... ,...... [email protected] VI six times annually, in odd­ Infarmalian speciallsl, Perry Mostlana, exl. 146 . [email protected] numbered months. It is edited Member services coordinator, and prepared by ASPP staff Kelley Noone, ext. 142 [email protected] Accaunls rmivoc/e ossis/onl, Sang Liu, exl. 143 from material provided by ASPP ...... ', [email protected] members and other interesled Admlnislrolive ossislonl (vacant) parties. Olrec/or of public olfollJ, Brian M. Hyps, ext. 114 ...... [email protected] Fou~d~ii~~'~;;i;i~~i.·'j~~i~~'j~;d·~~;·~·~i·.··i29···'·· (opy deadline is the 10th day of ...... , , [email protected] • publlcollon~ III the preceding even-numbered OifIClor of Nancy A. Winchester, ext. I) 7 month (for example, December ...... [email protected] Publlcallans osslslanl, Sylvia Braxton Lee, ext. 133 10 for January/February ...... [email protected] publication). Submit copy by Managing edllor, Planl Physiology, Z Melissa Junior, ext. 118 mjuniar@ospp,arg e-mail whenever possible; Managing editor, THE PLANT CEl~ submit all other copy by mail, Crispin B. Taylor, eXI.121 [email protected] CL NeW5 and revieW5 edllor, THE PLANT CEL~ nOfbyfox. Harry B. Smith, ext. 119 [email protected] Producllon coardlnalar, Planl Physiology, CL Lauren A. Ransome, ext. 130 [email protected] (ontac!: Nancy A. Winchester, Senior edllar, Plonl Physiology, Editor, ASPP NEWS, 15501 Suzanne M. White, ext. 123 ...... [email protected] if) Produclian editor, THE PLANT CEL~ Monona Drive, Rockville, MD Catherine A. Balogh, ext. 116 [email protected] 20855-2768 USA; e-mail Manuscrlpl manag~r, Annelle Kess/er, ext. 120 ...... [email protected] [email protected]; telephone Manuscrlp/ ossls/onl, Kimberly A. Davis, exl. 124 301-251-0560, ext. 117...... , [email protected] « Manuscrlp/ assislanl, Stephanie M. BUlla, ext. 125 ...... , [email protected] _ 2 L-- ASPPNEWS _ PRESIDENT.S lmER --=...=-----1ri)~ looking Bock and looking Forward!

his has been an exciting year to be presi­ when I got to Calgary because I didn't know Aubrey Naylor, who was president in 1960! Tdent of ASPP. In addition to being in­ anyone, and I was going to present my first I hope the banquet at the 100th anniversary volved in normal Society business, it was talk at a scientific meeting as well! Things meeting will be even larger! great fun to help plan and organize the spe­ got off to a great start, though, at the open­ To ensure that ASPP continues to publish cial events for the 75th anniversary meeting. ing reception. I accompanied Eric to the bar, the leading journals in plant biology at af­ I was also able to help recruit a new execu­ and he ordered a scotch on the rocks. When fordable prices and to provide effective lead­ tive director (John Lisack, Jr.), contribute to he asked what he owed, the bartender re­ ership for plant science issues at the national the decision that led to not starting a plant plied, "It's an open bar sponsored by the and international level, we must continue to genomics journal, and recruit a new chair CSPP." Eric handed him back the drink and recruit young plant scientists. They need to for the Education Foundation (Bob said, "In that case make it a double." (I think know that ASPP has played a prominent role Goldberg). The year ended with the "excite­ that was the last time there was an open bar in helping to secure large increases in plant ment" (opportunities and problems!) of deal­ at one of our meetings!) By the end of the science and genomics research funding dur­ ing with NIH's proposed electronic initiative, evening, we had met a great many people. ing the past few years. They need to know PubMed Central (previously referred to as E­ When we left Calgary, all of us had become that ASPP is routinely called upon to provide biomed and E-biosci), which would create a well acquainted with several up-and-coming expert information and advice regarding the free public database for all life sciences lit­ young scientists, including Derek Bewley utility and safety of transgenic plants. In the erature. If PubMed Central, or a relative fac­ and Tony Trewavas. future, the ASPP Education Foundation will simile, comes into existence, it will have a At this year's annual meeting in Balti­ have the opportunity to become a key source major effect on ASPP's publications and in­ more, I sat next to a young woman during of unbiased, scientifically accurate informa­ come. But whether or not PubMed Central the luncheon of the Committee on the Sta­ tion about plants and genetically altered becomes a reality, how ASPP adapts to the tus of Women in Plant Physiology. She told crops. This activity is an important one, for evolution of broad-based electronic publica­ me that this was the second ASPP meeting which ASPP is uniquely suited. tions will have a profound effect on the fu­ she had attended, having been at the meet­ I encourage you to become an advocate for ture of the Society. ing in Madison last year. She explained that ASPP. Encourage your colleagues, students, In previous articles, I have tried to inform although she enjoyed the scientific program and postdoctorals to join ASPP. Participation the membership about the activities of ASPP in Madison, this year's meeting was much in ASPP is in the interest of all plant scien­ and the leadership role that the Society plays more fun, because she knew some people tists, whether physiologists, biochemists, cell in advancing research and education in plant and recognized a number of familiar faces. I biologists, molecular biologists, or any other biology. If we are to continue to be the orga­ assured her that it gets better every year! type of specialist. We must work as a cohe­ nization that leads in plant scientific re­ Regular attendance at the ASPP annual sive group if we are to effectively promote search, it is essential that we cast a broad net meeting engenders a strong sense of belong­ the important things that we do for plant to attract young sc\entists that work in the ing to a society of plant biologists. You do science and society in general. lrf, broad field of plant biology and not just as not necessarily get that sense at many other plant physiologists. In this regard, the Mem­ meetings. I attended the XVI International Brian Larkins bership Committee and the Executive Com­ Botanical Congress in St. Louis the week af­ University of Arizona mittee have worked creatively to increase the ter the ASPP meeting. Although it offered a [email protected] Society's membership. We instituted a num­ large and varied program, there were several ber of new membership initiatives (free ac­ thousand people in attendance, and it was cess to the electronic version of the journals easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. for ASPP members, a number of special one­ One of the great things about the ASPP New Officers, Editor year complimentary memberships, increased meeting, besides the fact that it brings to­ involvement in international membership gether a group of scientists who share a The ASPP 1999 election results for new activities, and so on). We believe it is essen- I common interest in understanding how officers, which will be effective October 1, tial to educate graduate students and post­ plants grow and develop, is that it is large, 1999, are as follows: doctorals about the mission of ASPP, and we but not too large. The meeting provides a President-Elect: Dan Cosgrove, want them to have greater involvement in wonderful opportunity to meet colleagues Pennsylvania State University the Society. People who join ASPP as gradu­ and discuss experimental results and to build Secretary: Dan Bush, USDNARS, ate students tend to remain long-term relationships that last for many years. Many University of Illinois members. ASPP members attend every annual meeting. Executive Committee Member: Becky As a case in point, I attended my first This creates a strong sense of family, as Boston, North Carolina State University ASPP meeting in 1972 in Calgary, Alberta, as surely demonstrated at the 75th Anniversary Natasha Raikhel, MSU-DOE Plant Re­ a second-year graduate student. The meeting Banquet in Baltimore, which was attended search Laboratory, Michigan State Univer­ was held jointly with the Canadian Society of by more than 400 people. Induced in the sity, has been selected to succeed Maarten Plant Physiologists, and it was memorable crowd were 52 former officers (including 25 Chrispeels as editor-in-chief of Plant for several reasons. First, I didn't know a of the 36 living presidents!), research award Physiology. The transition will occur in soul, except for my Ph.D. adviser, Eric winners, editors-in-chief, executive directors, May 2000. lit Davies, and the other graduate student in business managers, and publications and our lab, Joe Waldrum. I was intimidated other staff. The seniority award went to

September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ -~'-'-';"'---'------:""_------3 Dan Cosgrove Elected to Lead ASPP in 2000-2001 Don Bush Elected Secretory 1999-2000 Becky Boston Elected to Executive Committee 1999-2002

esults of the 1999 sional journals and on the governing boards ebecca Boston, who will begin her term RASPP election of for the American Society for Photobiology Ras elected member of the Executive officers were an­ and the American Society for Gravitational Committee on October 1, is professor in the nounced in late July and Space Biology. He was director of the Departments of Botany and Genetics, North at Plant Biology '99. USDA pane) on plant growth and develop­ Carolina State University, Raleigh. Her Dr. Daniel Cosgrove, ment in 1995 and is currently serving on an research interests include protein packaging professor in the De­ NSF Cell Biology review panel. His awards and ER stress responses in seeds, protein­ partment of Biology at include the NSF Presidential Young pathogen interactions and structure­ Pennsylvania State Investigator Award (1984-1989), a function relationships of maize ribosome­ University, will as­ Guggenheim Fellowship (1989), the inactivating proteins, and production of sume the office of president-elect on October Fulbright Senior Professor Award (1990), value-added products in crop plants. She 1, 1999. He will lead the Society as president ASPP's Charles Albert Shull Award for teaches plant molecular biology, cell biology, in 2000-2001 and will continue on as imme­ outstanding investigations in plant physiol­ and professional development in biotechnol­ diate past president in 2001-2002. ogy (1991), and the Alexander von Humboldt ogy courses. Her Society activities include Dr. Cosgrove earned a bachelor's degree in Research Award (1996-1997). In 1993, he membership on the Plant Physiology botany at the University of Massachusetts in was elected a fellow of the American editorial board in 1988-1989, the Executive 1974. From 1974 to 1979, he was a graduate Association for the Advancement of Science. Director Search Committee in 1998, the student at Stanford University, where he Dennis R. Hoagland Award Committee from received a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, • •• • 1994 to present, and the Committee on the followed by postdoctoral stints at the Status of Women in Plant Physiology from l~ University of Washington and the Nuclear aniel Bush will serve ASPP as secretary 1998 to present. Research Center at Juelich, Germany. In Dfor the 1999-2000 term. Dr. Bush 1983, he joined the Penn State faculty as received his B.A. in biology in 1978 from assistant professor, advancing in rank to Humboldt State University, Arcata, Califor­ associate professor in 1987 and professor in nia, and his Ph.D. in 1984 from the Univer­ 1991. sity of California, Berkeley. He is an associate Dr. Cosgrove's research focuses on the professor in the Department of Plant Biology mechanisms of plant cell growth. In the at the University of Illinois, Urbana­ early 1980s, he pioneered the use of the Champaign, and chair of the Program in pressure microprobe to evaluate hydraulic Physiological and Molecular Plant Biology at constraints on cell enlargement. This work uruC. His research and academic interests led to theoretical and experimental analyses include determining how plants regulate of wall stress relaxation as the key biophysi­ resource allocation between tissues; cal process controlling cell enlargement. describing the transport properties, struc­ Searching for proteins with wall-loosening ture, and control of sugar and amino acid functions, his group was the first to isolate transporters; and dissecting sucrose­ expansin proteins and to show that they are mediated changes in gene expression. responsible for the acid-growth behavior of He was a member of the editorial board of cell walls. Expansin cloning led to the Plant Physiology from 1991 to 1992 and was recognition that expansins make up a large named Midwest Area Early Career Research multigene family and to the discovery of a Scientist of the Year, USDNARS, in 1992. His second family of expansins that include some service to ASPP includes positions as elected notorious grass pollen allergens. Current secretary-treasurer, vice chair, and chair of work in Cosgrove's lab focuses on the the Midwest Section from 1991 to 1995; developmental, structural, and evolutionary elected Midwest Section representative to the aspects of the expansin gene superfamily, as ASPP Executive Committee from 1995 to well as biochemical and biophysical studies 1998, Midwest Section representative to the of additional mechanisms controlling cell ASPP Executive Committee from 1995 to wall enlargement. 1998, and chair of the Program Committee At Penn State, Dr. Cosgrove has taught in 1998-1999. He is currently completing introductory plant physiology and a variety the 1998-1999 term as ASPP secretary. of more advanced courses on plant growth and development, membrane transport, and laboratory uses of computers. He has served • • •• on the editorial boards of Plant Physiology, Planta, Plant Cell and Environment, Physiologia Plantarum, and other profes- _ ASPPNEWS 4 '------Bob Goldberg to Chair ASPP Education Foundal'ion

"I have always felt that one of the most century," wrote Gordon in an article in the reproduction breakthrough and designed a important things we must do as Summer 1999 issue of UCLA Magazine. "The breeding process for hybrid canola seeds that scientists is to communicate the nature of field of biology," says Goldberg, "is moving at has produced a 15 percent increased yield. our research and what we learn to the warp speed, almost to the point of rendering This process is being applied to other crops general public in terms that they can last year's notes useless." with similar results. understand," states Bob Goldberg, newly Goldberg's discoveries of genes that are In 1997, Goldberg cofounded Ceres Inc., a appointed chair of the ASPP Education active during plant reproduction and genetic gene-discovery company providing commer­ Foundation. "All of us who spend our lives regulatory processes and a novel method to cially important plantgenes and traits to the looking into the problems of 'nature' have a seed, food, fiber, agrochemical, and chemical responsibility to teach what we do to non­ industries. In April 1999, Ceres Inc. and the scientists so that they can understand what University of California announced a we do, how we do it, and why it is important partnership to create the Seed Institute, a for society in general." consortium of university laboratories At Plant Biology '99, the recent ASPP "The field of biology is dedicated to identifying the genes necessary annual meeting in Baltimore, ASPP to create a seed. "Think about it," Goldberg President Brian Larkins announced the moving at warp speed, says. "We'" be able to make more seeds, appointment of Bob Goldberg to chair the bigger seeds, better seeds. And if we could Education Foundation board of directors. Dr. almost to the point of get these engineered crops to reproduce Goldberg is the founding editor and first themselves, you could buy the super seeds editor-in-chief of THE PLANT CELL and has and the crop would perpetuate itself." been an active participant in ASPP. He is a rendering last year's notes Dr. Goldberg received his B.S. degree in professor in the Department of Molecular, botany from Ohio University, his M.S. in Cell and Developmental Biology at UCLA. useless." genetics from the University of Arizona, and In taking on the chairmanship of the his Ph.D. in genetics from the University of foundation, Goldberg states, "The ASPP -Bob Goldberg Arizona. He has received four Distinguished Education Foundation offers a unique Teaching Awards, including the UCLA Gold opportunity to educate the general public in Shield Award for Excellence in Teaching and an objective way about what plant scientists Research (1998). He was recently given the do, how important plants and agriculture are control male fertility for hybrid breeding are National Order for Scientific Merit from the to the world in which we live, and about all helping ignite an agricultural revolution in president of Brazil and was named the UCLA of the exciting advances in crop improve­ which genetic engineering promises notably Faculty Research Lecturer for 1999, the ment that have come about because of higher crop yields with major implications highest research award given by UCLA to a advances in plant genetic engineering." for the world's food supply attribution. faculty member. In 1993, he received ASPP's Although Goldberg stretches the frontiers Goldberg and scientists at Plant Genetic Distinguished Service award for his contri­ of science research and inspires students to Systems in Gent, Belgium, made a plant butions in founding THE PLANT CELL. lrt- pursue basic scienc~ research, he focuses much of his attention on teaching science to non-scientist students. "We, as scientists, are trying to push back the frontiers of knowl­ edge so that we can have a positive impact on the future of humanity," says Goldberg. "I target non-science majors in my courses ("Genetic Engineering and Society" and "The Human Genome: Prospects for the Super Race?") because the students who take these courses will be using aQvances in genetic technology on a daily basis in the future and will be the decision makers of tomorrow." "In the lab, Bob Goldberg's research in genetic engineering may lead to new generations of super plants. But it is in the classroom where his influence perhaps is greatest, as he sows the seeds that will blossom into the newest crop of young scientists," stated Dan Gordon, freelance writer. "Dr. Goldberg is an honored professor of molecular, cell and developmental biology, a teacher par excellence and a man whose push-the-envelope research may change the face of agriculture well into the next Bob Goldberg. Photo by Seth Joel.

_ September/October~ 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 ----J_ s Plant Biology '99 - Celebrating ASPP's 75th Anniversary I

ore than 1,600 attendees converged on a personal meeting agenda. And a more package that provides a user-friendly MBaltimore, Maryland, for Plant Biology complete abstract supplement and printed environment offering content delivery, '99 and the celebration of the 75 th anniver­ program were delivered to those who announcements, online quizzes, automatic sary of the American Society of Plant attended the meeting. scoring and cumulative grading, threaded Physiologists. Many special events were held discussion groups, chat rooms, drop boxes to commemorate the occasion. Despite the Dynamic Meeting Format-Afternoon and for written assignments, and internal hot, humid weather, a near-record number of Evening Poster Sessions capability for student e-mail accounts and attendees participated in numerous scientific The format for Plant Biology '99 was Web pages. and social events. Here are a few of the modeled after the more dynamic meeting highlights! schedule that debuted last year. The Program Featured Luncheons and Speakers Committee selected 23 minisymposia from The conference also featured two lun­ Special President's Symposium: Global among the submitted abstracts, suggestions cheon programs. The Committee on Minor­ Issues in Plant Biology from the membership, and "hot" topics. In ity Affairs sponsored a luncheon featuring One of the major highlights of Plant addition, the four lunchtime and two Dr. Terry Medley, director of regulatory af­ Biology '99 was the President's Symposium evening poster sessions featured more than fairs at DuPont. Dr. Medley was formerly the on Wednesday, July 28. This special 75 th 1,000 posters, which were on display for four chief administrator of the USDNAPHIS (Ani­ anniversary symposium was conceived of full days. Key highlights of our program mal and Plant Health Inspection Service). He several years ago by ASPP President Brian were the five major symposia: Auxin Biology, was the highest-ranking African American in Larkins. It focused on global issues that Cell Cycle Regulation, Functional Plant the USDA and headed the 8,000-person plant scientists face as we enter the 21st Genomics, Biochemical Genetics, and the APHIS. He has a doctorate in law and a solid century. Featured were three prominent President's Symposium. understanding of biotechnology and was pri­ scientists whose various perspectives helped marily responsible for developing the regula­ to frame the state of the world and the Variety of Workshops tory framework at USDA. challenges that we face, as well as the Plant Biology '99 featured workshops in The Committee on the Status of Women options and opportunities afforded us. several strategic areas. The Committee on in Plant Physiology held a luncheon Dr. Lester Brown, president of Worldwatch Public Affairs sponsored a workshop entitled featuring Eileen Dowse of Human Dynamics, Institute, monitors the state of agriculture "Perspectives of Science Leaders." This Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. and the environment worldwide. In addition session was very well attended and featured Ms. Dowse spoke on "Communicating to to its annual publications State of the World the distinguished Dr. Rita Colwell, National Overcome Resistance and Increase Success." and Vital Signs, Worldwatch publishes a Science Foundation director. The ability to communicate effectively is number of publications dealing with health Aspecial Careers Workshop targeted to paramount in any relationship. Outstanding and safety. Several years ago, Dr. Brown postdoctoral associates and graduate leaders succeed by developing effective authored a provocative book entitled Who students was organized by the Committee on communication styles. They are committed Will Feed China? that very clearly describes the Status of Women in Plant Physiology. to improving relationships by openly and the challenges facing world agriculture in The workshop featured brief introductions honestly discussing and resolving issues. the coming decade. by speakers with a Ph.D. in some field of Dr. Peter Raven is director of the Missouri plant biology who chose career paths New Time and Spotlight for Awards Botanical Garden, and his scientific interests divergent from the research university track. Symposium and Ceremony center on population biology, evolution, and The speakers included representatives from The ASPP Awards Symposium and ecology. industry, government, publishing, patent Ceremony was highlighted as the opening Dr. Robert Fraley is president of Ceregen, law, finance, and other fields. After the event on Saturday afternoon. President Brian a division of Monsanto and a leader in plant introductions, workshop attendees broke Larkins announced the 1999 award winners, biotechnology applications in agriculture. into small groups, and the speakers rotated and Dr. Hans Kende delivered the ASPP Monsanto has played a leading role in the among tables for small group question-and­ Hales Prize address, "A Wondrous Journey development of the first transgenic crops answer sessions. (See story on page 14.) Through Hormoneland." In recent years, and is aggressively exploring the application The Education Workshop, sponsored by this event had been held on Sunday evening. of genetic engineering to agricultural the ASPP Education Committee, examined The Program Committee would appreciate production. present uses of and future trends in the any feedback on the change in the schedul­ The symposium was well attended and Internet in undergraduate education. A live ing of this important function. thought provoking. (For more about the Internet connection was set up for the presentations, see page 10.) presentations, and the use and utility of the Business Meeting Plant-Ed newsgroup were demonstrated as a The ASPP annual business meeting was Online Abstracts, Schedule, and Program tool for obtaining assistance from other held Tuesday, July 27. President Brian The electronic submission of abstracts plant educators. Adiscussion on how to use Larkins and Board of Trustees Chair Doug once again made it possible for the abstracts Web resources for teaching and in lecture Randall gave a brief report on the Society's and program schedule to be available in a and laboratory courses ensued, and several activities, financial health, and budget for fully searchable format and printable as a gateways to useful resources for plant the year 2000. Maarten Chrispeels, editor-in­ PDF through ASPP's Web page several biology education were identified. Finally, chief of Plant Physiology, and Crispin Taylor, months before the meeting. Many attendees the future of course delivery was explored via managing editor of THE PLANT CELL, gave used the new feature to create and customize a demonstration of a commercial software updates on their respective journals.

_ 6 L.-- ASPPNEWS _ Most of the meeting was actually spent Wednesday evening at a major league Special Functions discussing E-biomed (later termed E-biosci baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles Other functions at the meeting included and now called PubMed Centra!), the NIH and the Texas Rangers. Orioles Park at the Small Colleges/Primarily Undergraduate proposal to provide rapid, free, and complete Camden Yards is a state-of-the-art ballpark Institutions Breakfast, which enjoyed a access to the primary research literature in located just a few minutes from the Balti­ successful turnout and lively discussion on the biological sciences. Shortly before the more Inner Harbor hotels and the Conven­ Sunday morning; the Plant Runners meeting, Society staff had electronically tion Center. Stampede 5k and 10k Fun Run on Tuesday broadcast to all ASPP members a document morning, which took place around the Inner they had prepared to summarize the issues ASPP Photo Collage Harbor; and the Chesapeake Bay Crab and and concerns surrounding PubMed Central, In celebration of ASPP's 75 th anniversary, Chicken Feast, with live dance music and especially the profound financial impact the the photo collage collection created by Ray plenty of good food and libations, held initiative might have on the Society, whose Bressan of Purdue University was on display Tuesday evening at the Baltimore Museum of operations and activities depend largely on during the meeting for all members to enjoy. Industry on the Baltimore Harbor. the surplus generated by Plant Physiology Thanks are extended to Ray for creating this and THE PLANT CELL. This document and wall of memories and transporting it to and other information regarding PubMed Central from Baltimore. Plant Biology 2000 are now available on the ASPP Web site at The 75 th anniversary landmark meeting is http://aspp.orglebiosci/ebiosci.htm. now history, and the Program Committee is Job Fair Members attending the business meeting already immersed in planning Plant Biology Throughout the meeting, attendees visited voiced a range of opinions about whether the 2000, which will be held July 15-19, 2000, in the on-site job information exhibits spon­ Society should participate in PubMed San Diego, California, at the Town & sored by Pioneer Hi-Bred International and Central. (The Executive Committee autho­ Country Convention Center and Resort. This Novartis. Thanks also to Pioneer for rized staff at its July 23rd meeting to meeting and the annual meeting of the generously sponsoring the popular portfolio commence discussions with NIH to explore Phycological Society of America are cases for all meeting attendees. the possibility of ASPP signing on.) Alively scheduled to run concurrently in San Diego. question-and-answer session ensued with Sessions and activities of mutual interest will staff and President Brian Larkins, who led Exhibits and Product Presentations be planned. We look forward to an exciting the discussion. Staff will keep members Arecord number of exhibitors presented week of science and other diversions in apprised of developments in PubMed Central their products and services to attendees in sunny California! Mark your calendars and via the ASPP Web site, where occasional the Exhibit Hall for three days. In addition, watch the ASPP NEWS and the Society's Web updates as well as responses from readers to two vendors, Promega Corporation and page for further details! l(t.o the various postings will appear. InforMax, Inc., conducted special product presentations and demonstrations during Dan Bush, ASPP Secretary and Baltimore Orioles Game the evening poster sessions on Sunday and Program Committee Chair More than 200 Plant Biology '99 attendees Monday. This format was well received and Susan Chambers, ASPP Program ended the conference by unwinding will be expanded at future meetings. Committee Staff Liaison

Aubrey Naylor, past presiden1.

Jady (Carlson) Moore, larmer ASPP publications director; Mary Helen Goldsmith, pasl president; Bernie Phinney, past president; and Ann Hirsch, CSWIPP chair.

President· elect Debby Delmer with past presidents Harry Beevers (Ieh) and Jim Siedaw.

September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ -~------7 Aword Honorees ot Plont Biology '99

Following are the citations for the awards Physiology from 1963 to 1993. This award tion of her research on the role of metals in that were presented July 24, 1999, at the is given biennially to an individual who regulating the biosynthesis and assembly of Annual Awards Ceremony at Plant Biology has pioneered advances that have served metalloproteins in photosynthetic eukary­ '99, the annual meeting of the American to establish new directions of investiga­ otes. Her innovative investigations estab­ Society of Plant Physiologists, held this tion in the plant sciences. lished the critical role of trace metals as year in Baltimore, Maryland. regulatory agents in the biogenesis and he 1999 Martin Gibbs Medal is awarded accumulation of electron transport compo­ Tto Steven D. Tanksley. Through his nents required for a functional photosyn­ pioneering work in the area of molecular thetic apparatus and provided new insights Corresponding Membership Award plant breeding, Dr. Tanksley made important into the molecular mechanisms underlying Anthony J. Trewavas advances in the area of plant genomics well these fundamental processes. before the term gained its current popular­ Starting as a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. This award, initially given in 1932, ity. Dr. Tanksley and his colleagues developed Merchant charted an independent course as provides life membership and Society the first molecular linkage map of a plant she recognized that in algae, the copper­ publications to distinguished plant genome, using this information to perform regulated reciprocal expression of plastocya­ physiologists from outside the United the first map-based cloning of a disease nin and cytochrome c6 offered a unique and States. The honor is conferred by election resistance gene-the Pto gene for resistance powerful system for investigating how trace on the annual ballot. to bacterial speck in tomato. Tanksley also metals control gene expression. Using pioneered the development of comparative Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model rofessor Anthony J. Trewavas's scientific maps in crop plants, providing a bridge for system, she demonstrated that the differen­ Pcontributions are characterized above all integrating information across genera and tial accumulation of plastocyanin versus by the breadth of his interests and by the investigating the common evolutionary cytochrome c6 depends on two distinct creativity and scholarship he brings to a wide heritage of higher plants. He has contributed mechanisms: Plastocyanin accumulation is array of topics. significantly to the development of linkage regulated by proteolysis, whereas cyto­ His scholarly and provocative papers on maps for rice, wheat, oat, potato, and pepper. chrome c6 1evels depend on transcriptional how plant growth substances work stimu­ Again using tomato as their first model, activation. This work led to the definition of lated widespread debate and popularized the Dr. Tanksley and his colleagues have also a copper sensor with an extraordinary and concept that variable sensitivity to plant demonstrated that wild relatives of crop specific sensitivity and a number of tightly hormones is a key regulator in plant plants can contribute genes that enhance coordinated changes in biochemical development. He developed this theme performance (e.g., yield or fruit size), even activities in response to copper availability in further in studies identifying developmental when the wild species lack the desirable the medium. Specifically, Dr. Merchant windows in which specific cells are sensitive traits. This surprising and counterintuitive found that adaptation to copper deficiency to growth regulators. result has been confirmed for many involves the de novo accumulation of He was an early advocate of population Lycopersicon species and traits, and similar cytochrome c6 induction of heme synthesis, and threshold-based approaches to the study results have been obtained in other crops. activation of a copper transport system, and of developmental processes, dormancy, and Through his pioneering scientific discov­ rapid degradation of plastocyanin. Dr. growth. eries, Dr. Tanksley has trained some of the Merchant's work has revealed two major He pioneered the use of aequorin and leading investigators in plant genomics, and processes induced by low levels of copper: other intracellular probes as in vivo he has markedly influenced the course of the heme biosynthetic pathway and an reporters, allowing detailed real-time studies modern plant biology. In recognition of assimilatory copper transport system. Dr. of fluctuations in cytoplasmic calcium these many accomplishments, Dr. Tanksley Merchant's dedication to research is matched concentrations in response to diverse has won other awards, including election to by her dedication to the resear\=h commu­ signals. the National Academy of Sciences in 1995. nity. She is an exciting lecture~, a scholarly Calcium-dependent protein kinase reviewer, an effective supporter\)f plant cascades are now recognized as fundamental Charles Albert Shull Award research, and a valued mentor. cellular regulators of a wide array of Sabeeha Merchant In summary, Sabeeha Merchant has processes, and Dr. Trewavas has made pioneered the identification and elucidation seminal contributions to our knowledge of The Charles Albert Shull Award was of critical regulatory processes in gene plant protein kinases. initiated in 1971 by the Society to honor expression in photosynthetic eukaryotes. She In addition to innovative experimental Dr. Charles A. Shull, who was primarily has brought to light a complex system with work, he has also produced insightful responsible for the founding and early interrelated components and precisely reviews and uniquely creative and perceptive growth of the Society. The award is made coordinated mechanisms that operate at the hypotheses that have guided research in biennially by the Society for outstanding levels of transcription, RNA processing, and diverse fields of plant physiology. investigations in the field of plant protein degradation to ensure the function physiology by a scientist residing in North of a key biochemical pathway that is Martin Gibbs Medal Award America who is under 40 years of age or dependent on metalloproteins. Steven D. Tanksley within 10 years of having earned a doctoral degree. This award, initiated in 1993, honors Martin Gibbs for his outstanding service abeeha Merchant is awarded the 1999 to the Society as editor-in-chief of Plant SCharles Albert Shull Award in recogni- _ 8 L..-- ASPPNEWS _ Charles Reid Barnes Life peroxisomes in animals. Harry Beevers has Membership Award also been active in ASPP. Among his many ". :,.:;.~: Harry Beevers services to the Society and the profession, he ieT US I1EAI{f'R()M tOl,]) ..... was ASPP president in 1961-1962. The Barnes Award is the oldest ASPP Harry Beevers has been an outstanding award. It was established in 1925 in honor teacher, mentor, colleague, and, above all, of Dr. Charles Reid Barnes, the first friend to many around the world who have professor of plant physiology at the been touched by his warmth, humor, and on topics 'c6\'er~d inthen~~fe;. University of Chicago. It is an annual honest interest in them as both individuals award of life membership in the Society and scientists. ~er find onotherp()ints'of~ntef~sf given to recognize the recipient for meritorious work in plant physiology. Special Citation Pat Richter-Cherry arry Beevers is one of the notable plant Hphysiologists of the 20th century. He The Special Citation Award recognizes has richly and profoundly contributed to the outstanding service to the organization. advances in our understanding of plant me­ beedit~dfor.Cl~ritya'~~ l¢ngtht tabolism and plant cell biology with more at Richter-Cherry is awarded a Special than 200 research publications and two PCitation from the American Society of SUbmiSSiqri~'.·~~••••nbt•••n~ceSS~;ilY···· texts. Plant Physiologists for outstanding service to With his coworkers, Harry Beevers the organization. Acting largely on her own ...... : :- ..... ':.,:" ....:.<::...r" ':' .. > -...... elucidated the salient features of a number of initiative while business manager, she was be published: receipt is not .(.\0-. key pathways of plant metabolism. Among responsible for arranging the donation of the these are the first experimental demonstra­ Cude Estate to the Society. This enduring knowledged ~Mailletter$£oI~ditb~~ .• tion of CO2 fixation in crassulacean acid gift made it possible for the Society to obtain metabolism; cyanide resistance of Arum excellent office facilities in a beautifulloca­ IJ'vlononaDri:V~;: respiration; contributions elucidating tion. This headquarters facility has enabled ASPP NEWS/I550 respiratory pathways and their regulation, ASPP to host a spectrum of events, including including the fate of specific glucose carbons countless committee meetings, the annual Rockville, MDi6s55.2768;e.mail·· in the glycolytic and pentose phosphate crab feast of the Washington Section, and . . pathways; and elucidation of the glyoxylate conferences of scientific advisers to the .. [email protected]. cycle in fatty seeds. president of the United States. The Society In 1967, his laboratory discovered the gratefully acknowledges Pat Richter-Cherry's glyoxysome and showed that key enzymes for unselfish efforts and warmly recognizes her the conversion of fats to carbohydrates in extraordinary contribution to the advance­ fatty seed tissues via B-oxidation and the ment of plant science. Henceforth, the con­ glyoxylate cycle were localized in this ference room at ASPP headquarters will be organelle. This discovery led others to known as the Pat Richter-Cherry Conference discover leaf pero~isomes and stimulated Room and will feature a plaque designating further understanding of the role of it as such. l~

Award recipients honored at 'he ASPP 751h anniversary meeting included (from lehl Pot Richler-Cherry, who received a Special Citation Award; Harry Beevers, who received the Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award; and Sabeeha Merchant, who received the Charles Albert Shull Award. ASPP President Brian Larkins (third from leh) presented the awards.

_ September/October.....:..- 1999,~---:...... Vol. 26, No.5 ____J_ 9 President's Symposium: Global Issues in Plant Biology

he President's Symposium of Plant identified by Brown: a growth in global improvements in crops and crop yields. He TBiology '99 featured perspectives on the population, changing and expanding diets, noted that genomics research increases the diversity of life, the need to meet growing an aging global population, and a need for resource pool for plant development one­ demands for food, and the prospects for sustainable development. million-fold. Some 14 percent of the yield plant scientists to help meet those demands "I have no doubt that when we look back, gain in cotton results from new genes added for food while conserving environmental we will be impressed with what biotechnol­ in the development of modified cotton. resources. ogy will bring" in meeting increased In addressing resistance to modified foods Dr. Peter Raven, director of the Missouri demands for food resulting from these global in Europe, Fraley noted that the European Botanical Garden, gave a history of the trends, Fraley said. He added that we are just Union does not have a science-based development of life forms on earth. He noted at the early stage of the biotechnology regulatory system as is found in the United that it is believed that life began on earth 3.8 revolution, which is bringing increased States He said industry must do a better job billion years ago. Some 430 million years yields and higher-quality crops. Some of listening and responding to the issues and ago, life emerged on land. However, some 65 concerns raised. million years ago, two of every three living Coordinated by ASPP President Brian organisms disappeared, most likely as a Larkins, the President's Symposium result of the effects of an asteroid hit near emphasized public issues affecting plant the Yucatan. Raven pointed out that, biology. It marked a departure from past curiously, there appears to be a greater formats in which the newest developments enthusiasm among the public to find life on "I have no doubt that when we in an area of science were addressed. As Mars than to learn more about diverse life always, a large number of ASPP members forms on earth. look back, we will be impressed attended the symposium. lee.- There are now about 250,000 described with what biotechnology will species of plants. There may be as many as 300,000 species, as Raven noted that we bring [in meeting increased probably have another 50,000 species to discover. Agreater knowledge of plants on demands for food]." earth offers substantial benefits to the public. Plants provide food, oxygen, medi­ -Robert Fraley Membe,s can now cines, clothing, shelter, and aesthetic satisfaction. Raven warned that more must be done to prevent the loss of biodiversity in the next century and to meet the nutritional update mail/ needs of a growing population. Dr. Lester Brown, president of Worldwatch imported petroleum-based products used for Institute, said that the population in the de­ industrial chemicals and fuels may be e-mail/phone with veloped world is not expected to grow over replaced in part by bioenergy sources as the next few decades. However, in the devel­ green plants are converted into biochemical oping world, the number of people will factories. a new fo,m on the greatly increase, possibly by as many as 3 bil­ Fraley said that 850,000 fewer gallons of lion. Brown noted, however, that human dis­ insecticide were used in the United States ease is checking population growth in some from 1996 to 1998 because many farmers ASPP Web page. developing countries such as Zimbabwe. converted to the use of modified cotton As incomes rise in developing nations, plants developed by Monsanto. He noted that consumption of animal protein can be ex­ people in China have called this "miracle Visit OUI Web site pected to increase, putting further demands cotton." on farmers to increase crop yields for animal He also added that insect-protected maize feed. However, there will likely be less farm­ has gone from an idea to reality. Asome­ land available as farms are encroached by times overlooked benefit of this development at http:// more dwellings and industrial development. is the reduced risk of mycotoxin contamina­ Brown said that by the year 2037, it is tion in milk. Foods with healthier benefits expected that India will surpass China in for humans are expected as scientists develop aspp.olg/ population. He questioned whether there high-stearate canola and soy oil for marga­ will be enough fresh water for agriculture in rine and spreads. Future advances in plant large developing countries such as China and research will lead to human health benefits, India. With its $40 billion surplus in trade such as cholesterol reduction, lower blood with the United States, Brown noted that pressure, prevention of some cases of cancer, China could well afford to purchase grain and reduction of deficiencies in vitamin A. update.htm. from American farmers. Advanced genomics will further accelerate Dr. Robert Fraley, vice president for the discovery of new crops and products, research at Monsanto/Ceregen, cited some Fraley said. Combining advanced breeding global trends that are similar to those techniques with genomics will accelerate 10 ______...;..A.;..;;.;SP...;..P=N=EW~S _ ASPP's 75th Anniversary Banquet

n Sunday, July 25, 1999, more than 400 ceremonies for the event. President Brian After many interesting stories from the OASPP members, current and former Larkins greeted and welcomed all the special past and some proposals for the future, Dr. officers, editors, award winners, and staff invitees. After dinner, Dr. Siedow introduced Delmer and guests toasted the future with members convened at the Baltimore Hilton the program speakers, and former president special 75 th anniversary wine glasses. The to attend a special banquet honoring ASPP's Harry Beevers (1961-1962) offered the event closed with a resounding rendition of first 75 years. ASPP President Brian Larkins opening remarks. Three editors-in-chief "Lloyd George" led by past presidents Harry came up with the idea for a special banquet spoke: Martin Gibbs, Plant Physiology, 1963­ Beevers and Russell Jones. early in his presidency, and invitations were 1992; Bob Goldberg, founding editor, THE More photos from the event and the text of sent to all former officers and award winners, PLANT CELL, 1988-1993; and Maarten some of the speeches can be found by as well as to key past staff members. More Chrispeels, Plant Physiology, 1992-present. clicking on http://aspp.orglmeetings/ than 80 invitations were accepted, and more The audience also heard from past presidents 75thAnniversaryBanquet.htm. A profession­ than 300 additional banquet tickets were Winslow Briggs (1975-1976), Joe Key ally taped video of the program portion of purchased by Plant Biology '99 attendees. (1976-1977), and Mary Helen Goldsmith the event is available for $10 from ASPP The evening began with a cocktail hour to (1991-1992). Remarks by Debby Delmer, headquarters. Please contact Donna Gordon give guests time to mingle with old friends president-elect (1998-1999), rounded out at [email protected] if you are interested. ~~ and reminisce. Former ASPP President Jim the program. Siedow (1994-1995) was the master of

Martin Gibbs, former editor-in-chief, Plant Bob Goldberg, founding editor and former editor-in-chief Physiology of THE PlANT CElL.

Brion Lorkins, president ond former editor-in-chief of THE Moorlen Chrispeels, edilor-in-chiel, Plant Physiology PlANT CElL.

September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No. S _ ---=----_....:.----.;...------11 Executive Committee Meets in Baltimore

he ASPP Executive Committee met twice • Funding and a Web link were approved for • The Program Committee was asked to Tduring Plant Biology '99 in Baltimore­ an educational program prepared by Peggy explore the possibility of conducting the on July 23rd and 27'h-and addressed a full G. Lemaux geared to assist colleagues in ASPP meeting in conjunction with the agenda. President Brian Larkins opened the communicating the importance of our sci­ Arabidopsis meeting. first meeting by announcing the election ence to decision makers and the general • The appointment of Bob Goldberg as chair results, the appointment of an International public. of the ASPP Education Foundation was Committee, and the high level of activity of • The Constitution and Bylaws Committee announced. all committees. The highlights of the was asked to outline the procedure that • $5,000 from the year 2000 "good works" meetings follow. would be required to change the Society's fund was allocated for the NAS/ASPP name. Symposium. The ASPP Southern Section • Activity reports were received from all • Staff were directed to continue a dialogue expressed an interest in hosting the committees, boards, and staff. with the NIH leadership regarding the E­ symposium. • The annual audit was "clean" and showed biomed (now called PubMed Central) pro­ • The appointment of an additional member the Society to be in a strong financial posal and concurrently solicit input from the to each award committee was approved, position. ASPP membership. bringing the total on each committee to five. • Investments showed a 13.4 percent return • Staff were authorized to negotiate with • Progress on the textbook Biochemistry on conservative investments. journal aggregators, so long as Society rev­ and Molecular Biology ofPlants was re­ • An added service, discounts on selected enues are not jeopardized. viewed. Publication is expected in mid-2000. related journals, was approved for our • The International Committee was directed One of the special moments during the members. to develop criteria whereby up to 20 compli­ meeting was the recognition of members • The 2000 budget was approved at a mentary or subsidized online subscriptions completing their term on the Executive funding level of $5,298,933. might be given to under-funded institutions. Committee. Ken Keegstra, Natasha Raikhel, • The following committee appointments • $8,000 was approved for the year 2000 Doug Randall, and Marc Cohn (not present) were approved. Publications Committee: from "good works" funding for an ASPP ex­ were presented with plaques and acknowl­ Becky Chasan as chair and Doug Cook as a hibition at the National Science Teachers As­ edged for thei r dedication to the Society. lrt- five-year member; Constitution and Bylaws sociation Convention in Orlando, Florida, Committee: Subhash Minocha as chair and April 6-9, 2000. John Lisack, Jr. Mark Jacobs as a three-year member; Board • One free color figure was approved for in­ Executive Director of Trustees: Don Ort as chair and Ken vited articles in Plant Physiology, pending Keegstra as a three-year member. the editor's approval.

Magic Monday: Members Flock to CSWIPP-Sponsored Events in Baltimore

reetings from the Committee on the mative talk interspersed with magic tricks, GStatus of Women in Plant Physiology flying bricks, and numerous tips on how to (CSWIPP)! To the right, you will see our new communicate with people at home and in logo, which was drawn by Margaret the workplace. Not many of us will forget Kowalczyk of UCLA. For those of you who how important body language is in commu­ Shawn Anderson (DuPont), Virginia are botanically inclined, the logo represents nication! Pioneer Hybrid, DuPont, and Goldman (Gillette Research Institute), and an apical meristem with spiral phyllotaxis. Monsanto all provided generous contribu­ Steve McCurry (Cargill)-described their We will use it to highlight any CSWIPP­ tions toward the luncheon, and the commit­ jobs, how they came to be doing them, and sponsored events as well as the CSWIPP col­ tee is grateful for their support. the kinds of advantages afforded by their de­ umn in the ASPP NEWS. Maybe someday, The third ASPP careers workshop, entitled grees to the sold-out and enthusiastic crowd there will even be T-shirts! "Where Are the Job$?" was also held on Mon­ of more than 120 people. Rob McClung and CSWIPP activities filled a busy day at the day, but in the evening. After pizza and Beth Hood, CSWIPP members, chaired the recent ASPP annual meeting in Baltimore. drinks, short talks were presented by the workshop, and they, Ann Hirsch, and Becky After an early-morning committee meeting, speakers, all of whom obtained degrees in Boston helped move the speakers from table nearly all the tables were filled for the lun­ plant biology or related fields but have made to table for the roundtable discussions that cheon talk on Monday, July 26. Committee their careers outside universities and small followed the formal presentations. Initial member Becky Boston introduced our guest, colleges. The speakers-Becky Chasan feedback on the workshop from both panel­ Eileen Dowse of Human Dynamics, Inc., Re­ (American Institute of Biological Sciences; ists and participants was positive, and it is search Triangle Park, North Carolina, who editor, BioScience), Ellen Johnson' the committee's intention to sponsor at least spoke about "Communicating to Overcome (Wilmington Friends School), Dale Hunt one similar event when ASPP meets next Resistance and Increase Success." Ms. Dowse (Knobbe, Martens, Olson and Bear, LLP), summer in San Diego for Plant Biology gave an entertaining and exceptionally infor- Stefan Kirchanski (Graham and James LLP), 2000.lrt-

_ ASPPNEWS 12 ------ASPP-Sponsored Teaching and Research Workshop in Greece

teaching and research workshop titled Agricultural University of Athens; Andreas port of Chania and a field trip to Heraklion, A"Plant Sciences: Perspectives Beyond Doulis, MAICh; Angelos Kanellis, Aristotelian which included visits to the Archaeological 2000" was held at the Mediterranean University; Nikos Panopoulos, University of Museum, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, and Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh) on Crete, Heraklion; and Athanasios Tsaftaris, the Institute of Molecular Biology of the the island of Crete, Greece, from July 5 to Aristotelian University. University of Crete, provided the participants July 16, 1999. The worskhop was co­ Lectures focused on the impact of with some time for relaxation and social organized by Dr. Kriton K. Hatzios (ASPP) emerging technologies-for example, interactions. By the honest admission of all and Dr. Andreas Doulis (MAICh) and was co­ biotechnology, bioinformalics, and func­ parlicipants, the "Plant Sciences" workshop sponsored by ASPP and MAICh. 1\venty-two tional genomics-on plant hiology and at Chania was immensely successful and a participants (graduate students and faculty) agriculture, and topics ranged frcJm weed memorable and productive experience for all from 12 Mediterranean countries attended control to the use of plan ts for the student and faculty participants. Thanks to the course. Countries represented in the bioproduction of pharmaceuticals and edible IISPP and MAICh for providing 36 scientists workshop and the number of student vaccines. Ten laboratory sessions prcJvided from 12 different countries with the participants from each country were as the students with hands-on eXflerience on opportunity to discuss current and future follows: Albania (3), Algeria (1), Bulgaria (1), the following topics: analysis of gas exchange trends in plant science research and for Egypt (1), Greece (7), Hungary (1), Lebanon during photosynthesis of plants, light sowing the seeds for future interactions and (3), Palestine (1), Slovenia (1), Tunisia (1), microscopy, isolation of natural products collaborations. trt- Turkey (1), and Yugoslavia (1). from plant tissue cultures, screening for Fourteen professors (eight from the ethylene mutants in Arabidopsis, plant Kriton Hatzios United States and six from Greece) partici­ transformation using Agrobacterium Virginia Polytechnic Institute & pated as instructors in the workshop. The tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes, and the use State University participating American professors were of recombinant DNA techniques (genomic Blacksburg Carole Cramer, Virginia Tech; Richard Cyr, DNA isolation, DNA amplification via PCR, Penn State University; Elizabeth Grabau, restriction digestion of plasmid DNA, DNA Virginia Tech; Kriton Hatzios, Virginia Tech; analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA Eva Pell, Penn State University; Ilya Raskin, cloning, DNA ligation, transformation of Rutgers University; Athanasios Theologis, bacterial cells by electroporation and plating USDA Plant Gene Expression Center; and of transformants, plasmid DNA minipreps, Fabricio Medina-Bolivar, Virginia Tech. The and analysis of recombinant plasmids by gel participating Greek faculty were Phillipos electrophoresis). Aravanopoulos, Aristotelian University of Al though each workday's schedule was full Thessaloniki; Polydeukis Chatzopoulos, and rather intense, evening strolls at the old

Group photo of student ond foculty porticponts at the ASPP-MAICh Workshop in Chonio, Greece.

Seplember/Oclober 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ _ -'-- -'--- -...J 13 Council of Scientific Society Presidents Meets

he Council of Scientific Society Presi­ Tdents (CSSP) met in Washington, DC, May 1-4, 1999. CSSP is an organization comprising the presidents, presidents-elect, and immediate past presidents of more than 60 scientific societies and federations whose combined membership numbers well over a million scientists and science educators. Since its inception in 1973, CSSP has served as a strong voice in support of science and science education. Martin Apple, CSSP president, has encouraged the executive directors of the member societies to attend the meeting to provide continuity in understanding the important role CSSP plays. To that end, John Lisack, Jr., ASPP executive director, represented the Society. The meeting's goal was to answer the question, Has science become the "Greatest Story Never Told"? The meeting featured a number of congressional leaders, including the Honorable Pete Domenici (R-NM), chair of the Senate Budget Committee; noted Dr. John loPidus, president, Council of Graduote Schools, and John lisock, Jr., ASPP execulive director, ot recenl CSPP meeling. researchers such as Nobel Laureate and National Science Medalist Dudley Herschbach; and visionaries such as Lester Brown, president of Worldwatch Institute. Consensus was that scientific societies must work together to adapt public policy positions on science and to foster ways to enhance the public understanding and appreciation of science. Lofty goals that we must all pursue! l;

...... '". .", . ,,-- >:.)~.. ,~ul)Med.Cehtral ·.·.·>· . Monsanto Supports ASPP Education Foundation • "1.'-', •..••••••••

Visit the. ASPPWeo slt(:(~t onsanto Company has made a signifi­ Monsanto's Sustaining Development Sector \(: :::.~:/~L·:·::::~ ::~ . ...-::.:}: Mcant annual donation to the ASPP and general manager of Monsanto's eqip~Ci(&;§f()~Gi:htT" Education Foundation. Monsanto's life Agracetus Campus, participates on the ASPP http://aspp·org/ , -. -..-~: .~'- < sciences companies are involved in pharma­ Education Foundation Board. ceuticals, agriculture, and consumer health The collaboration of plant science re­ foi •• ~ •• sllIl1~~iY·~f.l\IbMe,.... Monsanto's leadership in biotechnology. For several years, Monsanto has joined ASPP in its efforts to increase the under­ standing of basic plant research in its applications to agricultural biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. ASPP member Rob Horsch, who is company president of _ 14 L- ASPPNEWS _ Public Affairs ------t~~

NSF Director Rita Colwell's Vision for Science Eyed Enthusiastically by Plant Scientists

n July 24, before a large crowd of As a community, we are ideally positioned In fact, these linkages are one of the most Oattendees at the ASPP 75th anniversary to tackle the challenges ahead. We've already striking and dynamic features of scientific meeting in Baltimore, National Science seen this in such areas as the Plant Genome progress today. We see great excitement at Foundation Director Rita Colwell provided Initiative, in key education initiatives, in our the boundaries of disciplines, always fueled an exciting look into the future of science. shared concern for a diverse scientific by progress in the core fields. This is central Widely acknowledged as one of the great workforce, and in the growing recognition to NSF's overall investment strategy, and it visionaries in science today, Dr. Colwell for the importance of reaching across drives the need for increased investment in explained the key expanding role for plant disciplines, to name just a few examples. A research and education. scientists in making future shared discover­ superb example of this is one of the NSF is the fulcrum for all for science and ies with colleagues in information technolo­ minisymposia next Wednesday morning on engineering. We're the only agency whose gies and other disciplines. ASPP President the topic of "Plant Research Benefiting mission covers research in all fields as well Brian Larkins noted that ASPP was honored as education at all levels-cradle to grave. to welcome Dr. Colweli, who is charting a We support the fundamental work that course for the future of science that will benefits the other federal agencies right capture the advances of all science disci­ "Genomics-in particular plant down the line. That's why we need to plines and send them on a journey together continue to support investments that reach to find exciting new destinations. genomics-will be the next all fields and all disciplines. Following is the major portion of Dr. Let me turn to what this means for NSF in Colwell's remarks: great technological revolution. immediate terms. Our three investment priorities for this year's NSF budget reflect It is interesting to contemplate that the It will bring changes compa­ this embracing vision of science and only individual organisms still alive to have engineering. I'd like to explore each of them seen the dawning of the last millennium are rable to the Industrial Revolu­ a bit with you. The first area is the study of plants. There aren't many that have survived biocomplexity. By now, some of you may be this long, but we know some have. It is just tion and to the computer-based familiar with this term, but some may not. one reminder of how much we can learn revolution that grips us now." We're moving beyond the old approach of from the flora all around us. Maybe at the just cataloging species or looking at an end of the next 1,000 years, we will be able to -Rita Colwell eternity in isolation. The living systems that communicate with plants and ... I can ask sustain us all exhibit biocomplexity, which them what they thought of my talk! results in the whole being more than the Seriously, looking ahead, we cannot sum of its parts. exaggerate the importance of your work as Human Health." All of these are areas in llike to think of biocomplexity as the kind plant scientists in the next millennium. Last which NSF and you as a society have much of concept that Ralph Waldo Emerson had in year, in an editorial in Science, Philip in common and much to discuss. mind when he wrote, "Certain ideas are in Abelson wrote, "Today, humans employ the I know we would agree in characterizing the air.... This explains the curious capabilities of only a few plants. Amajor NSF's support as very significant for the contemporaneousness of inventions and challenge is to explore the opportunities plant sciences. Many of us have been the discoveries." Indeed, we are seeing new inherent in some of the hundreds of recipients of NSF funding. The other side of research approaches and new institutes thousands of them." the coin is that your guidance and feedback springing up everywhere. They differ in Abelson predicts, and I agree, that are extremely important to us at NSF. details but share a focus on complexity. genomics-in particular plant genomics­ I'd like to set the scene with an observa­ Biocomplexity is that kind of compelling idea will be the next great technological revolu­ tion that encapsulates how I view NSF's that has been percolating to the surface in tion. It will bring changes comparable to the present and future-a perspective that many minds and many places. Our focus at Industrial Revolution and to the computer­ underlies our new directions. This is a NSF is on the biocomplexity that arises from based revolution that grips us now. quotation from John Muir, who wrote early the interactions of living organisms with all We see this taking hold in many of the in the century, "When we try to pick out facets of their external environment. It's talks being presented here. I noticed one anything by itself, we find it hitched to obvious that the plant sciences will play an session on Functional Plant Genomics that everything else in the universe." This is a integral role in these studies. Plants so features a number of NSF-supported sweeping and integrated vision, and it has fundamentally shape and are shaped by the researchers. Suffice it to say, the revolution prefigured a powerful trend we see today­ environment. is well under way, and it is up to all of us to the push toward interconnections between make it work for science and society. the many fields of science and engineering. continued on page 16

September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ -~------15 continued (rom page J5 • We need larger, more secure information systems. Biocomplexity is often characterized by • We need much more research on how the nonlinear or chaotic behavior, so it is difficult computing revolution is transforming our to describe and study experimentally. This society and our workforce. has hampered our ability to understand and • And we also need to extend the frontier on predict the behavior of many environmental the high-end computing necessary to attack systems. Now, however, thanks to new a host of key science and engineering computational, observational, and analytical problems. tools, we're on the brink of a breakthrough. I do not need to tell this audience how As scientists and engineers from a broad advances in IP dovetail with progress in spectrum of fields, we're poised to tackle the biology. As The Economist noted recently, integrated research necessary to understand "many of the challenges in biology, from the biocomplexity of our environment. gene analysis to drug discovery, have NSF is proposing a comprehensive strategy actually become challenges in computing." to place the nation at the forefront of The article goes on to describe a "desperate biocomplexity research. This year we're shortage of specialists capable of developing holding a competition of biocomplexity that the computational tools that biologists Rila Colwell focuses on understanding the role of need." Apertinent example is the Plant microorganisms in structuring environmen­ Genome Initiative, which in itself has Our third budget highlight for this tal systems. The ecology of our planet is transformed the study of plant physiology. coming year may be the biggest challenge of proving more diverse and complex than we This is the type of venture that makes a all: educating our 21st-century workforce. ever expected. We will deepen our under­ disparate group of researchers more than You may not be aware that NSF invests about standing of the links and feedbacks between the sum of its parts. It has spurred the plant one-fifth of its budget in education at all life forms deep in the earth's crust and in the sciences to assume their rightful place at the levels. I know this priority resonates with most extreme environments of our planet. cutting edge of biology and has fostered the many of the ongoing efforts here at ASPP. I Our goal is to make more reliable predictions notion of nutritional genomics. It was compliment all of you for the imaginative of the processes that shape our environment. featured in the July 16 Plant Biotechnology outreach you have brought to both formal In fiscal year 2000, we plan to move to a special section of Science, and it will be the and informal education. And I applaud your more ambitious phase. If approved by subject of the [July 27J morning symposium efforts to sponsor mini-symposia like the one Congress, NSF will sponsor a $50 million at Plant Biology '99. being held here on examining the role that focused initiative on biocomplexity that This is also the sort of work that produces researchers play in learning. I'd just like to supports interdisciplinary research on non­ an avalanche of data, the sort of massive mention two examples. First is the project at linear dynamics and emergent phenomena information inundation that our physical Epcot Center, which demonstrated how basic and on how biological systems evolve and scientist colleagues have been much more research on plants is critical to feeding the interact across the spans of time and space. adept at handling. Here, we need to change. world. That's clearly had a major impact. We expect the program to continue over five It has been predicted that in the future, Second, I've been impressed by your work on years. It's clear that the major environmental genetically altered plants will produce most identifying the principles of plant biology. challenges that we face call for creative of our food, fuel, and industrial chemicals This has turned into an excellent means for approaches that will emerge from these and many phamaceuticals. This is a prime linking K through 12 educational commu­ studies. They must integrate information example of why it is so essential for nity with ongoing research activities. It's a across temporal and spatial scales, embrace biologists to work with mathematicians and great start. multiple levels of organization, and bridge computer researchers. We need tools to I've seen time and again that plants are a disciplinary boundaries. We expect all NSF mine the genomics data. But, computing great window into science for children and directorates to participate in this initiative, can help us expand our horizons even the public. I can't forget visiting a second­ an initiative that is key to maintaining a further, to wonderful ways to visualize, to grade classroom in Philadelphia not too long healthy and habitable planet. These new and develop what amounts to a virtual plant. ago. I sat behind a desk built for a seven­ more sophisticated ways of thinking about Advances in information technology are year-old, and was sitting among kids who our world both rest upon and are fed by essential to bringing the disciplines to­ were wide-eyed as they engaged in discovery. information technology. gether. An excellent example of intersection They were learning about the biology of This is also the focus of NSF's second is nanotechnology, which must supply most plants, and the teacher was doing much major budgetary initiative this year: Informa­ of the materials and technologies that we more than conveying raw facts. She was tion Technology for the 21st Century, called need. I like the concept that one nano­ turning the kids into problem solvers. r IT2 for short. This is an interagency initiative. meter-or one billionth of a meter-is a should add, as an aside, that I visited that NSF has the lead role, and it responds to a magical point on the dimensional scale. classroom the day before the president presidential committee's finding that long­ Within two orders of magnitude on either announced my nomination as NSF director. term research on information technology has side are the smallest of human-made de­ That's why I tell people I got this job the day been "dangerously inadequate." IT2 calls for vices, at the micro level, and the atoms and after I got out of second grade. It was an investment in several critical areas: molecules of living systems at the atomic appropriate way to begin, because improving scale. Nanoscale science and engineering the math and science education in our • We need research aimed at understanding will underpin innovation in areas from in­ schools is absolutely critical to our future. how human beings and computer systems formation and medicine to manufacturing We all know we face a troubling paradox. interact. and the environment. Some of you may know about the Third

_ 16 ASPPNEWS "'------International Math and Science Study, better that new program. The commitment and opposition or competition, they exist in a known as TIMSS. It revealed a very disturb­ enthusiasm of the group were electric! They kind of enriching interplay, each healthier in ing fact. Our economy and society are on an were very excited about the program and the the presence of the other. unprecedented upward path in science and overwhelming response to it. We're expect­ I'm very much aware that all of this adds technology, yet our students simply aren't ing the new K-12 fellows program to boost up to a very ambitious agenda for science getting the education they need to succeed. the content of elementary and secondary and technology, and I've concluded that we It will take many creative minds to turn this education and the quality of graduate and need to work to increase the funding for around. As an active researcher myself, I undergraduate education at the same time. NSF. That won't be easy. Congress is working believe that no group should feel more The program implicitly gives recognition to with a very tight budget allocation for responsibility for math and science in the teaching in a scientific career. This is a great discretional spending. At NSF, we're now at classroom than scientists and engineers. It's example of how we can encourage progress just about $4 billion, but a much greater time for our universities to become an on integrating research and education. investment is needed. This boost won't integral and accountable partner in national Let me sum up by saying once again how happen overnight, but I want to get us off efforts to advance this educational priority. much I appreciate the chance to share with the mark and on the way to a budget that We have maintained a vast chasm between you some of my excitement about new reflects the importance of NSF's work to our our elementary science and math education directions at NSF. I know there is always economy and to our society. We cannot even and our graduate education system, all some trepidation at taking risks, and I know begin to do any of this without your help. without rational foundation. We must the question on some minds will be, "How I hope I've given you a few things to think connect these systems. For this reason, I'm can we afford to do all of this?" The answer about, and maybe a few things to cheer for, particularly excited about one of our to that question really is, "We can't afford beyond the Orioles. Most of all, I look education initiatives at NSF this year. That's not to do all of this." forward to hearing from you. lrt- our pilot program to place graduate teaching I'm describing a scenario in which fellows in K-12 classrooms. interdisciplinary research and the core Just last month I was able to speak to the disciplines are really two sides of the same panelists who are reviewing the proposals to coin. Rather than being in any kind of

Budget (ops, Low Allocolion Limit NSF FY2000 RecommendoHon in House

he House Appropriations Committee has and Expenses, NSF Headquarters Relocation, Information Technology (IT) research over Tmade its recommendation for fiscal year Major Research Equipment, and the Office of the next five fiscal years. 2000 funding for the National Science Inspector General. These are funded in other Included in the amount provided to the Foundation. Because of the strict budget accounts in the bill. The Research and new Integrative Activities directorate are caps and resulting low allocation to the Related Activities appropriation includes $35,000,000 for the new Biocomplexity House Subcommittee on VA [Veterans United States Polar Research Programs and Initiative; $50,000,000 for Major Research Affairs]: HUD [Ho~sing and Urban Develop­ Antarctic Logistical Support Activities and Instrumentation; $25,000,000 for Science ment] and Independent Agencies, the House the Critical Technologies Institute, which and Technology Centers; and $4,230,000 for Appropriations Committee recommendation were previously funded through separate the Science and Technology Policy Institute. for NSF is below the current-year level. appropriations. The committee recommends a total of However, level funding is recommended for The committee's recommendation for $56,500,000 for the major research equip­ the Biological Sciences Directorate, which Research and Related Activities includes the ment account for FY2000. This appropria­ supports basic plant research. following program levels, to which it expects tion reflects the budget request levels of House floor action on the legislation and NSF to adhere: (1) Biological Sciences, $8,000,000 for the Millimeter Array, Senate Appropriations Committee and $391,000,000; (2) Computer and Informa­ $15,900,000 for the Large Hadron Collider, Senate floor consideration are expected after tion Science and Engineering, $312,670,000; $12,000,000 polar support aircraft upgrades, the summer recess. Although faced with a (3) Engineering, $369,000,000; (4) Geo­ $5,400,000 for continued construction of the very low allocation, Senator Kit Bond sciences, $473,000,000; (5) Mathematical new South Pole Station, and $7,700,000 for (R-MO), chair of the Senate Appropriations and Physical Sciences, $735,000,000; (6) the Network for Earthquake Engineering Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences, Simulation. Agencies, is seeking to find additional funds $138,000,000; (7) U.S. Polar Research The House Appropriations Committee for plant research. Programs, $183,000,000; (8) U.S. Antarctic noted that the NSF's Education and Human The FY2000 recommendation for NSF by Logistical Support Activities, $62,600,000; Resources activities are designed to encour­ the House Appropriations Committee is and (9) Integrative Activities, $114,230,000. age the entrance of talented students into $3,646,825,000. This compares to the FY99 Within the amount provided to the science and technology careers; to improve appropriation of $3,671,200,000. Computer and Information Science and the undergraduate science and engineering For NSF Research and Related Activities, Engineering Directorate, $35,000,000 is to education environment; to assist in provid­ the House Appropriations Committee support individual and team research ing all precollege students with a level of FY2000 recommendation is $2,778,500,000. projects consistent with H.R. 2086, the education in mathematics, science, and The appropriation for Research and Related Networking and Information Technology technology that reflects the needs of the Activities covers all NSF programs except Research and Development Act, which, as Education and Human Resources, Salaries introduced, authorizes a sizable increase for continued on page 18

September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ 17 _ .-:.-~-_--:----..:..._------continued (rom page 17 improved curriculum and materials development targeted at the K-12 level of nation and is the highest quality attained education. Recent reports by the National anywhere in the world; and to extend greater Research Council, the Farm Foundation, and research opportunities to underrepresented other organizations have highlighted the segments of the scientific and engineering need for improved education efforts in this communities. vital area for all students. The committee For FY2000, the committee recommends urges NSF to actively encourage and to $660,000,000 for Education and Human provide appropriate support for competitive Resources, a decrease of $2,000,000 from last proposals that will improve agricultural and year's appropriated level. The committee's environmental literacy, promote critical proposal includes the following program thinking and problem-solving skills, and funding levels: (1) Educational System improve the quality of agricultural and Reform, $114,200,000; (2) Experimental environmental education materials being Program to Stimulate Competitive Research used by K-12 teachers in our nation's (EPSCoR), $48,410,000; (3) Elementary, schools. Such efforts should be coordinated . Secondary and Informal Education, with similar efforts to be undertaken by the $193,520,000; (4) Undergraduate Education, U.S. Department of Agriculture, particularly $103,540,000; (5) Graduate Education, as it incorporates several years of effort $69,650,000; (6) Human Resource Develop­ developed by the National Resource and ment, $73,680,000; and (7) Research, Conservation Services to prepare an agro­ Evaluation and Communication, ecosystem curriculum for teachers focusing $57,000,000. on land, food, and people, the committee The committee noted that it believes it is said. ~~ important to promote agricultural and related environmental awareness through

Keegstra, Ryals, Clutter Join All Witnesses Supporting NSF Plant Genome Research at Congressional Hearing

he first-ever congressional committee The New Engine for Biological Discovery." the next 35 years, all crops will be genetically Thearing focused entirely on NSF's Plant Keegstra explained how the use of DNA engineered and every agricultural product Genome Research program elicited strongly microarray analysis depicted on the poster wi 11 be affected. We know how to move genes favorable comments for NSF's successful allows scientists to study most or all of the into organisms in very efficient ways; how­ program. genes in an organism simultaneously. The ever, we are limited in knowing what should The hearing, titled "Plant Genome poster explains how this research could help be put in. An emerging area of science and Science: From the Lab to the Field to the lead to discoveries that could increase yields technology that has the potential to relieve Market," was held by the House Science of oil in plant seeds, such as soybean. this rate-limiting step is genomics," Ryals Subcommittee on Basic Research, chaired by Keegstra added that microarray analysis explained. Congressman Nick Smith (R-M!). Rep. could also be used by scientists to develop Ryals said that research in genomics and Smith made clear his strong support for cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant crops. agricultural biotechnology will lead to plant genomic research at this hearing held The drought-tolerance example was provided healthier foods to help people resist life­ August 3 in the Rayburn House Office at a time when the Mid-Atlantic states were threatening diseases. "The pace at which Building. in the midst of the second-worst drought of these types of advances will become a reality Among the five witnesses, Ken Keegstra, the century. will be proportional to the amount of funds of Michigan State University and ASPP The industry scientist perspective was pro­ available for research and the talent, the immediate past president, provided his views vided by ASPP member John Ryals, president vision, and the dreams of the people inspired as the scientist witness conducting plant and CEO of Paradigm Genetics, Inc. Ryals to work on these problems," Ryals said. genomic research sponsored by NSF. "Plants said there are two technology areas that Mary Clutter, NSF assistant director, are particularly important objects for promise to reshape the agricultural sector: Directorate of Biological Sciences, provided genomic study because they not only are the agricultural biotechnology and plant the subcommittee with specific examples of base of our entire food supply, but they also genomics. "Agricultural biotechnology com­ practical applications that have resulted are the major energy transducers on earth, prises a technological revolution. It is a revo­ from Arabidopsis genomic research. For transforming solar energy into chemicals lution not unlike the advent of power and example- that humans use for fuel, fiber, pharmaceuti­ light, aviation, or computer technology, and • Arabidopsis was used to prove that cals, and industrial purposes;" Keegstra said. the impact of the technology will be felt by plants can be directed to produce pure Keegstra provided to subcommittee every American in every facet of life," Ryals biodegradable plastics in quantities suitable members ASPP posters developed by his said. "Fifteen years into agricultural biotech­ for industrial production. Michigan State University colleague John nology, there are 70 million acres of geneti­ • Complex pathways by which a plant Ohlrogge titled "Plant Functional Genomics: cally modified crops in cultivation. Within produces various oils have been elucidated in _ 18 '------ASPPNEWS Arabidopsis, and several key genes have been the Arabidopsis genome research project-to for the contributions they will offer to identified and cloned. These genes have been exploit the revolution in plant genomics by agriculture. used to modify canola and soybeans to understanding the function of all Kennedy said that in addition to genomic produce oils of improved nutritional value. Arabidopsis genes (and by extension, the research efforts in partnership with NSF, the The same genes can be used to produce genes of all flowering plants) within their USDA National Research Initiative Competi­ industrial lubricants as well. cellular, organismal, and evolutionary tive Grants Program also awards more than •Agene identified in Arabidopsis that is context and to create an information $8 million per year in grants for research to resistant to a commonly used herbicide, structure to coordinate, integrate, analyze, develop new technologies for gene isolation, sulfonylurea, is being used to develop crops and make accessible this knowledge." mapping, and transfer and creation of new that are suitable for low-till agriculture. Taking its cue from the community and crop varieties. • Scientists have used Arabidopsis to seizing upon the unprecedented scientific Susanne Huttner, director of the show that plants can be modified to opportunity created by the impending Systemwide Biotechnology Research and effectively clean up heavy metals in the completion of the Arabidopsis sequencing Education Program for the University of environment such as mercury and cadmium. project, NSF is planning a new initiative California, cited the essential role of public • Scientists have discovered by use of called the "2010 Project," Dr. Clutter said. investment in plant research. She said Arabidopsis how plants take up iron and She said the goal ofthe 2010 Project is to funding for the NSF Plant Genome Research other micronutrients in the soil. The determine the function of all the genes in program is helping expand needed funda­ information is immediately applicable in the Arabidopsis genome by the year 2010. mental research in genetic and biochemical producing crops that contain high iron and "In order to accomplish this goal, new pathways. other essential mineral nutrients. Similarly, experimental and computational tools will be Members of the subcommittee generally other scientists have shown with Arabidopsis needed. Among these are microarray and expressed support for plant genome that a plant naturally fortified with vitamins gene chip nanotechnologies that are being research, although Congresswoman Lynn can be developed. Indeed, such research has developed at Michigan State University," Dr. Woolsey (D-CA) voiced some concerns. She opened up a new area termed "nutritional Clutter stated. "In addition, there is a great said she is very suspect about whether genomics." need to train new plant biologists and changing genes in plants will have a long­ Dr. Clutter said the expanded Plant bioinformaticists who will be able to exploit term positive effect. Keegstra responded, Genome Research program initiated in fiscal these tools to the fullest. NSF, with its explaining that he believes it is generally year 1998 will provide fundamental knowl­ strategic goal of the integration of research safer to transfer one known gene using' edge and new technologies that are essential and education, is poised to provide both the modern transformation technologies than to for further research leading to crop improve­ tools and the trained researchers to use transfer hundreds of thousands of unknown ment and novel value-added, plant-based them." genes through traditional plant breeding. products. "These results will be exploited by Eileen Kennedy, USDA deputy under­ Also during the hearing, Keegstra cited a broad community of plant biologists in secretary for research, education and the efforts of the ASPP Education Founda­ agriculture, energy, environment, and health economics, said the department believes that tion to explain to the public the benefits of fields and by plant-based industries in the discoveries made by scientists supported research in this area. Rep. Smith commented developing improved plants of high eco­ by the Plant Genome Research program will to his staff that they should look into ways in nomic value," she said. help solve some of the difficult challenges which the subcommittee could contribute to Dr. Clutter noted tha't the next step for the facing American farmers and humankind in these efforts. program is a con

Mary Cluner Ken Keegstra John Ryals

_ September/October~ 1999,~""':'-'Vol. 26, No.5 ----I_ I 19 Larkins Explains Benefits of Biotechnology in Wall Street Journal

ollowing is a letter to the editor written otherwise have violent reactions to them. Fby Brian Larkins that was published in This type of research will figure heavily in the Wall Street Journal on July 29. Editorial the next wave of food products developed and op-ed pages of newspapers are among through biotechnology. the battlegrounds where opponents and In addition to safer foods, biotechnology proponents of modified foods seek to also has the potential to bring about the influence public opinion. This letter turns creation of more nutritious foods. My around an opposition claim on allergen research using biotechnology is leading to research by offering an example of ASPP past corn with higher-quality protein. This is president Bob Buchanan's research to particularly important in some developing remove allergens from foods. It also points nations where corn is the staple in the diets to the importance of more nutritious of most people. Insufficient protein can lead modified foods, such as corn with higher­ to afflictions such as retarded mental quality protein. development. High-quality protein from corn has been shown to reverse and prevent Biotech Is Creating Better, Safer Foods these afflictions. While there are risks In the July 13 letter to the editor "Genetic associated with any technology, it would be a ASPP President Brian Larkins. Engineering Is Not Crossbreeding," the significant loss to humanity if the many writers assert that new food allergies could benefits of biotechnology were not realized be possible consequences of biotechnology. because of concerns that have little basis in While one cannot refute the remote scientific fact. lrt- possibility that this could occur, the removal of allergens through biotechnology has Brian Larkins, Ph.D. already been accomplished. The methods of President, American Society of genetic engineering are being used both to Plant Physiologists understand the allergic response and to Professor, Department of Plant Science remove allergens from foods. For example, University of Arizona, Tucson research by Prof. Bob Buchanan at U.C. Berkeley makes use of biotechnological Reprinted with permission of The Wall Street methods to render allergenic proteins in Journal © 1999 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All wheat and milk products (and possibly other rights reserved. foods) less harmful to those who would

Executive Order Would Spur Bio-Based Technologies

na presentation August 12 to representa­ Congress to approve his proposed research other applications results in near-zero net I tives from ASPP, agricultural producers, funding and tax credits to promote energy carbon release. In addition, the deep-rooted processors, government officials, and other efficiency, bioenergy, and other clean energy plants commonly used for biomass are organizations, President Clinton announced sources. The White House pointed out how helpful in controlling erosion, filtering his issuance of an executive order to spur advances in the biological sciences are chemicals from water runoff, and slowing plant technologies and other bio-based fueling a revolution in the use of biomass floodwaters. technologies. He said this order would help (trees, crops, and agricultural and forestry Meeting the president's goal of tripling grow the economy, enhance U.S. energy wastes) to make low-polluting products such our use of bioproducts and bioenergy will security, and meet environmental challenges as- allow us to cut back on the almost 4 billion like global warming. • transportation fuels, like cellulosic barrels of oil we are projected to import in The executive order calls for coordinating ethanol, from agricultural waste 2010, which contributes to energy security. federal efforts to accelerate these technolo­ • electricity, by burning willows and The White House noted that leading gies-which can convert crops, trees, and switchgrass along with coal in existing plants scientific and industry groups are calling for other "biomass" into a vast array of fuels and and by converting paper industry by­ a stronger federal role to help move these materials-and set a goal of tripling U.S. use products into fuel gases promising technologies from the laboratory of bioenergy and bioproducts by 2010. • commercial products, such as chemicals, to the marketplace. The executive order The White House said meeting this goal glues, and paints, and even furniture and creates a new research management team could create $15 billion to $20 billion in new textiles. focused on an ambitious set of goals. The income for farmers and rural America and Bioenergy and bioproducts can dramati­ executive order- reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by cally reduce greenhouse gas emissions that • establishes a permanent council consist­ more than 100 million tons, the equivalent contribute to global warming, the White ing of the secretaries of DOE and USDA, the of taking more than 70 million cars off the House said. Because crops absorb carbon administrator of the EPA, the director of the road. In addition, the president called on during growth, their use for energy and National Science Foundation, and other

20 _~ A_S_PP_N_EW_S _ agency heads to develop a detailed biomass research program to be presented annually Remarks by President on Executive Order to Spur as part of the federal budget • directs the council to review major agency Bio-Based Technologies regulations, incentives, and programs to ensure that they effectively promote the use of bioproducts and bioenergy t the U.S. Department of Agriculture, First, the potential economic benefits are • creates an outside advisory group with AWashington, DC, on August 12, Presi­ staggering, not only for farmers-that is representatives from bio-based industries, dent Clinton spoke on his executive order to obvious, because they can raise raw mate­ farm and forestry sectors, universities, and encourage bio-based technologies. Following rial-but for the timber industry, chemical environmental groups. is the major portion of his remarks. manufacturers, power companies, and small In a separate executive memorandum, the One of the most important technological entrepreneurs. Vice President Gore is in Iowa president instructed the secretaries of energy advances of this century came 90 years ago today discussing how these technologies can and agriculture to prepare a report within in a old farmhouse overlooking Lake help close the opportunity gap between the next 120 days on options for modifying Michigan, where William Merriam Burton, urban and suburban and rural America by existing DOE and USDA programs with a who was a chemist for Standard Oil, figured bringing new high-tech jobs to rural areas goal of tripling U.S. use of bio-based out how to launch the modern petrochemi­ that have not yet participated fully in our products and bioenergy by 2010. See the cal industry. He understood that this new prosperi ty. following story for comments made by the contraption called the automobile was about Second, by substituting domestic president concerning the executive order. lrt- to create a huge demand for petroleum renewable resources for fossil fuels, we ease products, and he understood that he had to our growing dependence on foreign oil. And squeeze more power from every molecule of because inflation has been low and growth petroleum. And because he did that, we had has been high, no one is paying attention to the prosperity we enjoyed, and we have many this. But we are going to have, with the of the challenges we face today-because of growth of population here and around the Remem6erf what he did in that small place, so long ago. world and the increasing economic activity This paved the way for the automobile era. around the world, enormous competition for It showed us the power of science to change oil, which will make its supply more the paradigms that govern our world. And on problematic and its price much higher Joo listings on the verge of the 21st century, we may be within a relatively short time unless we do nearing a similar breakthrough-a techno­ something to ease our dependence. It is logical fix that can help us meet our important for our economy, for our security, economic challenges, maintain our security, for our environment. ASPP's {Jeo site are sustain our prosperity, and ease the threat of Third, as the Council of Advisors on global warming. Science will be the key to Science and Technology concluded in a our progress. recent report, we can help developing If we can make the raw material of countries meet their own soaring needs for updatedevery tomorrow's economy living, renewable energy in ways that, again, improve the resources instead offossil fuels, which global environment and stabilize economies pollute the atmosphere and warm the planet, and societies. friday, so oe sure to then the future of our children and our And, fourth, this will help us meet the grandchildren, the likelihood that there will challenge of climate change, which I am be greater prosperity-and peace, the convinced will be the most formidable likelihood that all these sci-fi movies about environmental challenge the world faces checK in frequently. the 21st century will be nothing more than a over the next 20 to 30 years. figment of someone's imagination-all that Scientists tell us this decade is probably will be far greater. One hundred years from the warmest in a thousand years. The heat now, people will look back on this time and and drought of this summer and the natural Somejoos listed compare it to the time when Mr. Burton disasters of the past few years are probably figured out how to get more out of every only a taste of what is to come, unless we act petroleum molecule, if we do our jobs. now to deal with this challenge. Bioenergy is online are not listed Ifyou look at what is going on with trees a means to achieve all these objectives-to and plants today, it is very impressive. Once heat our homes, to fuel our vehicles, to we used only a seed or a kernel and tossed power our factories while producing virtually away the rest. Now we are learning how to no greenhouse gas pollution. in the nelJJsleffer. use entire plants. Microscopic cells are being To make the most of these opportunities, put to work as tiny factories. They convert government and industry must work crops and even waste into a vast array of fuel together as partners. In "industry" I include and material-everything from paints to agriculture and small and big business, hffp:l/aspp.org/JfJI3S pharmaceuticals to new fibers. And our government, and everyone in the private ability to use waste in these ways will also be sector who is involved in this. The govern- critical to our future.... Why? There are four reasons. continued on page 22

_ --=--September/October 1999,-:--..:..Vol. 26, No.5 ---l_ 21 continued [rom pige 21 today and that will grow increasingly talking about a tiny fraction of the budget attractive tomorrow as oil prices go up, for the combined recommendations we have ment provided critical leadership in elemental technologies that promote made that can change the whole future of developing the semiconductor and the conservation and cut costs, so people save this country and this world, in the way that Internet. We must also nurture these energy and money in homes, in farms, in the automobile and the perfection of fledgling bioindustries in the same way. factories-elemental technologies that still petroleum processing did at the beginning of In a few moments, I will sign an executive are not being maximized. the century. order to accelerate development of these We just had a big announcement a couple I can hardly tell you how strongly I believe 21st-century technologies, to strengthen our of days ago about a new light bulb that I be­ this can happen. And when it does happen, economy, and to protect our environment. lieve will be much more attractive than the we will look back and be amazed that we I'm establishing a cabinet-level council to conservation lighting systems that have been took as long as we did to do it and at how develop strategic plans to help bring bio­ developed so far and that will save people cheap it was considering the benefits we got based technologies from farms, forests, and millions and millions of dollars and an awful out of it. Anything you can do to ... ensure labs to the marketplace. lot of energy. We need to be sensitive to all that more of our farm families get to stay on In addition, I am setting a goal of tripling these things if we expect to have the world the farm and that people can make a decent America's use of bioenergy and bio-based we want for our children. living in rural America in an environmen­ products by 2010. That would generate as I am very grateful that last year Congress tally sustainable way, liberate America and much as $20 billion a year in new income for voted for another billion dollars to research other countries from their dependence on farmers and rural communities while and develop clean, energy-efficient technolo­ unstable sources of petroleum, break the reducing greenhouse gas emissions by as gies, including bioenergy. In my present mindset that exists among too many-both much as 100 million tons a year, the balanced budget, I have proposed further here and around the world-that you cannot equivalent of taking more than 70 million investments in these technologies, as well as have economic development without cars off the road. In this way, we plant the tax credits for businesses and consumers burning more fossil fuel and that burning up seeds of a new technology for a new century, who choose energy-efficient cars, homes, the planet is therefore just the inevitable to sustain both our prosperity and our and appliances. I know that Senator Lugar consequence of getting ahead-anything you environment. has a specific piece of legislation that would can do to roll back those problems and to In addition to exploring the further use of dramatically increase our investment in create opportunities will be profoundly bioenergy, there are other things we need to bioenergy research. important to the kind of world our children do as well. We need to do more to accelerate Anything we can do in this area, in my live in and what people say about you and the development of flexible-fuel vehicles. If judgment, will have huge paybacks. And so, I our generation 100 years from now. It is we develop these energy sources, there must ask that you do what you can during this hard to think of a greater gift we could give be something to receive them. August period, and when Congress comes at the turn of the century or a new millen­ We also must recognize that there are back, to pu t this issue beyond partisan nium than a clean energy future. lre- available today, at prices that are attractive politics, to put it beyond the debate. We are

ASPP and Fast Plants Focus on National Science Education Standards and Principles of Plont Biology

heASPp Education Committee and • Costs: Consideration is being given to TEducation Foundation, together with having ASPP underwrite participant costs the Wisconsin Fast Plants Program, will and expenses. offer ASPP members a 2Y.!-day workshop • Presenters: Paul Williams, John Greenler, on the uses of Fast Plants for teaching and Wisconsin Fast Plants staff. general biology, plant science, genetics, • Date: Friday, January 14, to Sunday, ecology and evolution, and plant breed­ January 16, 2000. ing. The focus will be on the high school • Location: University of Wisconsin­ and college levels, and the emphasis will Madison. be on the alignment of educational • Participant limit: 24 people. material with the National Science • Application deadline: November 30, 1999. Education Standards. Activities illustrat­ ing the ASPP Principles ofPlant Biology will be featured. Additional emphasis will be given to the uses of Fast Plants in independent undergraduate- and high school-level research projects. The Wisconsin Fast Plants Program is rapidly expanding its use of the Internet as a primary source of new materials and to facilitate coordina­ tion among Fast Plants users (see RL­ 2000 at http://fastplants.cals.wisc.edu). 22 _L- A_SP_P_N_EW_S _ College Students Conduct Phytoremediotion Experiment for Community Enhancement Project

n a vacant city lot in Hartford, Connecti­ The research is being supported with "It's an important demonstration because Icut, where the soil is saturated with funds Trinity received under a grant from the it may show that a poor neighborhood with dangerous levels of lead, a group of Trinity W. K. Kellogg Foundation and is being limited resources can tackle environmental College students and their professors are followed closely by a New Jersey-based problems. It appeals to our students who are raising an experimental garden with a variety biotechnology company that provided seeds very interested in the environment and very of plants. The plants have the ability to and expertise for the project as part of its interested in doing something to improve absorb pollutants and may lead to a simple, effort to explore the possible commercializa­ the quality of life in Hartford," says Hebe M. inexpensive method for cleaning the land tion of the process known as phytoremedi­ Guardiola-Diaz, one of the two professors and making it safe for future use. ation, or the use of plants to remove guiding the student research effort. According to an August 9 news release pollutants from the environment or to The idea for the research garden origi­ from Trinity College, the six undergraduate render them harmless. nated with Guardiola-Diaz and another students and thei r two professors are grow­ Phytoremediation promises potentially Trinity professor, David E. Henderson, who ing Indian mustard, white mustard, Sudan huge environmental and financial rewards were interested in creating summer projects grass, and sunflowers at a site that is cur­ because the use of plants poses a simple, for their students. Last fall, Guardiola-Diaz, rently off-limits to residents because it is safe, and cost-effective approach to the an assistant professor of biology and contaminated with lead up to 10 times above remediation of soils and water. The Environ­ neuroscience, and Henderson, a professor of the allowable federal limit. The students' mental Protection Agency estimates that chemistry, independently approached college project will add to a growing body of re­ there are more than 30,000 sites requiring administrators to request funding for their search that has demonstrated that Indian hazardous waste treatment services through­ proposed projects. Each professor was mustard can absorb lead from the soil and out the United States. Lead represents a unaware of the other's request until will determine the potential effectiveness of particularly difficult problem because there administrators got them together. the other plants in doing the same. Follow­ are no permanent, low-cost solutions for ing is additional information from the news heavy metal contamination. release. continued on page 24

• .~. ~ . ::: .' • t'

' . . -'f.

Trinity (allege sludents tend to on experimental garden that they are raising In a vacant, lead-contaminated latin Hartford. The chemical solution thotthe two students are spraying is intended to enhance the plants' natural ability to absorb lead. Phytatech, a firm that ASPP member lIya Raskin helped form, is assisting with the project. _ September/October-....:.....-_-_...:..---:...------1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ 23 continueJ from page 23 buried at the site, further contributing to the once planted, the garden did well and the pollution problem. first harvest was completed in mid-July. "It was just great timing," said Guardiola­ The lot is owned by the city of Hartford, "We will use an electron microscope to Diaz. She explained that she got her idea for which had licensed it to the Hartford-based look at the cells of the plants to see what's the project when she and a neighbor who Knox Foundation for use as a community going on and to test the amount of lead they works for the Connecticut Department of garden. The foundation intended to plant a have absorbed," Henderson said. "We will Environmental Protection met at a house­ community garden as it has done at several probably do only two harvests this year, and warming party and began to talk about ways locations in Hartford, but it was prohibited then we will totally pull up the plants in the in which they could collaborate to help the from going ahead with its plans once the fall, sample the soil once again, and then city of Hartford. Henderson, meanwhile, was pollution was discovered. Up until then, totally replant next year." looking for a project that would allow the neighborhood children also had been The harvested plants include the roots, Chemistry Department to use a newly allowed to play in the vacant lot. because the students and professors are not acquired piece of equipment known as an Working with city and state officials, the sure which part of the plants best absorbs inductively coupled plasma emissions two Trinity professors became involved, the lead. Eventually, the plants are burned, spectrometer. The tool is used in trace metal suggesting the site as the location for their and the ash is then disposed of as a hazard­ analysis. remediation project. Guardiola-Diaz also ous waste. Currently, the students are "Hebe said, 'Let's do this together.' And I involved Phytotech, the biotechnology making preparations for their second said, 'OK, fine.' I had no idea what this company based in Monmouth Junction, New planting, toiling daily under the watchful project was going to do to my schedule," said Jersey, that provided the seeds and expertise eyes of neighbors. Perhaps not too surpris­ Henderson, who explained that the garden for the research project. The company has ingly, the students have made many friends has absorbed almost all his free time this tried its phytoremediation methods with among the local residents, who stop by summer. some success in New Jersey, Ohio, and throughout the day to check on the garden The college agreed to finance the project, Massachusetts and near the Chernobyl and chat about the students' research. To giving the professors $37,000 from its nuclear reactor in the Ukraine. ASPP keep neighbors informed, the students also Kellogg Community Innovation Fund to hire member Ilya Raskin of Rutgers University have spoken to gatherings at the House of students and purchase supplies. The fund helped form Phytotech. Raskin earlier wrote Bread. was established in May 1998 when the a white paper on phytoremediation for ASPP "We're learning as we go along. None of us Kellogg Foundation awarded Trinity a $5.1 that can be found at http://aspp.orglpubaffl has ever done this before. I've gardened million grant to support Trinity's strategic phytorem.htm on the ASPP homepage. before, but never in bricks and rocks," commitment to building academic­ "If Phytotech's methods work for us in Henderson said. "I don't know if we will be community connections that emphasize civic Hartford, the firm can add us to its list of able to give the city a squeaky-clean lot, but responsibility and educational innovation. success stories," Guardiola-Diaz explained. our hope is to give the neighborhood a The lot selected for the garden project "We also will provide new information on the cleaner lot." totals 1.2 acres and is adjacent to the House use of Sudan grass and sunflowers, because "This has been a great way to get our of Bread, a nonprofit organization that there is not much experience with using students learning and involved in the operates a soup kitchen and temporary these plants for remediation efforts in community," Guardiola-Diaz added. "The housing for the homeless on Chestnut and Connecticut, and this is important students have made presentations, and they Edwards Streets in Hartford. It is across the information." talk to neighbors who stop by the garden. It street from the city's Quirk Middle School The garden was planted in June after has been a really rich experience of being and within a short distance of the gold­ much difficult labor. Henderson and the involved in the community, helping out our domed state Capitol. The lot had formerly students had to use 12-pound sledgeham­ neighbors, and learning. To a large extent, been the site of a paint store, accounting for mers to break up old foundations and bricks that is what we were after." ~~ the high levels of lead contamination in the so that a garden could be planted. The soil soil. When the old paint store building was was so difficult to work with that the garden leveled several years ago, the debris was was limited in size to 60 feet by 80 feet. But

2000 Membership and Subscription Renewal Forms Will Be In the Mall SOONJ

Renew before December 1 to guarantee your listing In the 2000 Membership Directory and to receive your Issues of Plant Physiology and THE PLANT CELL without Interruption.

_ 24 '------ASPPNEWS _P-=EO=-Pl_E..... _~~ Logorias Appointed to Stumpf Professorship in Plant Biochemistry at UC Davis

rofessor J. Clark Lagarias, Section demic career, Lagarias developed a purifica­ tochrome molecule. Both of these Pof Molecular and Cellular Biology at the tion protocol for isolating native, nonde­ phycobilins can covalently bind with the University of California, Davis, is the first fac­ graded phytochrome that facilitated research phytochrome apoprotein: The adducts are ulty member appointed to the Paul K. and in many laboratories. He went on to study intensely nuorescent, photostable, and Ruth R. Stumpf Professorship in Plant Bio­ the conformational forms of phytochrome chemically stable and can be reconstituted in chemistry (see ASPP NEWS, MaylJune 1999, and the biosynthesis of phytochromobilin. living cells. Lagarias's laboratory is currently page 17). The endowed professorship, which Lagarias's laboratory has been a leader in re­ exploring the use of the adducts, named began in July and continues through June search on the assembly of phytochrome from "phytonuors," in vivo as nuorescent probes. 2004, will help support Lagarias's teaching its apoprotein and chromophore. Perhaps Professor Emeritus Paul Stumpf and his and research program in plant biochemistry. most significant is his laboratory's recent wife, Ruth, established the endowed profes­ Lagarias is known internationally for his discovery that phytochrome is a light-regu­ sorship in recognition of Paul Stumpf's deep seminal contributions to our understanding lated enzyme. He and his research colleagues ties to the University of California and his of the plant photoreceptor phytochrome. He have shown that phosphorylation and de­ five-decade academic career in plant bio­ made his first contribution to the field as a phosphorylation of phytochrome appear to chemistry. Stumpf was the founding chair of graduate student at the University of Califor­ be the initial steps of light signal transduc­ the Department of Biochemistry and nia, Berkeley, where he determined the tion. This work has been a major break­ Biophysics at University of California, Davis structure of the phytochrome chromophore, through in understapding light-sensing sig­ and a pioneer in research on plant lipid phytochromobilin. In 1980, he joined the nal transduction pathways in plants. biochemistry. ~rt- University of California, Davis faculty as an Lagarias has also shown that either assistant professor in the Department of Bio­ phycocyanobilin or phycoerythrobilin can chemistry and Biophysics. Early in his aca- substitute for phytochromobilin in the phy-

Marvin Edelman Honored for Achievements

arvin Edelman, Weizmann Institute of ing his early work with bioinformatics, he MScience in Israel, recently received the founded the European Molecular Biology degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris causa, Data Network in Israel. To bring this field to from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, others, especially in Eastern Europe and . . '.':- "'. .,. . Canada, in recognition of illustrious achieve­ Asia, he founded and heads the UNESCO In­ A.SPf' corres,pondin~ meITlb~rM~lcolm B. .. - .. ments in plant research and education. ternational Center for Cooperation in Wilkinsisi~t~restedinsejJing his'" Dr. Edelman has a long, productive career Bioinformatics. He chairs the Advisory Com­ ", " ..- .. -.:' . . ".' ..: of pioneering research. He has published mittee of the European Bioinformatics extensivecpjiedion of plant physiblogy.·· more than 130 scientific papers, and his re­ Institute. ~rt- search is widely cited. The two major foci of .and botanicatb()oks;l%~ collection. is his research have been plant molecular biol­ plantphysiologyar\~' ogy and bioinformatics. He was the first to very strong in isolate chloroplast DNA and then was among includes anun)betofcl(\~Si~~LVo;u~~s the first to map the chloroplast genome. He ,.:; is well known for his contributions to the thatWeno lol1ger

______September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 ----1_ 25 Jaleh Daie Named Direclor of Science Program at the Packard Foundation

SPP member Jaleh Daie, an interna­ extensive experience in management, Ationally recognized scientist and research, education, and policy in a variety of professor, became the director of the Science settings, including academia, government, Program for the David and Lucile Packard and nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining Foundation in July. the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Daie served In announcing the appointment, Richard as professor, department chair, and founding T. Schlosberg III, president and CEO of the director of the Center for Interdisciplinary foundation, stated, "We are delighted to have Studies in Sciences at Rutgers University. Jaleh Daie join the foundation to lead our She also served as chair of the board of the Science Program. David Packard believed Council of Scientific Society Presidents that a bright future for this country and the (CSSP), president of the Women in Science world depended on excellence in scientific and Technology Alliance (WiSTA), and research. We are glad that Dr. Daie will use president of the Association for Women in her outstanding skills and experience to help Science. In 1983, Dr. Daie was appointed direct resources to support scientific assistant professor of biology at Utah State research, as well as to apply the lessons of University, where she earned her Ph.D. She science to address some of the pressing serves on numerous advisory boards and is a global problems targeted by the foundation's recipient of many honors and awards, other programs." including fellow of the American Association In accepting the position, Dr. Daie said, for the Advancement of Science, Hall of "There is so much in our lives that rides on Fame inductee of the Women in Technology scientific and technological advances, and International, and Henry Rutgers research Jaleh Daie, Science Program director, Dovid ond Lucile Pockard the Packard Foundation is uniquely fellow. Foundation. positioned to be a catalyst for new ideas and The David and Lucile Packard Foundation innovation. I'm excited to join Packard's is a private family foundation created in 1964 efforts to make a difference." by David Packard, cofounder of the Hewlett­ Dr. Daie will direct and manage the $67 Packard Company, and Lucile Salter Packard. million annual grant giving of the Science The foundation provides grants in seven Program and will lead future planning of the areas, including science, to nonprofit program. organizations operating at the national and Most recently a professor at the University international level. \rt- of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Daie has

Summer 2000 Research Opportunities in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan

The Summer Programs in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan (NSF 99-152), sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health/Fogarty International Center, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, provide graduate students in science and engineering first-hand experience in Japanese, Korean, and Taiwan research environments; an introduction to the science and science policy infrastructure of the respective countries; and language and cultural training. The primary goals of the programs are to introduce students to Japanese, Korean, and Taiwan science and engineering in the context of a research laboratory and to initiate personal relationships that will better enable them to collaborate with foreign counterparts. The programs will run from mid-June to August.

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They must be enrolled at a U.S. institution in a science or an engineering Ph.D. program, be enrolled in an M.D. program and have an interest in biomedical research, or be enrolled in, and have completed at least one full academic year of, a master's degree program at the end of the calendar year of application. Applicants must be pursuing studies in fields of science or engineering that are supported by NSF, NIH, or USDA and also are represented among the potential host institutions.

SUPPORT: International travel costs to and from Japan, Korea, or Taiwan, in-country living costs (accommodations, food, and professional travel), and an allowance of $2,500 for each participant will be provided.

DEADLINE: All application materials (including applicant's and recommenders' forms) must be postmarked by December 1, 1999. Mail to East Asia and Pacific Program, Room 935, Division of International Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230.

Afull description of the Summer Programs is available at the NSF/Tokyo Web site at http://www.twics.com/-nsftokyo/. Direct questions to Dr. Christopher A. Loretz bye-mail (c1oretz@nsLgov) or by telephone (703-306-1701).

_ 26 L..- ASPPNEWS _ ASPP Education Forum ------1~~... Compiled and edited by Carol Reiss, Division discipline. Undergraduate biochemistry/ projects is available on the NSF Awards ofBiomed-Box G-J4, Brown University, molecular biology students will help develop Search Web site (http://www.nsf.gov/verity/ Providence, RI02912, e-mail modules for these laboratories. srchawd.htm). [email protected] The Educational Materials Development Alist of projects funded and a short (EMD) focus of CCLI was designed to help description of each is given below. The award News from the Educational Funding Front faculty develop materials that will be useful numbers are an aid to those who would like nationally and so require a plan for testing, to search for these projects on the Web. new set of programs instituted in the marketing, and, if a Web site is an important A Division of Undergraduate Education component of the project, keeping the site Adapt and Implement (DUE) at the National Science Foundation current as new software and hardware 9950542 Mobile and Modular (NSF) are of interest to plant biology faculty platforms develop. Of the 26 biology EMD Multidisciplinary Biotechnology Laboratory, and departments because of the opportuni­ proposals submitted, 10 were funded, and six Peter J. Jankay, California Polytechnic State ties they offer to substantially improve of those either focused on or related to plant University, $139,428: Acentral facility is programs and courses or to conduct studies. The amounts awarded varied from being established to help faculty in diverse outreach to the K-12 community. We have $74,000 to $320,000. The next CCLI disciplines introduce molecular biology just completed the first cycle of funding in competition will be June 2000. Check the techniques into their student laboratories. these programs and so can report on DUE Web site (http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/EHRJ 9950557 Development and Implementa­ recently funded plant-related projects and DUE/start.htm) for the new program tion of an Investigative Laboratory Compo­ the general impressions of NSF staff and the announcement and exact due dates for nent for the Molecular Biology Course, reviewers concerning the proposals received. proposals. Rachel Myerowitz, St. Mary's College of The new programs are Course, Curriculum The GK-12 program is designed to en­ Maryland, $31,665: In this project, based on and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) and courage mathematics, science, and engineer­ the prior work of Monroe and Knight NSF Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 ing graduate students and their departments (Council on Undergraduate Research Education (GK-12). The CCLI program has to establish ongoing programs with the el­ Quarterly 16, 109-114; 1995), students three foci: Adapt and Implement, Educa­ ementary, middle, and high schools in their isolate, characterize, and sequence clones tional Materials Development, and National areas. The objective is to introduce students from a cDNA library of Arabidopsis thaliana Dissemination. to the K-12 world; to help universities keep and then use GenBank DNA databases to The Adapt and Implement (A&I) focus of K-12 faculty knowledgeable about new ideas, determine the novelty of their clones. CCLI was designed to encourage faculty to findings, techniques, and interests in various 9950624 The Great Salt Lake Project: benefit from the many good projects science, mathematic, and engineering disci­ Inquiry-Based Education for Preservice currently developed an~ to adapt them to plines; and to help school districts keep uni­ Teachers Using a Unique Regional Ecosys­ suit their own situation. It is expected that versity faculty and students current on ac­ tem, Bonnie Baxter, Westminster College of proposals submitted to this program will cite tivities at the K-12 schools. Funds are avail­ Salt Lake City, $36,428: Preservice teachers, specific antecedents for the proposed project able for student stipends ($18,000 per an­ in collaboration with master teachers and and indicate why this project is being num for graduate students, and $10,000 for science faculty, are designing experimental adapted and how the proposer will change it. undergraduates), tuition (up to $10,500), the modules centered around the unique Clear objectives and a viable evaluation plan infrastructure to support the students, and ecosystem of the Great Salt Lake and are important. Funds are available for programs to introduce the graduate students creating a Web-based dissemination system equipment to support new laboratory to current teaching methods and materials. that will help them use the materials as they directions, faculty time and student efforts to Of the 152 GK-12 proposals submi tted this begin teaching. develop new courses or curricula, documen­ June, 30 are being funded. None of these is 9950698 Conservation Genetics of Rare tation and evaluation of outcomes, and specifically plant related, although many or Sensitive Species in Laboratories for dissemination workshops. Institutions are funded projects do include or originate from Undergraduate and Secondary Students, required to provide h~lf of the funds required life science departments. The new program Shane K. Sarver, Black Hills State University, for the projects submitted. Of the 121 announcement and due dates for GK-12 pro­ $59,994: Acollaboration between the Math biology A&I proposals submitted last posals will be posted on the DUE Web site. and Science Center of Black Hills State November, 38 were funded, and of those, six In addition, several projects funded in the University and Oglala Lakota College adopts concerned plant biology in some way. The past are now completing their activities and, a molecular biology approach to the study of amounts awarded varied from $32,000 to are beginning to disseminate their products. rare and endangered local species, adapting a help establish an upper-division laboratory For example, the C-fern project has devel­ research-based approach first developed by that offers students the ability to contribute oped a number of products available from the Black Hills State University Geology to the current worldwide effort to sequence Carolina Biologicals as well as multimedia Department for use in the undergraduate Arabidopsis to $139,000 to establish and materials. Information about DUE-supported biology curriculum. maintain a mobile molecular biochemistry projects can be searched on the Project 9950930 Portfolio Writing in Introduc­ laboratory that will circulate to departments, Information Resource System (PIRS: http:// tory Biology Lab, Thomas W. Sasek, North­ such as botany and ecology, that now use www.ehr.nsf.govIPIRstart), which contains east Louisiana University, $42,503: A portfo- molecular biology extensively but only principal investigator-submitted informa­ recently incorporated these methods into the tion. General information concerning NSF continued on page 28

_ September/October....:.- 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 ----J_ 27 continued from page 27 9950928 An On-Line Virtual Reality believe it represented the first major Laboratory Linking Students to Research at financial commitment of the Society to lio-style laboratory notebook requiring con­ the Coastal Studies Center, Carey R. Phillips, education. Ellen Weaver and Bob Rabson siderable writing assignments and quantita­ Bowdoin College, $74,260: Avirtual reality organized this invitational workshop, which tive measurement is the basis for a cross­ world is being created as a mirror image of a from my perspective was the key event that disciplinary collaboration between the En­ coastal studies center near marine and forest gave us sufficient momentum to begin glish and Biology Departments that intro­ ecosystems and is linked to research at those moving into a major leadership role in plant duces long-term projects considering such ecosystems. The design encourages students biology education. I had the privilege of topics as fern genetics and aquatic mi­ to interact and use large amounts of attending this meeting and remember being crosomes into an Introductory Biology information while making interdisciplinary amazed by the energy and commitment of course. inquiries about real-world problems. the participants, including Paul Williams. 9972366 Curriculum Development for 9972316 Mathematical and Computa­ I was actively involved as an Education Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology, tional Approaches to Molecular Biology, Committee member and then chair through Donald K. Price, University of Hawaii, David C. Miller, William Patterson University, 1995. Since then, I have delighted in being a Manoa, $100,001: The unique biota of $74,699: Material is being produced for an cheerleader on the sides and smile each time Hawaii is the basis for a field-based course undergraduate course that supports math­ I renew my membership in ASPP as I that teaches the basic concepts of ecology ematical and computational approaches (sta­ contribute to the ASPP Education Founda­ and evolution by adapting the research tistics, combinatorics, computational con­ tion. My son celebrated his first birthday at design of an NSF-funded Hawaiian Rain cepts, graph theory, and basic topology) to the 1989 Denver meeting, and it has been a Forest ecosystem study. This program molecular biology questions (sequence and gift to watch who he has become in the past incorporates materials developed and structural analysis of DNA, RNA, and pro­ 10 years. Likewise, we have come such a very disseminated in an Undergraduate Faculty teins). long way in educational reform at all levels Enhancement project in Molecular Genetic 9972486 An Inquiry-Based Simulation over the past decade. I chose to write this Analysis Applied in Evolution, Ecology and Learning Environment for the Ecology of piece to give some historical context so we Systemic Biology. Forest Growth, Thomas J. Murray, Hamp­ can truly celebrate ASPP's major contribu­ shire College, $74,260: Educational tools are tions to education. I also want to challenge Educational Materials Development being developed to simulate tree and forest us to look toward the next millennium with 9950522 C-Fern Educational Materials growth and the effects of human-created en­ vision and creativity in the educational Development: Sporophystic and Genetic vironmental disturbances on forest growth. arena. My goal is to highlight milestones, Applications, Les Hickok, University of Preservice students and in-service teachers and in doing so I acknowledge that I will not Tennessee, Knoxville, $310,000: New strains are involved in testing the materials. be able to mention all the contributions so of C-fern will be developed, expanding the many members have made. Also, I do not usefulness of C-fern incorporation into Terry S. Woodin mean to imply that ASPP suddenly became inquiry-based exercises in undergraduate Program Director educationally aware 10 years ago. Regional laboratories. Dissemination includes a Web National Science Foundation meetings have long nurtured students and site, workshops for university and grades 7­ Division of Undergraduate Education recognized outstanding work by students. 12 faculty, and development of a specific C­ Rather, the anniversary I'm noting reflects fern-based course for preservice teachers. The views expressed are those ofthe author and the beginning of substantial financial and 9950689 Biology Student Workbench: do not necessarily reflect those of the Division of societal leadership commitment to education Inquiry Tolls for the Use of Molecular Data in Undergraduate Education, the Directorate for at the national level. Our efforts have been Undergraduate Biology, Eric Jackobsson, Education and Human Resources, or the National extraordinarily successful because so many University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Science Foundation. have cared and generously shared their time, $319,710: Auser-friendly interface is being energy, and innovative ideas. created to the Biology Workbench, a suite of Susan Singer, who was editor ofthe So, where have we been? Ellen Weaver interactive tools currently used by research­ Education Forum at its inception, contrib­ tirelessly launched what was first called the ers interested in studying sequence uted the following article on the history of Teaching Corner in the ASPP Newsletter. bioinformatics, structure, and ion movement the education efforts ofASP? Those ofus When I picked up this responsibility, we across biological membranes. Faculty from a involved in today's education activities want switched the column's title to Education variety of institutions are developing to thank the pioneers in establishing an Forum. Many members generously contrib­ modules illustrating the use of the databases Education Committee for their efforts and uted information, including upcoming for undergraduate modules investigating accomplishments. events, book reviews, educational grant such topics as environmental remediation, opportunities, outreach activities, and lab biodiversity, and agricultural applications. ideas. When I rotated off the Education 9950740 ElRDD Digital Library: Celebrating 10 Years of Major ASPP Contributions to Committee, Bob Wise became editor and Enhancing Evolution Education, John Plant Biology Educalion carried on the tradition with panache. Carol Jungk, Beloit College, $193,000: The Beagle Reiss is now ensuring the continuity of this Investigations Return with Darwinian Data his year we celebrate the 75th anniver­ effort. With the advances in information (BIRD D) digital library will be expanded to Tsary of ASPP, but we also have another technology, the education page of the ASPP include data on a variety of organisms, exciting anniversary to celebrate and use as Web site provides infinitely more ways for all including plants. The site is also being launch pad into the next millennium. In July our members to have access to current improved to facilitate export to other 1989, ASPP funded a roundtable discussion educational information. systems and construction of interlinkages to in Denver, Colorado, on what ASPP's role in This is also the fourth anniversary of promote analysis phylogenetically, spatially, education could be. This meeting was held Plant-Ed, a newsgroup moderated by Jon and temporally. independently of our national meeting, and I Monroe and myself (Jon has been the leader _ 28 l.- ASPPNEWS _ in this endeavor) that has been a model of complemented by many high-quality the Web, Plant-Ed, and the Education the best in education communication with education poster presentations and, earlier Forum), sharing scholarly work in a way that now more than 4,000 archived "conversa­ on, oral education presentations. (That was is credible to our institutions and reaches an tions." This ASPP initiative has pulled in the year my research and teaching talks were audience that is inundated with research plant biologists from many fields and in concurrent symposia. I got a lot of journals is a challenge. This issue was one I societies. One of the signs of true leadership exercise!) was particularly concerned about, and I is pulling others into the conversation. Last Throughout the past decade, education worked with Bob Buchanan to obtain a grant year's "Toward Literacy in Plant Biology" symposia during our annual meetings have from NSF to support a workshop on plant workshop, cosponsored by ASPP and CELS met the needs of diverse audiences. Career biology education publication in December (the Coalition of Educators in the Life Options symposia, such as the one Dale 1994. Jim Siedow and Iwere delighted that Sciences), is a great example of this. A Blevins organized, have been very well the outcome was that Maarten Chrispeels, diversity of societies including the American attended by graduate students and postdocs. editor-in-chief of Plant Physiology, agreed to Society of Agronomy, the American Phyto­ We now have a breakfast for faculty who publish high-quality education articles pathological Society, the Crop Science teach at primarily undergraduate institu­ in the journal. Please consider submitting Society of America, the Society for Develop­ tions, thanks to Mark Brodl and others. This your scholarly education work to Plant mental Biology, the Botanical Society of initiative led to the development of a listserv Physiology. America, and the Association of College and for these faculty to discuss research issues For the past decade, ASPP has taken its University Biology Educators gathered to specific to the undergraduate environment (a responsibilities for informal and precollege discuss plant biology literacy. ASPP's beautiful example of how interconnected education seriously and productively. One of Principles ofPlant Biology was key in teaching and research really are). Terry the very first outcomes of the Denver launching the discussion. That then-ASPP Woodin helped out with a Grants Writing meeting was an ASPP Fast Plants Workshop president Ken Keegstra took the time to Workshop. We had Sheila Tobias speak on in Madison fully funded by ASPP. Actually, I attend this workshop speaks volumes in "Why Students Leave Science." Ken Bain, think my first Education Committee "job" terms of the commitment of ASPP leadership director of the Searle Center for Teaching was to organize this workshop with Paul to education. This conversation continued at Excellence at Northwestern University, Williams. I was just looking at a rather dated the August 1999 International Botanical shared his research on "What the Best video of the event that John Greenler had Congress in St. Louis to develop an agenda Teachers Do" and how this relates to what is coordinated and shown at one of our for a July 2000 plant education workshop known in the learning sciences. We led the Education Booths. Wow! How wonderful to that will be part of a Project Kaleidoscope way among professional societies in having a see the enthusiasm of the ASPP participants Undergraduate Science Education Institute "prime time" education symposium of and their desire to go out into the broader in Keystone (hmmm ... we're back to general interest to all members. The first community to spread the word about plants. Colorado). I hope ASPP will playa major role such symposium in the mid-1990s featured Dina Mandoli created the wonderful "Cube" in this and other efforts examining the Sharon Long speaking on "Improving as an alternative to traditional careers future of plant biology education. Science Literacy and Science Education at brochures for high school students and In addition to continuing and broadening the University Level," Jo Handelsman organized a high school teachers workshop the conversation about plant biology sharing her experiences with "Biology entitled "From Soup to Nuts" at one of the education, Ellen Weaver and Paul Williams Brought to Life: ACase for Local Action and annual meetings. She also has provided started the now regular appearance of the Global Thinking," and Hector Flores offering advice for the Magic School Bus on behalf of Education Booth ~t our annual meeting. his thoughts on "Seeds of Change: Soul ASPP. In 1994, we piloted a collaborative There have been many years during which Searching Through Undergraduate and effort with the Frederick District in Maryland we have had hands-on opportunities for Graduate Teaching." I am particularly with Doug Luster's guidance. We learned a members to explore new ideas for lab or grateful to Ralph Quatrano, Bob Buchanan, great deal about K-12 teachers. Bringing a classroom activities. Fast Plants helped us and Jim Siedow (ASPP presidents while I past National Association of Biology Teachers get started. Carol Reiss brought demos and a chaired the Education Committee) for president and high school teacher, Barb photosynthesis video created by Cornell providing the leadership necessary to give Schulz, and the Frederick superintendent to students. When image analysis was just education credibility and presence at our an Education Committee meeting also emerging, we had a demo at our Education national meetings and on the ASPP agenda. I helped get us on track. I'm thrilled that Booth. I remember Joe Varner spending am awed by their commitment and persis­ ASPP now goes to meetings of the National hours showing folks how to do tissue tence in giving birth to the ASPP Education Science Teachers Association. Of course, the printing. Dina Mandoli had a computer­ Foundation, which positions ASPP to Epcot exhibit funded by the Education based presentation on how to make a great actualize education visions as we move into Foundation is absolutely off the charts in poster. We shared printed materials includ­ the next century. I reread the vision terms of educational impact! ing a plant development lab I had edited and statement the ASPP Education Committee Where are we going next? As fantastic as a plant physiology lab collection Jim Shinkle created in 1994. That vision is well on its this is, it is important to remember that had edited. The Education Booth has become way to being fully realized. The continuity of every time one of us enters an introductory a home for members who are primarily educational commitment within ASPP (and biology classroom, we have the opportunity engaged in teaching and might feel a bit wonderful staff support provided by many, to educate not only future biologists, but detached from the Society's strong research including Brian Hyps) gives me confidence also future precollege teachers, policy­ emphasis. It also serves members who want that even clearer and broader visions will makers, and citizens. Your course may be the to polish their teaching skills or try some­ continue to emerge and be implemented. only college-level science class a student thing new but have extensive time con­ One of the big challenges for plant biology takes, and 58 percent of the introductory straints because of their research. They education is to professionalize teaching as a biology in this country is taught in commu- appreciate having easily accessible materials scholarly activity. While we have many at their research meetings. This has been informal ways to exchange ideas (for example continued on page 30

September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ 29 _ --:-.---:-.__:...--....:....------continued [rom page 29 committing to a career in educating undergraduates, to providing outstanding nity colleges. There are so many different laboratory instruction in plant physiology ways to contribute to plant biology literacy, while mentoring teaching assistants. All and ASPP is working diligently to support these individuals have also provided members in many different venues. significant leadership through the ASPP ASPP recognizes the diversity of contribu­ Education Committee. In honoring them, we tions members make to plant biology celebrate the contributions of all our education through the ASPP Teaching members who value education. Happy 10th Award. This award became a reality because birthday ASPP Education Committee! I can't of Ellen Weaver's efforts. Award recipients wait to see where we will go in the next Paul Williams, Carl Pike, and Carol Reiss decade! l~ epitomize the range of education activities our Society supports-from mentoring Susan Singer graduate students while developing probably Carleton College the most successful precollege plant Northfield, Minnesota education outreach program (Fast Plants), to

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITION The University of British Columbia Biotechnology Laboratory Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology

The Biotechnology Laboratory invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor in the area of plant molecular and cellular biology. The Biotechnology Laboratory is an interdisciplinary facility established ten years ago at the University of British Columbia by Nobel Laureate Michael Smith. Its mandate is to foster the development of biotechnology through an interactive approach to problems in human, animal, plant and forest biotechnology, and in fermentation and process engineering. The Biotechnology Laboratory is also an active partner in a major new initiative to develop genomic science in British Columbia. There are currently ten faculty members conducting research in the Biotechnology Laboratory with 52 graduate students drawn from ten different academic departments. In addition, the Biotechnology Laboratory has actively promoted plant biotechnology on campus by the inclusion of three additional plant scientists as associate members of the Laboratory. The Biotechnology Laboratory provides an exceptionally supportive environmentfor new faculty and forthe developmentof new research directions. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous research program in plant molecular/cellular biology. We will consider applicants in a broad range of areas including genomics, plant-microbe interactions, development, plant biotechnology and molecular farming, metabolism, physiology and plant signaling systems. Investigators with experience in model systems and an interest in applied aspects of plant biology are encouraged to apply. He/She will have cross appointments in Botany and Agricultural Sciences and will be expected to participate in the education of students at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. There are many opportunities for collaboration with other members of the Biotechnology Laboratory and with other units on campus. Several Networks of Centres of Excellence are represented at the University and a new Genome Sequence Centre is starting operations in Vancouver. The successful applicant will assume a laboratory completely equipped for molecular genetics and cell biology, will have access to state-of­ the-art facilities for a wide range of studies in biotechnology and will play an integral role in maintaining and expanding the University's strength in plant molecular genetics/biology. Screening of applicants will begin November 1,1999and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide a bibliography, a current curriculum vitae, a description of proposed research and interests, and the names and addresses of three references to:

Dr. Douglas G. Kilburn, Director, Biotechnology Laboratory, University of British Columbia, 6174 University Blvd., Room 237, Vancouver, BC V6T lZ3 Canada lilt. ; " .", USC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

30 _L- A;.".S;.".pp_N-.;EW..:.:-;;5 _ OBITUARIES --=T=-----1~~

Bostioon J. D. Meeuse

rofessor Emeritus and ASPP member PBastiaan J. D. Meeuse died of pneumonia in Kirkland, Washington, on July 27, 1999, at the age of 83. He was born May 9, 1916, in Sukabumi, Java, where his parents were school teachers; attended high school in the Netherlands; and then studied biology at the University of Leiden, where he received a B.Sc. in 1936. He completed his doctoral studies with Professor G. van Herson at the University of Delft, where he studied the formation of sucrose from starch in plants at low temperatures, receiving the doctor's diploma cum laude in 1943. During this period he also worked with the noted animal behaviorist Niko Tinbergen to study the courtship behavior of butterflies. He spent some time with the underground forces before being able to return to Delft in May 1945, becoming van Herson's chief assistant. From 1947 to 1949, Prof. Meeuse was on a Rockefeller Fellowship working with David Goddard at The University of Pennsylvania on pea seed metabolism. He then returned to Delft, where he was acting head of the Boslioon Meeuse with 0 flowering voodoo lily, Saurama/um guna/um. Courtesy of 'he University of Biochemical Laboratory, working with Woshington. students on a number of metabolic studies. In 1952, he joined the Botany Department known to play many roles in plant physiol­ whom will miss him very much, both in a at the University of Washington, Seattle, as ogy and defense. Remarkably, Meeuse's serious vein and for the hand-written letters an assistant professor, rapidly advancing to success in finishing this chapter of his angled up the pages and the self-deprecating full professor by 1~60. There he worked for research was achieved not with federal grant witticisims as well. lrt- several years in enzymology, especially in support, but rather through collaboration definitive studies of the highly heat resistant with colleagues who shared his clear vision Dick Walker, Steven Bressler, and moss oxalic acid oxidase. He next undertook and appreciation of the importance of Hannah Skubatz the endeavor that dominated his attention studying a remarkable process in an unusual University of Washington for several decades: the thermogenic plant. Terrence Delaney respiration of the spadix of Sauromatum Along with the activities mentioned above, Cornell University guttatum, with its production of odoriferous Bas Meeuse was a stimulating teacher, volatile amines that attract carrion fly and naturalist, and source of wisdom and beetle pollinators. His broad interest in guidance for students and others around William G. Nolan insects and pollination led to the writing of him. In lectures, Bas would often pause and the classic book The Story ofPollination put his right index finger to his lips. His eyes SPP headquarters was recently informed (1961) and later on The Sex Life ofFlowers would twinkle, and once again the class 'Of the death of William G. Nolan. Profes­ (1984) and to the scientific support for the would be mesmerized by another yarn, spun A sor Nolan was a director of UGS at Georgia popular Oxford University film Sexual by a master ... not only as biologist but as a State University. He had been a member of Encounters ofthe Floral Kind. Bas Meeuse's genuine raconteur, a man who loved life and ASPP since 1967. lrt- unique character is illustrated by his work to who saw infinity in a grain of sand. elucidate the nature of "calorigen," a term Bas was also a popular lecturer to garden van Herk coined in 1937 for the plant and nature-oriented public groups and substance that promotes a dramatic author of many popular articles on a wide thermogenic response in the voodoo lily variety of biological subjects. At the same floral spadix. His persistence led in the late time, he was a devoted husband, father, and 1980s to the discovery that calorigen was grandfather and a warm and valued friend to actually salicylic acid, a compound now a host of scientists around the world, all of

September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ -~~-_...:.....---=------...... 31 s ----~~ _Go_th_e_ri------=:n9:...... - .... The ASPP NEWS publishes dates, titles, locations, and contact names and addresses for meetings, courses, seminars, and the like that are of interest to ASPP members. Submit announcements via e-mail to [email protected] or mail to Sylvia Braxton Lee, ASPP NEWS, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA. Faxed transmissions are not accepted.

MARCH

March 5-9, 2000 New Frontiers in Plant Science and Plant Biotechnology Toulouse-Lab~ge, France Detailed information and preliminary registration form can be found at http:// ambre. toulouse. inraJr/ifrlNewFrontiers/ welcome.html. Or contact Christine Guidice, BP17 Auzeville, F 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France; telephone +33-5-62-19-35-31, fax +33-5-62-19­ 35-02, e-mail newfront@cicUr.

March 26-29, 2000 The 5th International Conference on "Plasma Membrane Redox Systems and Their Role in Biological Stress and Disease" Hamburg, Germany Detailed information about the conference and a form to receive the first circular can be found at 1999 October 30-November 2 http://www.rrz.uni-hamburg.de/biologie/ialb/ 3rd M~xico-US Symposium redox2000/redox.htm. You can also contact the "Plant Biology at the End of the Second organizers by sending e-mail to REDOX2000@ OCTOBER Millennium, a Bilateral Overview" botanik.uni-hamburg.de or contact M. Bottger, O. M~rida, Yucatan, Mexico Doring, and S. LUthje, Institut fUr Allgemeine October 6-14 For information, contact Teresa Hernandez­ Botanik, Ohnhorststr. 18, D-22609 Hamburg, Optical Microscopy and Imaging in the Sotomayor Ph.D. at [email protected] or see Web site Germany; telephone +49-40-82282-345 1348, fax Biomedical Sciences at http://www.cicy.mx/index.html. +49-40-82282-254. Short Course Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad ­ Marine Biological Laboratory 500046, India; telephone +91-40-3010265, fax March 27-29, 2000 Woods Hole, Massachusetts +91-40-3010 120 or 145, e-mail iclsnm@ Cellular Compartmentation of For information, contact Carol Hamel, Admissions uohyd.erneUn, Web site http://www.uohyd. Plant Metabolism Coordinator, Marine Biological Laboratory, 7 MBL ernet.in/curr/slconf.htm. Society for Experimental Biology Annual Street, Woods Hole, MA 02453-7401; telephone 508­ Conference 289-7401, e-mail [email protected], Web site 2000 Exeter University, United Kingdom http://www.mbl.edu. Organizers: C. G. Bowsher, S. A. Hill, A. K. Tobin, JANUARY R. Walker. For information contact Dr A. K. Tobin, October 10-13 School of Biology, Sir Harold Mitchell Building, The 9th Gatlinburg Symposium January 13-14, 2000 University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 University of Tennessee, Knoxville Agricultural Microbes Genome I Conference 9TH, UK; fax +44-1334-363366, e-mail at6@st­ For information on the scientific program, San Diego, California andrews.ac.uk, Web site http://www.demon.co.uk! contact Dr. Barry D. Bruce at 423-974-4082 or Information on the meeting (including online SEB/meetings/2000/ExeterSessions.html. Entry [email protected]. For conference details and registration forms and abstract instructions) is form deadline is October 18, 1999. registration information, contact Ms. Susan Davis, available at http://www.ag-microbial.orgl. 212 Conference Center Bldg., Henley Street, APRIL University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996; FEBRUARY telephone 423-974-0280, e-mail April 1-5, 2000 [email protected]. February 20-24, 2000 The XVI International Congress on World Congress of Young Farmers Conference Sexual Plant Reproduction October 20-22 Orlando, Florida Banff, Alberta, Canada Autumn School "Biosynthesis and Differentia­ For information check the Web site at http:// Coorganizers: Dr. D. D. Cass, University of Alberta tion of Plant Storage Organs and Products" www.fb.com/world. To contact please e-mail ([email protected]) and Dr. V. K. Sawhney, Wageningen, The Netherlands [email protected] or call 630-323-6880. University of Saskatchewan Organizers: D. Vreugdenhil and R.G.F. Visser. ([email protected]). For information, Contact Dick Vreugdenhil: fax +31-317-484740, check our Web site at http://www.usask.ca/ e-mail [email protected]. biology/spr/. Scientific program and registration: http:// www.spg.wau.nl/pf. 32 _L.. ~A=SP..:..PN::EW::=S=-- _ April 11-13, 2000 JUNE MICRO 2000 International Microscopy June 11-16, 2000 Conference & Exhibition International Symposium on Grapevine Hammersmith, London Physiology & Biotechnology Heraklion For registration forms and information, contact Crete, Greece Royal Microscopial Society, 37/38 St. Clements, For information, contact Professor K. A. Oxford OX4 lAJ, United Kingdom; telephone +44­ Roubelakis-Angelakis, Department of Biology, 1865-248768, fax +44-1865-791237, e-mail for University of Crete, PO Box 2208, 71409 conference information [email protected], e­ Heraklion, Greece; telephone/fax +30-81-394459, mail for exhibition information allison@rms. e-mail [email protected]. Also, visit the org.uk, Web site http://www.rms.org.uk. symposium Web site at http://www.biology.uch.gr/ meetings. MAY OCTOBER May 13-18, 2000 Auxin 2000 October 3-6, 2000 Ajaccio, Corsica Workshop: The Role of Invertases in Plant Organizers: Alan Jones, Catherine Perrot­ Carbohydrate Partitioning and Beyond Rechenmann, and Mark Estelle. For information University of Regensburg, Germany on the speakers, venue, application for participa­ For information and registration, contact Thomas tion, and estimated costs, visit the Web site at Roitsch, Lehrstuhl fuer Zellbiologie und http://www.isv.cnrs-giUr/CRlaux2000 or contact Pflanzenphysiologie, Universitaet Regensburg, alan-.i [email protected]. 93040 Regensburg, Germany; telephone +49-941­ 943-3021, fax +49-941-943-3352, e-mail May 14-18, 2000 [email protected], World Congress for Soilless Culture on Web site: http://www.biologie.uni-regensburg.de/ Agriculture in the Coming Millennium invertase/. Kibbutz Ma'ale Ha'chamisha, Israel For information, contact the Congress Secre­ tariat, Ortra Ltd., 1 Nirim Street, PO Box 9352, Tel Aviv 61092, Israel; telephone +972-3-6384444, fax +972-3-6384455, e-mail [email protected].

May 14-19, 2000 10th International Symposium on Iron Nutrition and Interactions in Plants Houston. Texas Organizing Committee Chairman: Michael A. Grusak. For information, contact Stancia Pemberton, USDNARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, 1100 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030; telephone 7\3-798-7020, fax 713-798­ 7078, e-mail [email protected].

September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ -~------33 ASPP Placement Service

This form may be used only by members of the American Society of Plant Physiologists. Please print or type your placement information on this form (curriculum vitae will not be accepted) and send it to Donna Gordon, ASPP Headquarters, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855·2768

LAST NAME TITLE FIRST NAME INITIAL

STREET ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP COUNTRY

TELEPHONE FAX E-MAIL t am seeking the following position (check all that apply): . [] Permanent [ 1Temporary [] Postdoctoral ] Industrial [] Academic [] Government [] USA only ] Outside USA US citizen? [] Yes [] No Date available: _

Fields of interest, specialties, and publications titles: _

Professional societies and honors: _

Degree/year Major Minor COllege/university and its location

Postdoctoral study (specialty and with whom, where, when): _

Employer and location From To Position, Title, Duties

References (names, addresses, telephone numbers): ASPP Job Placement Service ------1~~..... I. Registering with the ASPP Placement Service and Obtaining Placement Files ASPP headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, operates a placement service in which are kept active two files of resumes of individuals who are seeking employment. Employers are urged to survey the resume files for those seeking permanent positions and those seeking postdoctoral or similar positions. The files cost $25 each and may be ordered from Donna Gordon, ASPP Placement Service, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA. Those seeking employment should complete the Placement Service Form on the facing page to be included in the service.

II. Placing a Position Ad in ASPPNEWSand on the ASPP World Wide Web Homepage Submit all ads bye-mail to Sylvia Braxton Lee [email protected] (or by mail to Sylvia Braxton Lee, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768; FAXED ADS ARE NOT ACCEPTED). Afee of $150 for print, Web, or both is charged for all academic/government/industry permanent positions and for all positions, regardless of rank, posted by private companies (private nonprofit companies are not charged a fee). If a fee is charged for your ad, please include billing information at the time the ad is submitted. • Academic/GovernmentlIndustry Permanent Positions (Ph.D.): Limited to 200 words; ad will run 12 weeks on the Web and appear in one issue of ASP? NEWS. (If the ad runs only on the Web, the word limit is waived.) • Postdoctoral Positions and Researchffechnical Positions (non-Ph.D.): At universities and government installations, limited to 100 words; at private companies, limited to 200 words. Ad will run 12 weeks on the Web and appear in one issue of AS?P NEWS. (If the ad runs only on the Web, the word limits are waived.) • Assistantships, Fellowships, Internships, etc.: Announcements of programs and fellowships or internships for students seeking advanced degrees run at no charge and without a word limit. They will run two times in ASP? NEWS: the first time, they will run at full length; the second time, they will include location, contact name, and address, with a reference to the original posting. These announcements will run on the ASP? World Wide Web homepage for 12 weeks from the date of posting.

ACADEMIC/GOVERNMENT/INDUSTRY PERMANENT POSITIONS Department of Pomology, One Shields Avenue, tentative work plan (one to two pages) describing (Ph.D.) University of California, Davis, CA 95616-8683. suggested approaches to these research topics to Closing date: October 15, 1999. For additional Prof. Sammy Boussiba, Head, The Albert Katz Assistant Specialist information about the department visit our web Department of Dryland Biotechnologies, Ben­ University of California, Davis site at http://pom.ucdavis.edu. The University of Gurion University of the Negev, The Jacob (Received 07/06) California is an affirmative action/equal opportu­ Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Sede­ An assistant specialist position is available in nity employer. Boker Campus 84990, Israel; telephone +972-7­ Cooperative Extension (lOtl%). Candidates will be 6596795, fax +972-7-6596802, e-mail expected to evaluate and extend research-based [email protected]. information that incbrporates principles of Scientist sustainable production into Integrated Crop J. Blaustein Institute for Desert Research Management Systems for perennial fruit and nut Ben-Gurion University Faculty Position crops in California, and function as the lead Sede-Boker Campus, Israel University of Missouri-Columbia specialist for cooperative extension programs (Received 07/13) (Received 07/14) associated with almond and walnut production. Atenure-track position is available at the Albert The successful candidate is expected to conduct a Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in ecology, Katz Department of Dryland Biotechnologies vigorous, extramurally funded research program horticulture, agronomy, soil science, plant (DDB). The DDB is offering a tenure-track applying genomics to understanding how gene nutrition, water science, or closely related position for a scientist with a strong background sequences, combinations, and expression patterns discipline; demonstrated ability or potential to in plant physiology and/or plant molecular relate to development, variation, and phenotypes conduct independent research in agricultural biology. The candidate will be expected to work in maize. Excellence in teaching at the graduate systems; commitment to ,effective outreach; with other members in the department studying and undergraduate levels is required. The excellence in written and oral communication; a adaptation mechanisms of plants to arid successful candidate will participate in the vibrant record of scholarly and academic achievement; environments. Specific research goals relate to Maize Biology Research Group, which is part of computer literacy; the ability to work effectively plants' response to desert environment and/or the the rapidly expanding plant genomic initiative at with extension colleagues, faculty, staff, and special growth conditions existing in controlled the University of Missouri. The position is numerous clientele groups. Send curriculum environment greenhouses. Another aspect of the provided with a generous start-up package and vitae; transcripts if less than five years since mission is study of carbon dioxide enrichment, will be located in a newly renovated laboratory graduation; copies of published and in-press temperature extremes, and other related growth designed specifically for genome analysis. artiCles; description of current and projected physiology problems that plants encounter under Appointment at assistant (tenure-track) / extension and research interests relative to this these circumstances. Interested persons are associate/full professor levels will be considered. position; summary of teaching interests and requested to send their curriculum vitae, College/departmental affiliation will be based on experience; and names and addresses of at least including list of publications and the names and the program and preferences of the successful three references to Prof. Steven A. Weinbaum, addresses of at least three references, as well as a candidate. Target date is October 15, 1999.

September/October 1999, Vol. 26, No.5 _ --'------'-~------37 ground in molecular and cell biology, biochemis­ tion, and blotting techniques is desirable. been established to perform research in the area try, or biophysics. Experience with protein Knowledge and skills in the use of molecular of oilseed engineering. Approximately 20 targeting and plant or bacterial systems is a plus biology techniques are helpful. Certain citizen­ positions are available with funding for up to five but not a strict requirement. Interested individu­ ship restrictions apply. Starting salary is $39,960 years. Academic participants are John Browse, als should send a curriculum vitae, statement of per annum plus benefits. Please send curriculum Washington State University, [email protected]; research interests, and the names of three vitae, a statement of research experience, and Jan Jaworski, Miami University of Ohio, references, including their e-mail addresses and three letters of reference to Dr. E. C. Lulai, USDA­ [email protected]; John Ohlrogge, phone numbers, to Dr. Steven Theg, University of ARS-NCSL, PO Box 5677, Fargo, ND 58105-5677; Michigan State University, ohlrogge@pilot. California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA telephone 701-239-1352, fax 701-239-1349, msu.edu; Mike Pollard, Michigan State Univer­ 95616; telephone 530-752-0624, fax 530-752­ e-mail [email protected]. The USDNARS sity, [email protected]; and John Shanklin, 5410, e-mail [email protected]. is an equal opportunity employer. Women and Brookhaven National Laboratory, shanklin@ minorities are encouraged to apply. More bnl.gov. The collaboration will address a information is available at http://www.ars. combination of basic and applied research goals Postdoctoral Position usda.gov. and will integrate this knowledge to optimize the Purdue University, West Lafayette yield of novel lipids in transgenic crops. (Received 08/05) Postdoctoral candidates with strong backgrounds A postdoctoral position is available immediately to Postdoctoral Research Associate in biochemistry, genetics, physiology, enzyme study the regulation of floral scent production in Pacific Northwest National Laboratory engineering, genomics, metabolic engineering, or plants. The work will include isolation and Richland, Washington cell biology are encouraged to apply. Additional characterization of genes involved in floral scent (Received 08/19) information about the laboratories can be found production in snapdragon. F'amiliarity with basic Applications are being accepted for an anticipated at http://www.msu.edu/user/oilseeds/. Several techniques of molecular biology and biochemis­ postdoctoral research associate position at the technical and graduate student positions are also try, as well as plant transformation, is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The available in the areas outlined above. Candidates Send letter outlining research experience and successful applicant must hold a Ph.D. in plant should have a B.Sc. or M.Sc. in relevant interests, curriculum vitae, publications, and physiology, plant molecular biology, botany, or a disciplines and demonstrated technical compe­ three letters of reference to Dr. Natalia Dudareva, related field. In addition, the successful applicant tence. Candidates interested in applying for these Purdue University, Department of Horticulture must have direct experience with monocot positions should send a letter bye-mail to and Landscape Architecture, West Lafayette, IN transformation systems, including the [email protected] or to one of the individ­ 47907; telephone 765-494-1325, fax 765-494­ Agrobacterium transformation system. In uals listed above. The letter should outline your 0391, e-mail [email protected]. addition, applicants should have at least some interests within the program and include a exposure to the discovery of genes and associated curriculum vitae. The above institutions are all regulatory elements. Preference will be given to equal opportunity/affirmative action employers. Postdoctoral Position applicants skilled in microarray-based screening University of California, Berkeley of plant genetic material. Applicants should also (Received 08/13) be highly familiar with biochemical characteriza­ Postdoctoral Position Apostdoctoral position is available to study tion of enzymes and other proteins. Acurrent Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff molecular aspects of the quiescent center (QC), a curriculum vitae should be sent to Dr. Brian (Received 08/24) population of slowly dividing cells embedded in Hooker, Staff Engineer, Bioprocessing Group, Apostdoctoral position is available immediately, angiosperm root meristems. Using various Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, MSIN K2­ initially for one year, to investigate the molecular techniques, including RT-PCR, differential display, 10,902 Battelle Blvd., Richland, WA 99352; e-mail basis of selenium hyperaccumulation in in situ hybridization, and immunolocalization, we [email protected]. Electronic applications Astragalus bisulcatus. The researcher will be will investigate cell cycle controls leading to may be e-mailed. responsible for cloning and characterizing genes initiation and maintenance of the QC. High involved in selenium uptake and biotransforma­ manual dexterity preferred. (Background: tion in Astragalus. This information will be used Development 121, 2825-2833; 1995). Salary is Postdoctoral Position to generate food plants with an enhanced ability $28,000-$30,000 per year. Candidates should send Washington State University, Pullman to biotransform seleni urn into potent anticancer a curriculum vitae and three references to L. (Received 08/19) compounds. Extensive experience with techniques Feldman at [email protected]. The Apostdoctoral position is available immediately in plant molecular biology is essential. Send starting date is January 31, 2000. The application for isolation of novel postharvest-related genes curriculum vitae and three letters of reference to deadline is January 10, 2000. UC is an EOE/AA and their promoters from maize for targeting David E. Salt, Department of Chemistry, Northern employer. gene traits and products to non-crop portions. Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011; fax 520­ Research will involve cDNA library construction, 523-8111, e-mail [email protected]. restriction fragment differential display (RFDD­ Postdoctoral Position PCR) screening, and characterization of gene USDNARS, Fargo, North Dakota (RA-99-49L) expression. Applicants must have a strong Postdoctoral Position (Received 08/19) background in molecular biology. The position Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Atwo-year postdoctoral position is available to will start October 1, 1999. Send a letter of (Received 08/27) conduct research on potato tuber phellogen (cork application, curriculum vitae, and three letters of Apostdoctoral position is available starting cambium) cell wall stiffening initiated during reference to Dr. Maurice Ku, Botany Department, October 1, 1999, to study intercellular and phellogen inactivation and tuber periderm Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164­ phloem trafficking of proteins, RNAs, and viruses maturation. The research will include determin­ 4238; telephone 509-335-0197, fax 509-335-3517, using cellular, molecular, and genetic approaches. ing the changes in phellogen cell walls and e-mail [email protected]. There are excellent opportunities to collaborate related enzymes/proteins that cause stiffening and with the other lab personnel as well as conduct identifying markers and signals associated with independent research. APh.D. degree in plant cell the initiation of phellogen cell wall stiffening in Postdoctoral and Technical Research Positions biology, molecular biology, genetics, or virology is maturing wound and native periderm. The goal of Oilseed Engineering Collaboration required. To apply, send a letter of application, the research project is to determine the biochemi­ (Received 08/20) curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of cal changes responsible for the development of Plant metabolic engineering is an emerging three references to Dr. Biao Ding, Department of resistance to tuber periderm injury. Candidates discipline that offers the promise of designing Botany, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK must have a strong background in plant crop plants to accumulate novel storage 74078; telephone 405-744-9508, fax 405-744­ biochemistry/physiology. Experience with cell compounds. Acollaboration of five researchers in 7074, e-mail [email protected]. wall and protein/enzyme isolation, characteriza- cooperation with a major U.S. corporation has More information about research in this lab is

38 ______A_S_pp_N_EW_S _ available at http://www.okstate.edu/artscilbotany/ GRE scores, TOEFL scores (foreign students), and General Research Grants ding.htm. three letters of reference. For additional informa­ American Philosophical Society tion, interested individuals can contact the divi­ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Postdoctoral Positions sion office at 304-293-4817 or Dr. Sven Verlinden (Repeat) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at the Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, PO Box Contact the Committee on Research, American Golden, Colorado 6108, Morgantown, WV 26506; telephone 304­ Philosophical Society, 104 S. 5th Street, (Received 08/31) 293-6023, e-mail [email protected]. Philadelphia, PA 19106-3387. Questions con­ Three postdoctoral positions are currently cerning the eligibility of a project or applicant are available in the Basic Sciences Center (Biological accepted at 215-440-3429 or via e-mail to Sciences Team) at NREL. The first position Graduate Assistantship [email protected]. American Philosophical involves the use of molecular biological University of Florida, Gainesville Society information, directions, and forms can be techniques to identify putative oxygen-sensing (Received 07/01) downloaded from the APS Web site at http;// proteins in the green alga Chlamydomonas Agraduate assistantship at the Ph.D. level is www.amphilsoc.org (click on "research grants" on reinhardtii that may be responsible for regulating available for a motivated student in a research the homepage). (Details July/August 1999 ASPP the hydrogenase associated with photosynthetic project on metabolic engineering of plants to NEWS)

H2 production (Ghirardi et a!., App!. Biochem. improve their stress tolerance. The student will Biotechno!. 63-65, 141-151; 1997 and Seibert et have opportunities to learn biochemical, a!., Biohydrogen [0. R. Zaborski, ed.], Plenum physiological, and genetic techniques including Graduate Assistant-Crop Physiology Pub!. Co. NY, 227-230; 1998). Applicants should genetic transformation. Stipend pays a minimum University of Arkansas, Fayetteville have a background in plant molecular genetics of $15,000 per year and includes tuition waivers. (Repeat) and experience working with biological regulatory To learn more about the project and the Contact Dr. Derrick M. Oosterhuis, Altheimer systems. The second position involves physiologi­ opportunity, please contact Dr. Bala Laboratory, 276 Altheimer Drive, University of cal studies to examine a novel two-stage system Rathinasabapathi, Assistant Professor, Horticul­ Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72704; telephone 501­

(patent pending) for algal H2 production in which tural Sciences Department, WAS, PO Box 110690, 575-3979, fax 501-575-3975, e-mail oosterhu@ algal cultures cycle between oxygenic photosyn­ University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0690; comp.uark.edu. (Details July/August 1999 ASPP thesis and anaerobic H2 photoproduction modes, telephone 352-392-3991, fax 352-392-5653, NEWS) depending upon externally imposed conditions. e-mail [email protected]. Applicants should have a background in analytical biochemistry or plant physiology with experience Graduate Research Assistantship working with algal photosynthetic systems. The Graduate Research Assistantship North Carolina State University, Raleigh third position involves biochemicallbiophysical Colorado State University, Fort Collins (Repeat) investigations of structure/function aspects of the (Received 07/20) Contact Dr. Stewart Warren, Graduate Program photosystem II reaction center (Greenfield et aI., Aresearch assistantship is available in the Coordinator, Department of Horticultural J. Phys. Chern. 10, 2251-2255; 1997) in plants Department of Horticulture and Landscape Sciences, North Carolina State University, and C. reinhardtii. Applicants should have some Architecture for a student pursuing an M.S. or a Raleigh, NC 27695-7609. For additional spectroscopic background, experience isolating Ph.D. degree. Research will be in the area of information, contact Dr. Mason Pharr at 919-515­ integral membrane proteins, and an interest in postharvest physiology and molecular biology of 1217, e-mail [email protected], or Dr. John the biochemistry and biophysics of photosynthe­ flower senescence. The assistantship is available Williamson at 919-515-5366, e-mail john_ sis. Starting salary and benefits are highly immediately. Qualifications: B.S. or M.S. in [email protected]. Graduate school admission competitive. Please send your curriculum vitae, horticulture, biology, plant physiology, or related application deadlines are: U.S. citizens-fall list of publications and reprints, and the names of fields. To apply, send resume, transcripts, three semester, June 25 spring, November 25. Inter­ three references to Dr. Michael Seibert letters of recommendation, and a one-page letter national applicants-spring semester, August 15. (mike_seibert@nre!.~ov) or Dr. Maria Ghirardi of intent describing research interests and goals (Details July/August 1999 ASPP NEWS) (maria-llhirardi@nre!.gov) at NREL, 1617 Cole to Dr. Michelle L. Jones, Department of Horticul­ Blvd., Golden, CO 80401. NREL is an equal ture and Landscape Architecture, 111 Shepardson, opportunity employer. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523; Katherine Esau Postdoctoral Fellowships telephone 970-491-7216, fax 970-491-7745, University of California, Davis e-mail [email protected]. (Repeat) SISTANTSHIPS, FElLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, ETC. Contact Professor Judy Jernstedt, Chair, Faculty Advisory Committee, Esau Fellowships Program, Graduate Research Assistantship Graduate Research Assistant Department of Agronomy and Range Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown Oklahoma State University, Stillwater University of California, Davis, One Shields (Received 07/06) (Repeat) Avenue, Davis, CA 95616; fax 530-752-4361. e Division of Plant and Soil Sciences at West Contact Dr. Biao Ding, Department of Botany, Inquiries may be made bye-mail to the chair at ginia University is see~ing qualified individuals Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078; [email protected]. Fellowships will be Interested in obtaining an M.S. or a Ph.D. degree. telephone 405-744-9508, fax 405-744-7074, awarded on an annual basis. The next deadline for The position is available September 1999 or any­ e-mail [email protected]. More this program will be November 1, 1999. The time thereafter until a suitable candidate is found. information about research in this lab is available University of California is an equal opportunity The assistantship provides a monthly stipend and at http://www.okstate.edu/artscilbotany/ding.htm. employer. (Details July/August 1999 ASPP NEWS) tuition waiver. Stipends for M.S. and Ph.D. stu­ (Details July/August 1999 ASPP NEWS) dents are $9,396 and $11,040, respectively. The successful candidate will conduct research on the postharvest physiology of horticultural crops. The Graduate Research Assistantship research involves the use of recombinant DNA Oklahoma State University, Stillwater techniques and plant transformation as well as (Repeat) physiologicallbiochemical measurements to study Contact Dr. Yinghua Huang, Department of senescence in horticultural crops. Students with Forestry, Oklahoma State University, 112B Noble backgrounds in horticulture, botany, or biology Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078; telephone are encouraged to apply. Applicants with some ex­ 405-744·6431, fax 405-744-7373, e-mail perience in molecular biology and/or tissue cul­ [email protected]. Oklahoma State University ture may be given preference. Please submit a let­ is an equal opportunity employer. (Details July/ ter of application, a resume, college transcripts, August 1999 ASPP NEWS)

_ September/October~--'-__1999,-'-----:""Vol. 26, No.5 ---.J_ 39 ASPP Headquarters Telephone Extensions and E-Mail Directory

For your convenience, keep Ihis listing of extension num­ c:::; ;::'" ...... bers and e-mail addresses handy when you contact ASPP ~ ...... a> ~ headquarters so that you can reach the person best able to :l DO ...... ::!' ~ ::!' ...... ;; ::!' ~ DO ...... a> .. assist you. .. ci. .. .. a> ;; ci...... ci. C ... >. ci. ci...... ~ os ~ ...... c.. ~... .. os ~ ~ .. os .... os ~ ] >- os -~ ~~ ~ :>: a> .. ~~ Our office telephone number is >- c C ~ :;;~ >- C a> .. ""'§- .. C >. .2 ...>- C a> .. .. 301-251-0560 =a> ..C os C .... =a> ..C ~ t .;; .....-= .... os "'" ....;",r "'" ....

:.... Mlsslitg jour,nallssu~$,~ookf, ' .. -. ' 'Y-' '-,-,' --, ~-;-, .~~,M$Uiptldns,_lndlviduol~ •_ ' -.... -Ptijnt"P:hy;~~/iigi{e~(epimlsslng: IS$~~S) ,~ THE PLA~.I CElL •'-;. '~"'-,' Disposition of 0 manuscript All other queslions (except missing issues) 't:..;,'~·N.~,~~lett~f~::,. ' '.".':. .~~.~~ Ad~~rtis·iQg_.:~ ':. : ,:: , ~,.: ' ~~: Plant Physiology THE PLANT CElL Newsletler ·:Y::~Addr.8s(chpDge~_ ,, .... ·M,'jI!§'-tililR'ap'pl,lc~t!a.~i-, .... M.em~ershlpeLoblem5~i ....:, A,ccounts payable' , .... ~A(c~,unts r~ceivable , _. _' ,. Account~:poyable/r8c~i~able~probleI!1V .... Annuol nieetlng ,'.' ....PublicDf{aiis/govern~9ntrel~tion5::' .... ,Educotio{ . :. ' ....' Society' g~v.inonce '.' ....: ASPP Educotion' FoundiitJon " .... "lnJerngllonal Issue5" .... Awa id's.' " ,"!If"'- • 'Subscriptions, Inslilutional: Sunbelt Fulfillment Service, Brentwood, Tenne55ee, B77-57 5-9641

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