Harry Klee Assumes Presidency October 1 Treasurer; Chair, Board of Trustees C

September/October 2017 • Volume 44, Number 5

p. 3 p. 7 p. 14 President’s Letter Journal Impact: ASPB Members Where Do We Go Brave New World Elected to German from Here? National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS

Harry Klee Assumes Presidency Rob Last Elected October 1 to Lead ASPB in 2018–2019 arry Klee holds the ics underlying flavor Dickman Chair for in tomato and other HPlant Improvement fruit crops. Harry was at the University of Florida elected a fellow of (UF) in Gainesville. Harry AAAS in 2009 and to earned a bachelor’s degree the National Academy in psychology and then of Sciences in 2012. a PhD in biochemistry He has served on the from the University of editorial boards of Massachusetts, Amherst. He The Plant Journal, did postdoctoral research Plant Physiology, on Agrobacterium tumefa- Molecular Breeding, ciens at the University of and Critical Reviews Rob Last Washington with Eugene in Plant Sciences. He Nester, working on the was editor-in-chief ob Last, Barnett Rosenberg mechanisms of crown gall of The Plant Journal Professor of Plant Biochemistry tumor growth that led to from 2002 to 2009. Rand Molecular Biology at characterization of the Harry Klee At UF, he served Michigan State University, brings var- Agrobacterium auxin and two-year terms as ied research, teaching, and administra- cytokinin biosynthetic genes. Harry moved to graduate coordinator and then director of tive experiences in academia, industry, Monsanto in 1984. There, he developed tech- the interdisciplinary Plant Molecular and and government to ASPB leadership. nologies for plant transformation and trans- Cellular Biology program. He has held Rob received his bachelor’s degree in gene expression and was part of the team that visiting professorships at École Nationale chemistry, with minors in botany/ developed Roundup-resistant cotton, canola, Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse (2001), bacteriology and zoology, from Ohio and soybean. He continued work on the mo- Heilongjiang University (2012–2014), and Wesleyan University. He earned a PhD lecular biology of phytohormones, pioneer- Zhejiang University (2014 to present). He was in biological sciences from Carnegie ing the use of transgenic plants to elaborate an external reviewer of plant science research Mellon, working on yeast genes involved for the Swedish Research Council, the New in vivo hormone function. In 1995, Harry in pre-mRNA splicing. Rob then merged Zealand Foundation for Research Science moved to UF. There, he established a program continued on page 5 to understand the biochemistry and genet- continued on page 5 Contents ASPB Council

President Sally Mackenzie Immediate Past President, Chair Richard A. Dixon President-elect Harry Klee Secretary Alice Harmon 1 Harry Klee Assumes Presidency October 1 Treasurer; Chair, Board of Trustees C. Robertson McClung Elected Members Joe Kieber 1 Rob Last Elected to Lead ASPB in 2018–2019 Maureen McCann Chair, Membership Committee Jill Deikman Chair, Minority Affairs Committee Adán Colón-Carmona 3 President’s Letter Chair, Publications Committee Neil E. Olszewski Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Marisa Otegui 4 Christine Foyer Elected to ASPB Council Chair, Education Committee Sarah Wyatt Chair, International Committee Leon Kochian 7 Journal Impact: Brave New World Chair, Science Policy Committee Nathan Springer 12 Discover Phenome 2018 Sectional Representatives Mid-Atlantic Section Hua Lu Midwestern Section Ed Cahoon People Northeastern Section Peter Melcher Southern Section Becca Dickstein 14 ASPB Members Elected to German National Academy of Western Section Camille M. Steber Sciences Leopoldina Council members highlighted in blue also serve on the Board of Directors. 15 ASPB/AAAS Mass Media Fellow Reports In ASPB Staff Where Are They Now? Chief executive officer Crispin Taylor, [email protected] Director of finance and administration Clara Woodall, [email protected] 16 Elisabeth Gantt Executive and governance affairs administrator Sylvia Lee, [email protected] Accounts receivable and payable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, [email protected] Senior staff accountant Jotee Pundu, [email protected] Science Policy Director of meetings and events Jean Rosenberg, [email protected] Conference coordinator Teresa Myers, [email protected] 18 Policy Update Director, digital strategy and member services Susan Cato, [email protected] Manager, member services Shoshana Kronfeld, [email protected] Meetings, marketing, and membership assistant Melanie Binder, [email protected] Education Forum Legislative and public affairs director Tyrone Spady, [email protected] Executive coordinator, Plant Science Natalie Henkhaus, [email protected] 21 ASPB Education Committee Outreach at Arabidopsis Research Network Meeting in St. Louis Education coordinator Winnie Nham, [email protected] Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, [email protected] 22 At the ASPB Education Booth, a BLOOMEing Good Time Publications assistant Diane McCauley, [email protected] Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, [email protected] 23 Plant Biology 2017: Education Workshop Does Big Data Subscriptions assistant Linda Palmer, [email protected] Managing editor Patti Lockhart, [email protected] 24 Education and Outreach at Plant Biology 2017 Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, [email protected] Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, [email protected] 26 SURFing at the Undergraduate Poster Session in Honolulu Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Ashton Wolf, [email protected] 27 PlantingScience Professional Development Workshop Senior features editor, The Plant Cell Nan Eckardt, [email protected] Features editor, The Plant Cell Mary Williams, [email protected] Strengthens Classroom and Early Career Scientist Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, [email protected] Connections Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, [email protected]

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

2  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 President’s Letter

President’s Letter Where Do We Go from Here? BY SALLY MACKENZIE Pennsylvania State University

research com- and integrate munity thrives ideas from the A best when it acts broad swath of with a consensus voice plant science and agrees to commonly represented held priorities. An effort by the PSRN to achieve such con- to model the sensus within the plant future of train- starting points for subsequent The concepts developed science community was ing in the plant workshops focused on plant through this deliberative process first launched with the sciences, the science training and cyberinfra- have been brought together 2013 publication of the cyberinfra- structure needs over the coming in the National Plant Science document Unleashing a structure that two decades. Initiative (NPSI; http://bit.ly/ Decade of Innovation in Sally Mackenzie will be needed One profound outcome of NPSI-Plantae), an exciting and Plant Science: A Vision to grow capa- the PSRN’s discussions to date comprehensive plan to enhance for 2015–2025 (http://bit.ly/ bilities in computation and big is the growing recognition that future plant research in four DecadalVision). The Decadal data, and the research areas likely future research, infrastructure, primary directions: exploring and Vision identified emerging soci- to transform the plant science and training objectives must be preserving biodiversity, explor- etal challenges and opportunities landscape over the next 20 years. highly integrative to be truly ing plant biochemical diversity, in plant science over the next 10 If you would like a taste of effective. This concept is a clear enabling deep phenomics, and years, as well as areas of common the work that underpins some departure from the independent discovering the plant micro- concern as research goes forward. of these discussions, I point manner in which research initia- biome. The proposed effort is Over the past two years, the broad you to the document Imagining tives and infrastructure and seeking to increase investment in objectives outlined in the Decadal Science in 2035 (http://bit.ly/ training efforts are implemented plant science research and train- Vision have advanced to identify- ImaginingScience), the outcome presently. As current demand ing by a half-billion dollars, forg- ing meaningful strategies that of a long-term visioning exercise for expertise in plant science ing a compelling argument for address the issues and priorities carried out by the PSRN during broadens job opportunities far the broad societal and research raised in that document. a workshop held at the Howard beyond the traditional realm of benefits deriving from the ability This work has been carried Hughes Medical Institute. This academic and industry research to treat nearly all plant species as out under the auspices of the workshop adopted a scenario employment, and as we strive to models, making significant strides Plant Science Research Network planning approach that imag- expand diversity within the plant in synthetic biology and precision (PSRN), an NSF-funded Research ined possible future constructs science research community, breeding, and harvesting the vast Coordination Network that for plant science research, and training models implemented benefits of enhanced computa- comprises 14 plant science societ- the Imagining Science document into the future must be more tion. The ideas presented are ies, research institutes, and other that emerged from this effort is versatile, accessible, and broad in aimed at stimulating economic organizations. Under the unflag- intended to provide “a broad- experiential opportunities. High- growth, enhancing public— ging leadership of David Stern, based, plant science–oriented end infrastructure necessary to private partnerships, and growing president of the Boyce Thompson resource for planning research, accommodate research of the the U.S. agricultural economy. Institute, who is principal investi- education and training activities” future will be centralized to better Future plant science train- gator of the grant, the PSRN team (https://tinyurl.com/yb4ll5xh). facilitate regional collaboration ing will aim to enhance accessibility for a wider segment of has convened a number of work- Indeed, the PSRN has already and intersector partnerships with shops to stimulate innovation used these future scenarios as less duplication. continued on page 4 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  3 Christine Foyer Elected to ASPB Council

hristine Foyer is profes- ration) influence cellular redox and Biochemical Journal. She sor of plant sciences at the processes and so signal changes received the inaugural Founders CUniversity of Leeds in the in environmental factors to elicit Award from Plant Physiology in United Kingdom. Christine ob- appropriate responses underpin- 2011. She has worked alongside tained her BSc at the University of ning acclimation and adaptation to colleagues from ASPB in the Portsmouth and her PhD at Kings fluctuating conditions. Christine Global Plant Council and the College, London. She joined the considers the identification of Society for Experimental Biology. Photosynthesis Research Group climate-resilient species and Christine is enthusiastic about at the University of Sheffield nutrient-use-efficient cultivars this opportunity to contribute to for her postdoctoral research. key to the future of agriculture. ASPB. She believes strongly that Christine was appointed as re- She also recognizes the need to ASPB is a flagship organization that search director with her own focus greater research attention promotes excellence in all areas of group at the French National on grain legumes to increase the plant science. This is particularly Institute for Agricultural Research contribution of pulses to global the case in the areas of policy and in Versailles, France, in 1998. food production and sustain- communication, in which ASPB Christine then became head of Christine Foyer able agriculture and so eradicate provides timely information for department, first at the Institute hunger and malnutrition. policy and decision makers and of Grassland and Environmental Christine has always been Christine is the general also listens to and informs the Research in Wales and then at fascinated by plant metabolism, secretary of the Federation of public. Crucially, Christine sees the Institute of Arable Crops particularly reduction/oxidation European Societies of Plant ASPB as the go-to honest broker of Research (Rothamsted Research) (redox) biology and associated Biologists and a member of the information in the ongoing debate in Harpenden, U.K. She joined signaling. The goal of her research French Academy of Agriculture. concerning the key role plant Africa College at the University of is to understand how primary She is an associate editor for science research plays in global Leeds in April 2009. processes (photosynthesis, respi- Plant, Cell and Environment food and energy security. n

PRESIDENT’S LETTER modular and customized experi- cant culture shift, and they will colleagues, students, and admin- continued from page 3 ences, allow a more diverse set likely require pilot efforts by an istrators. These are exciting times of options for gaining necessary initiating group of institutions of change, and it will require the STEM students who are likely competencies, and permit indi- to lead the way in refining their entire community speaking with to follow a much more diverse viduals to enter, exit, and reenter implementation. one voice to make this plan a range of career-training pathways. their training path as needed over I urge you to read the NPSI reality. n Future training models must the course of a career. These are and accompanying documents empower trainees, enable more new concepts, denoting a signifi- and to share them with your

4  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 HARRY KLEE volatiles. That work has transi- We would not have scholarships basic scientific principles. We need continued from page 1 tioned into large-scale genomics for students, postdocs, and early to be more proactive in addressing & Technology, and New Zealand approaches for tomato flavor and career scientists to attend the annual polarizing issues such as GMOs Crop & Food Research. He is a fruit quality improvement. The meetings. The push to open access and climate change, both in formal member of the science advisory program integrates biochemistry, and competition from commercial education and by reaching out to boards for Mars Chocolate Plant genetics, and molecular breeding publishers starting new journals is a our elected representatives. We need Science Research and the Vineland with human sensory and consumer major challenge to the Society that is to be the trusted source of unbiased Research and Innovation Centre. science, together emphasizing the only going to increase. Being an edi- solid science on all things related to theme of interdisciplinary, collab- The central theme of Harry’s tor of a high-visibility journal also plants and agriculture. We need to orative research. research has been phytohormones. provides training in management do this in a way that is both forceful Harry served as a member of Hormones are central to plant and communications and a much and fair. We can make a real differ- the ASPB Early Career Award biology, cutting across physiology, broader understanding of issues ence in public policy. Committee (2006–2009) and the biochemistry, and developmental One of Harry’s highest priorities ASPB Science Policy Committee. across all of plant science. biology; to understand hormone is to increase and diversify the He was part of a group that Another issue that is vital to biology, one must reach out across ASPB membership. The first step raised funds to endow the ASPB the future of ASPB is membership. disciplines. His time in industry in this process is to understand Innovation Prize for Agricultural The work to endow the Innovation had a profound impact on his what the Society can do to enhance Technology. His background is Prize is an important step in ac- career, demonstrating that one can the careers of plant biologists at uniquely suited to ASPB’s future. knowledging the contributions of do groundbreaking fundamen- all stages of their career, whether Central is his experience as editor- our colleagues in the private sector tal research that has real-world in academia, industry, or the in-chief of The Plant Journal, and enlisting them in our cause. outcomes. That emphasis on trans- public sector. We need to know published by the Society for Broadening our membership base is lational research is illustrated by what works and what’s missing Experimental Biology and Wiley. his current research focus based on a major point of emphasis. so that we can enhance the prod- Following are some of Harry’s ethylene and tomato fruit ripen- Yet another critical priority for ucts we deliver. Another priority thoughts as he prepares to serve ing. The emphasis of the lab is to the Society must be education. We is to leverage ASPB resources to the Society over the next few years: elaborate the biochemical genetics need to emphasize all aspects of sci- effectively advocate for science in of flavor, with the ultimate goal of Journals are the major source ence education. The GMO “debate” a time of great uncertainty and restoring flavor to the commercial of revenue for all of the good work illustrates the challenges we face public skepticism about the role product. His laboratory identi- that ASPB does. Without that rev- and the potential role of ASPB as an of science in society. It should be a fied many of the genes responsible enue stream, we would not be able engine of change. This issue is only a very fun year. n for synthesizing important flavor to have a presence on Capitol Hill. symptom of society’s failure to grasp

ROB LAST and Development and Plant subsidiary of Monsanto. His group Biology. In 2009 Rob was honored continued from page 1 Biology graduate program. At BTI did early work on Arabidopsis phe- as a fellow of AAAS and fellow his interests in plant biology, genet- he received the NSF Presidential nomics and developed industrial- of ASPB. He received the MSU ics, and biochemistry as an NSF Young Investigator Award and ized map-based cloning methods Distinguished Faculty Award in postdoctoral fellow in Gerald Fink’s expanded his research interests for commercial targets. Cereon 2012. Rob has spent sabbaticals group at the Whitehead Institute to include studies of biochemi- also performed shotgun sequenc- at the Max Planck Institute for at the Massachusetts Institute of cal mechanisms of plant abiotic ing of the Arabidopsis Landsberg Chemical Ecology in Jena, Technology. This work involved a stress adaptation, primarily against erecta genome and released tens Germany, and as Erna and Jakob molecular genetic dissection of the UV-B and oxidative stress. This of thousands of genetic markers to Michael Visiting Professor at the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway work led to insights on the role the public. Following 18 months Weizmann Institute of Science, of Arabidopsis, including identi- of specialized metabolites as UV as a program officer in the NSF Rehovot, Israel. fication of a series of auxotrophic protective agents, the function of Biology Directorate, Rob moved Rob’s overarching research mutants. Rob moved to the Boyce Vitamin C in stress tolerance, and back to academic research as a interest is understanding how Thompson Institute (BTI) at genetic dissection of ascorbate professor in the Michigan State higher plants use metabolism to Cornell University in 1989, where biosynthesis. Rob spent 1998–2002 University (MSU) Department adapt to the environment and he was an adjunct faculty member as a founding science director at of Biochemistry and Molecular how primary consumers of plant in the Cornell Section of Genetics Cereon Genomics, a wholly owned Biology and Department of Plant continued on page 6 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  5 ROB LAST Experiences for Undergraduates synthetic biology project. Rob he participated in formulation of continued from page 5 program, Plant Genomics at currently is on the advisory boards the Decadal Vision described in MSU, now in its 12th year, and for the BioDiscovery Institute at Unleashing a Decade of Innovation foods—including humans— the NIH-funded T32 Plant the University of North Texas and in Plant Science (https://aspb.org/ benefit from these metabolic Biotechnology for Health and the Missouri Transect: Climate, advocacy/decadal-vision/). Rob’s strategies. Until several years ago, Sustainability Graduate Training Plant and Community EPSCoR extensive experience in academia, his research exclusively used Program, which is entering its project. industry, and government will genetically tractable model organ- fourth year. He served the three- This is a critically important provide perspectives on how isms, but now it uses genomics week Cold Spring Harbor Plant time for all aspects of ASPB’s to serve and expand the ASPB technologies to study the full range Course in a variety of capaci- activities, including training, membership. Experience advising of plant metabolic strategies that ties, including six years as a full publishing, and science advocacy. iPlant will help ASPB effectively evolved over millions of years. instructor. Rob is on the edito- Rob has been affiliated with ASPB develop the Plantae platform. Phylogeny-guided approaches are rial boards of Science Advances, since 1989 and has experience Rob’s commitment to education being used to understand how Current Opinion in Plant Biology, with its operation and an abiding and embrace of diverse career synthesis of glandular trichome and Frontiers in Plant Metabolism belief in its mission. In addition to experiences will allow him to help insecticidal specialized metabolites and Chemodiversity, and he served 15 years of combined service on ASPB continue to strengthen its evolved over hundreds of thou- as associate and monitoring editor ASPB editorial boards, he currently excellent education and outreach sands to tens of millions of years. for Plant Physiology and editor-in- is a member of the Program activities. Finally, years of work on This work involves collaboration chief for The Arabidopsis Book. He Committee, which organizes the the Publications Committee and among exceptional trainees and has served on a variety of advisory annual meeting (2015–2019). editorial boards of ASPB publica- peers who are experts in computa- boards, including as founding Previously he has served on tions have provided insight into tional biology, analytical chemis- chair of the board of directors the Public Affairs (2006–2008), how to leverage the publications try, biochemistry, and genomics. of the iPlant Collaborative (now Publications (1997–1999), Web assets of ASPB to advantage in Rob has served research and CyVerse) and chair of the Scientific Redesign (2009–2010), and ad creating a sustainable financial education in a variety of roles. He Advisory Board for the Genome hoc Genomics Publication (1998– future. n established a summer Research Canada–funded PhytoMetaSyn 2000) Committees. During 2013

2017 Recognition Travel Award (RTA) winners with former RTA recipients, ASPB committee members and staff, and friends of the Minority Affairs Committee (MAC). Back row, from left: John Harada (friend of MAC; former member), MariaElena Zavala (friend of MAC; former member), John Tran (former RTA), John de la Parra, Rolston St. Hilaire (former RTA), Danielle Guzman, Hong Gu Kang (former RTA), Rika Judd, Jason Thomas, Miguel Vega-Sanchez (MAC), Reuben John, Michael Gonzales (MAC), Judith Owiti, Sylvia Braxton Lee (ASPB staff), Cadance Lowell. Front row, from left: Adán Colón-Carmona (MAC chair), Elizabeth Waters (former RTA), Daniela Parker (friend of MAC), Beverly Agtuca, Simon Zebelo, Marisa Otegui (friend of MAC; Women in Plant Biology Committee chair), and Dianne Laboy.

6  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Editorial

This article was first published August 25, 2017, in The Plant Cell (http://www.plantcell.org/content/early/2017/08/25/tpc.17.00680).

Journal Impact: Brave New World BY NANCY ECKARDT, Senior Features Editor, and SABEEHA MERCHANT, University of California, Los Angeles, and Editor-in-Chief, The Plant Cell

he InCitesTM Journal that journal in 2014 and 2015. An and median citation frequen- tion of “unmatched citations” Citation Reports® (JCR), interesting and not entirely logi- cies specific to research articles by Larivière et al., 2016); (2) Ta product of Clarivate cal aspect of the JIF calculation is and reviews, without including JCR citations were extracted in Analytics, was released recently that the numerator includes cita- citations to other items in the mid-March, but Web of Science for the citation year 2016. We were tions to all items published in the numerator. coverage is continually expanding pleased to see that The Plant Cell journal, whereas the denominator The data for these journals are throughout the year (i.e., neither two-year and five-year Journal equals the number of so-called presented in the table on page 8. database is fully populated for Impact Factors (JIFs) rose slightly citable articles, mainly research The JCR JIF denominator value 2016 citations until later in 2017; compared with 2015, to values of articles and reviews. Thus, items was precisely replicated for all see table note); and (3) the Web nearly 8.7 and 10.0, respectively. categorized as editorial material journals in question by search- of Science includes citations The Plant Cell also scored highly in are not counted in the denomi- ing for “articles” plus “reviews” from the Book Citation Index, other metrics provided by the JCR, nator, but citations to edito- (with one minor exception; see but JCR does not (T. Ciavarella, such as the cited half-life, imme- rial material are included in the table note). The Web of Science personal communication). The diacy index, and Eigenfactor and numerator. The JCR database is JIF numerator (total citations to first observation is expected to article influence scores. not publicly available. However, all documents) was within three yield a higher number of cita- These metrics reflect the long- Clarivate also publishes the percentage points of the JCR JIF tions in the JCR relative to the standing high quality of the jour- Web of Science, a subscription- numerator for all journals, with Web of Science database, whereas nal and its editorial board and based scientific citation database two exceptions: citations to all the other two will yield lower the aim of the journal to publish that is widely available at many documents in the Web of Science JCR citations relative to the Web not only the most cutting-edge academic and research institution returned a numerator that was of Science. Thus, for example, research, but also full stories that libraries, which can be mined to 10% lower than the JCR JIF Nature Plants saw a higher than are foundational and stand the undertake journal- and article- numerator for Plant Biotechnology average number of unmatched test of time. However, The Plant specific analyses (described in Journal (1,569 vs. 1,749) and 18% citations and relatively few book Cell no longer stands alone at the Larivière et al., 2016). lower than the JCR JIF numerator citations, whereas The Plant Cell top of the list of primary research Using this approach, we calcu- for Nature Plants (678 vs. 824), was associated with a higher than journals in plant biology with lated mean citation frequencies yielding substantially lower Web average number of book citations respect to the most recognized corresponding to the JIF, as well of Science JIFs relative to the JCR that outweighed the inclusion of output of the report, the two-year as citation distributions, for eight JIFs for these two journals. unmatched article-level citations JIF. Given the widespread obses- highly regarded plant biology Clarivate Analytics reported (T. Ciavarella, personal commu- sion with this number, we decided primary research journals. To that differences between the JCR nication). The high rate of book to offer our readers an analysis of approximate the JIF, data were and Web of Science databases citations to recent articles might the underlying data. retrieved from the Web of Science can be due to the facts that (1) suggest that The Plant Cell contin- A journal’s two-year JIF is for each journal for citations in JCR citation aggregation is at the ues to publish a large number of calculated as the average number 2016 to all items published in journal level and more inclusive manuscripts that are foundation- of citations in a single calendar 2014 and 2015, and this value was than Web of Science cited-to- al, provide substantial insight into year to articles published by that divided by the number of items source linking (i.e., JCR includes biological processes, and are criti- journal in the previous two years. retrieved in a search for “articles” citations that can’t be linked to cal to moving the field forward. Thus, the 2016 JIF for a journal is plus “reviews” published in 2014 a specific citing article but are It should be noted that the the average number of citations and 2015 in the same journal. considered unequivocal for the data for Nature Plants include in 2016 to articles published in We also computed the mean cited journal; see also the descrip- continued on page 9 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  7 Citation Data for Eight Plant Science Journals from the Web of Science Database

Plant Plant Mol Nat New Biotechnol Plant Cell Plant Number of articles Plant Plants Phytol J Cell Environ Plant J Physiol Citable items (JIF denominator)* 220 80 920 235 526 415 669 942 Articles 175 76 785 194 511 357 649 935 Reviews 45 4 135 41 15 58 20 7

Editorial items 134 113 121 13 100 32 22 37 Editorial material 40 59 105 11 86 30 4 22 Letters 87 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 News items 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 Biographical items 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Corrections 6 28 14 2 14 2 18 15

Total items 354 193 1041 248 626 447 691 979

Number of citations Total citations in JCR (JCR JIF numerator) 1942 824 6751 1749 4570 2562 3948 6075 Total citations in WOS (WOS JIF numerator) 1911 678 6597 1569 4597 2484 3972 6048 WOS citations to citable items 1481 613 6425 1548 4553 2422 3959 6035 WOS citations to editorial items 430 61 172 21 44 62 13 13 % boost from editorial items 29 10 2.7 1.4 1.0 2.6 0.3 0.2

Citation means Mean citations/citable item 6.7 7.7 7.0 6.6 8.7 5.8 5.9 6.4 Mean citations/article 5.7 7.6 6.0 6.9 8.3 5.4 5.7 6.4 Mean citations/review 10.8 10.3 12.8 5.3 20.5 8.7 11.8 13.9

JCR JIF 8.827 10.300 7.330 7.443 8.688 6.173 5.901 6.456 WOS JIF 8.686 8.475 7.171 6.677 8.740 5.986 5.937 6.420

Note. JIF, Journal Impact Factor; JCR, Journal Citation Reports; WOS, Web of Science. Data were downloaded from the WOS database on July 12, 2017. This database continues to add citations for an indeterminate time period; thus for direct comparisons, all data must be downloaded on the same date. For 2016 citations, we expected it to be nearly fully populated by July 2017. For example, for The Plant Cell and Nature Plants, searches run on August 17, 2017, returned total 2016 citations of 4598 and 681, respectively, compared with respective values of 4597 and 678 shown in the table, whereas a search run on February 24, 2017, returned total 2016 citations of only 4368 for The Plant Cell. Although this value is 95% of the value obtained in July, it would yield a JIF value of only 8.3 relative to the July value of 8.74.

* Citable items in WOS correspond with the JCR JIF denominator in all cases, except that the JCR JIF denominator for New Phytologist was 921, whereas the WOS JIF is based on a denominator of 920 citable items returned in the WOS search. Items classified as “articles” in the ebW of Science database may be used as a proxy for research articles, but, depending on the journal, they may include some review-type articles that are not primary research articles per se, but are labeled as “articles” rather than “reviews” in this database. 8  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 JOURNAL IMPACT year’s JIF for Nature Plants to be nals already include second-year articles and reviews and to esti- continued from page 7 higher, as the 2015 publications citations). mate the “boost” to the Web citations to articles published in are likely to accrue more citations Retrieving citations to indi- of Science JIF for each journal only one year, 2015, as this jour- in the second year after publica- vidual article categories allowed resulting from citations to edito- nal had zero publications in 2014. tion relative to the first year (and us to calculate the mean citation rial material. There is a notable Therefore, we might expect next the JIF values for all other jour- frequencies specific to research continued on page 10

Citation Distributions of Eight Plant Science Journals

MOLECULAR PLANT NATURE PLANTS NEW PHYTOLOGIST 50 50 100

median = 5 median = 6 median = 5 80 40 articles < JIF = 82% 40 articles < JIF = 76% articles < JIF = 72% 60 30 30 40

20 20 20 # of papers # of # of papers # of papers # of

10 10 10

0 0 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50 # of citations # of citations # of citations

PLANT BIOTECH JOURNAL THE PLANT CELL PLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT 50 50 50 median = 5 median = 7 median = 4 40 articles < JIF = 72% 40 articles < JIF = 61% 40 articles < JIF = 70%

30 30 30

20 20 20 # of papers # of papers # of # of papers # of

10 10 10

0 0 0 0 10 20 30 80 100 0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50 # of citations # of citations # of citations

PLANT JOURNAL PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 80 120 median = 4 median = 5 articles < JIF = 60% articles < JIF = 63% 60 80

40 40

20 20 # of papers # of # of papers # of

10 10

0 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50 # of citations # of citations

Note. Note. JIF,Citation Journal Impact distributions Factor; JCR, ofJournal 8 plant Citation science Reports; journals. WOS, Web of Science. Citations are to Citationsitems categorized are as to “articles” ‘articles’ in the in Web the of Science Web ofdatabase, Science which database, are mainly primary which research are mainlyarticles and primary equivalent research to JCR “citable arti clesdocuments” and minus those labeled asequivalent reviews. Citations to JCR are accumulated‘citable documents’, in 2016 to articles except published not includingin 2014–2015. those Data labeledwere downloaded as reviews. from the Citations Web of Science are accumulated on July 12, 2017. in Articles < JCR JIF and articles2016 < toWOS art JIFicles are publishedthe percentage in of2014 primary-2015. research Data papers downloaded (those categorized from asWeb “articles” of Science in WOS) publisheon Julyd in12, 2014 2017. and 2015 articles having < a JIF total isnumber of 2016 WOS citationsthe belowpercentage the value ofof theprimary JCR JIF research or WOS JIF, papers respectively. (“articles” FIGURE COURTESY in Web OF COLLEEN of Science) HUI. published in 2014 and 2015 having a number of citations below the value of the 2016 JCR JIF. ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  9 JOURNAL IMPACT mentioned plant science journals. ingly larger number of essentially in the rapidly changing commu- continued from page 9 As noted by Larivière et al., these equivalent journals—in terms nication space. For example, we difference in the contribution to distributions are skewed to the of citations—reporting the latest provide post acceptance scientific the JIF from citations to editorial right, with the left-hand portion research in plant biology in the editing by a team of professional material between these journals, dominated by papers with lower near future. Differences among science editors, who polish the with Nature Plants and Molecular citations. These authors report these journals will therefore be writing and presentation and help Plant, in particular, receiving that “typically, 65–75% of the measured in terms of the scope of us ensure that all manuscripts a 10% and nearly 30% boost, articles have fewer citations than the work published; the quality of adhere to high standards of data respectively, due to citations to indicated by the JIF” (Larivière et their editorial boards; and their reporting (transparency and editorial material. The Plant Cell al., 2016). The Plant Cell scored submission, reviewing, and publi- availability) and data presentation received a 1% boost due to edito- well in this respect, with only 61% cation processes and speeds. (clarity and accessibility). We help rial material, and the boost for of research articles (as retrieved We at The Plant Cell remain authors learn about Altmetrics each of the other five journals from the Web of Science) accu- committed to providing fair and and how they can boost the was no more than 3% (Plant mulating fewer citations than fast evaluation of your work by a visibility and impact of their work Physiology and The Plant Journal the JIF. By contrast, the value for world-class editorial board of your by issuing press releases and writ- received essentially no boost). Molecular Plant was 82%. The peers (http://plantcelledboard. ing plain-language summaries The discrepancies in the data only other journals to achieve less weebly.com/) and to publishing (see “The Plant Cell in a Nutshell” from the different databases and than 65% in this respect were The the most exciting, cutting-edge at https://plantae.org/research/ differences in the contribution Plant Journal and Plant Physiology research in plant genomics and the-plant-cell/#nutshell). In addi- from editorial material under- at 60% and 63%, respectively. developmental, cell, and molecu- tion, we have appointed a team score the notion that the data do The Plant Cell also scored well lar biology. All manuscripts are of assistant editors who will join not support reporting, or plac- for the number of research evaluated by a team of editors Mary Williams, Kevin Folta, and articles with zero citations in the ing any significance on, a JIF out who are active researchers and Nancy Eckardt to form a team Web of Science during this time who engage in pre- and post- to three decimal places. Indeed, of Feature Editors who will write period, at 1%; the other journals review consultations to arrive based on these data, one is hard- articles, contribute blog posts, analyzed had 4% to 5% of articles at a thoughtful and thorough pressed to justify a significant and create podcasts highlighting showing zero citations, with the evaluation of your work in the difference between JCR JIFs of our authors and their work. exception of Plant Physiology shortest time possible. We aim 10.3 and 8.6. As far as individual The Plant Cell (and our authors are concerned, a better with 3% (see figure). These plots, to write decisions that are clear sister journal Plant Physiology) measure of journal impact may together with the information and provide sound reasoning for is published by the American be obtained by comparing the in the table, suggest that both either declining or requesting Society of Plant Biologists, a mean, or better, median citation primary research papers and revision of your work, to avoid nonprofit international scientific frequencies specific to research review articles in The Plant Cell multiple rounds of extensive revi- society devoted to the advance- articles alone. accumulated, on average, higher sions, and to help you publish ment of plant science and plant Larivière et al. (2016) advo- citations than any other primary your work as quickly as possible, scientists. The Society supports cated publishing frequency plant science journal for this time whether in The Plant Cell or travel awards for early-career distribution plots of the citations period. elsewhere. To increase the trans- scientists, undergraduate research to provide a clearer view of the Nevertheless, it is clear that parency of the review process, we underlying data. We agree that Nature Plants and Molecular now publish Peer Review Reports, fellowships, education and showing the underlying frequency Plant, as well as all of the other with author approval, includ- outreach programs, and impor- distribution of citations “echoes high-profile plant science jour- ing decision letters, anonymous tant work on legislative and the reasonable requests that journals shown here, are increasing reviewer comments, and author public affairs. Submit your best nal reviewers and editors make their output of high-impact plant responses for all versions of a work to The Plant Cell and experi- n of authors to show their data in science. The rise and success of manuscript, along with timelines ence the difference! justifying the claims made in their new journals is to be applauded, showing the dates of each submis- Reference papers” (Larivière et al., 2016). as it signals the overall impor- sion and decision. Larivière, V., et al. (2016). A simple Distribution plots corresponding tance and impact of plant biology As always, we help our authors proposal for the publication of jour- to the data on “articles” alone (i.e., in the global life science commu- disseminate their findings in nal citation distributions. bioRxiv not including editorial material or nity. The rise of online publishing an accessible manner to a wide 062109. http://www.biorxiv.org/ reviews) are shown in the figure and open access makes it likely audience, and we will continue content/early/2016/07/05/062109.full. on page 9 for the eight above- that there will be an increas- to seek out new ways of doing so pdf+html. 10  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Some former ASPB/AAAS 2018 host sites Mass Media Science & CNN en Español Discover magazine Engineering Fellows Program KQED Science National Geographic Are you interested in science writing? National Public Radio (NPR) NOVA Do you want to help people understand PBS NewsHour complex scientific issues? Scientific American Slate Apply for the ASPB/AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Smithsonian Magazine Program and learn how to increase public understanding of science and STAT technology. Fellows in the 10-week 2018 summer program will work as reporters, researchers, and production assistants in mass media organiza- The Los Angeles Times tions nationwide. Deadline: January 15, 2018. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

The Raleigh News & Observer Visit http://www.aaas.org/MassMedia for more details and to download an application brochure, or email [email protected] for more The Washington Post information. Univision

Voice of America

Wired Magazine Calling all plant biologists, statisticians, ecologists, engineers, mathematicians, agronomists, and computational scientists! Discover

TUCSON, AZ • FEBRUARY 14–17 HILTON EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT

Connecting Biology, Systems, and Tools Earlier this year, Phenome 2017 brought together more than 200 key research drivers from General Sessions academia, industry, and government. Phenome 2018 promises General Session I: Phenomics-Enabled Biology to build on this success, again Organized by meeting cochair Chris Topp (Danforth Plant attracting a multidisciplinary Science Center) community and stimulating This session will feature the many phenomics approaches collaboration and innovation to used in plant biology, address the successes and limitations tackle challenges such as food of those approaches, and consider how our technology- security in the face of a chang- enhanced ability to quantify phenotypes is shaping our ing global climate. Along with understanding of plant growth and plant–environment providing a rich networking en- interactions at many scales. vironment, Phenome 2018 will feature three general sessions General Session II: Systems and Sensor on phenomics-enabled biology, Development to Advance Phenomics systems and sensors, and data Organized by Joshua Peschel (Iowa State) management and analysis. This session will focus on sensors and systems, including the development of new sensor systems for phenotyping, the adaptation of existing sensors into phenotyping systems, and the development of protocols to collect reliable Registration and phenotypic data. abstract submissions are now open! General Session III: Data Crunching and New Analytics November 17, 2017 Organized by Alina Zare (University of Florida) Early bird registration deadline This session will explore analytical methods for extracting, January 26, 2018 managing, and curating information from phenotypic data. Standard rate registration Topics will include developing algorithms to process and in- deadline terpret sensor data, jointly analyzing multiple types of data, and addressing open challenges.

12  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 New to Phenomics? Have you thought about how phenomics could fit into your research, or even wondered what phenomics is? Phenomics measures the phenotypes of organisms and examines the relationship of the phenome to genetic and environmental factors. Phenomics often uses high-throughput technologies to moni- Power Your Event with tor the physical and biochemical parameters of phenotypes. Learn more about this emerg- ASPB Meeting & Event Solutions ing discipline and the approaches required to analyze and manage the massive amounts of resulting data at Phenome 2018. General Session I: Phenomics-Enabled Biology will provide a ASPB can help you with logistics management broad picture of the myriad approaches used in support for meetings large and small so you can focus on phenomics, and premeeting workshops will give the activities that matter most to you: connecting, phenomics novices an introduction to the field, communicating, and collaborating with other scientists. along with hands-on experience.

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH

Presenters for concurrent sessions will be selected Abstract based on submitted abstracts. Before the meeting, Registration Management workshops organized by Malia Gehan (Danforth Plant Science Center) will provide short talks from different disciplines to help biologists learn the computational skills and concepts needed for phenomics analysis and give computer scientists and engineers the chance to learn about key biological concepts and Vendor & jargon related to phenomics. For phenomics novices, On-Site Venue the hands-on phenotyping workshop will provide the Management Management opportunity to work through real-world computational exercises. Those with more advanced skills are welcome to join a hackathon after the meeting, which will focus on solving a current phenomics challenge.

For Updates Speaker Event Management Management Join the Plant Phenomics network on Plantae.org Follow @PlantPhenomics and #phenome2018 on Twitter Have an idea for a specialty meeting? Register at phenome2018.org We’re looking for proposals for meetings in important scientific areas. The annual Phenome conference series was established by the National Plant Science Council and the North American Plant Phenotyping Network FOR MORE INFO VISIT MEETINGS.ASPB.ORG OR and is powered by ASPB’s Meeting & Event EMAIL MEETINGS @ASPB.ORG Solutions unit. ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  13 People

ASPB Members Elected to German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

wo members of the ASPB Committee. He is a recipient of community, Katayoon the Charles Albert Shull Award, T“Katie” Dehesh and Julian which is a monetary award made Schroeder, have been recently annually for outstanding investi- elected to the German National gations in the field of plant biol- Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. ogy by a member who is generally The Leopoldina is the oldest con- under 45 years of age. tinuously existing academy in the The work of Julian’s laboratory world, tracing its founding back seeks to characterize the pathways to 1652. and mechanisms that mediate Katie is the director of the abiotic stress resistance in plants. Institute for Integrative Genome Among the stresses being investi- Biology and the Ernst and Helen gated by Julian’s team are elevated

Leibacher Endowed Chair in CO2, drought, and salinity. In Botany and Plant Sciences at particular, the lab’s work employs the University of California, interdisciplinary and systems Riverside. She is also a member Katayoon (Katie) Dehesh Julian Schroeder approaches to stomata, which are of the ASPB Publications PHOTO BY UC RIVERSIDE PHOTO BY UC SAN DIEGO critical players in many types of Committee, which supervises plant abiotic stress response. and reports to the Society’s board Dedicated to both the of directors on all noneditorial bioenergy crops. Her team’s plant sor of biology in the Division advancement of science and the aspects of the Society’s journals defense work looks at early stress of Biological Sciences, and he creation of a better future, the and other publications. detection and hydroperoxide holds the Novartis Chair in Plant Leopoldina has 1,500 members Katie’s research focuses on lyase-mediated signaling. Sciences. In addition to being a from Germany and dozens of biofuels and plant defense This year’s other new electee, former ASPB president, he has other countries. Katie and Julian responses. With regard to biofuels, Julian, is the codirector of the served the Society on several join the ranks of such eminent the work of Katie’s team includes University of California, San committees including the Science scholars as Marie Curie, Charles the modification of the conver- Diego, Food and Fuel for the Policy Committee (formerly Darwin, Albert Einstein, and Max sion of starch to oil and the opti- 21st Century research program the Public Affairs Committee) Planck. n mization of fatty acid profiles in and a distinguished profes- and the Adolph E. Gude Award

14  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 People

ASPB/AAAS Mass Media Fellow Reports In BY JENNA GALLEGOS

aving completed my as a science writer has improved tenure as a AAAS Mass my ability to think scientifically. HMedia Fellow, I want to I read as many scientific publi- sincerely thank the members and cations as a reporter as I did in representatives of The American graduate school. Because many of Society of Plant Biologists for these articles are in fields distally sponsoring me and share a bit related to my own, I had to read about my experience as a fellow. them very carefully and think My first day on the job, another critically. When I was not read- writer at The Washington Post ing papers, I was interviewing the forwarded me an email from a authors of those papers or other scientist. She had asked him to scientists who scrutinized the explain the latest findings on a methods and conclusions. new antibiotic in plain language, My career projection will and his response was anything forever be changed by the ASPB/ but plain. She hoped I might be AAAS Mass Media Fellowship. I able to sift through the jargon and Jenna Gallegos have embarked on an interdisci- decide if the study was important. plinary scientific career as a post- At that moment, I realized how doctoral researcher at Colorado valuable it is to have scientists in My scientific background As a plant scientist, I have also State University with a dual focus the newsroom. really came in handy when writ- leveraged my own experience to on research and science writing. I I’m a molecular plant biologist, ing an in-depth analysis on two write about topics The Washington also plan to continue contributing so my background did not always studies examining the effect of Post would not typically cover. I to The Washington Post as a free- apply to the study I was writing neonicotinoid pesticides on bees. attended the first meeting of the lance writer and will be serving as about. In my 10 weeks at The Both concluded that neonicoti- National Academy of Sciences an assistant features editor writing Washington Post, I wrote about noids threaten bees. In one, many Science Breakthroughs 2030 plain-language summaries for The antibiotics, cross talk between of the results were not statistically committee and wrote a story Plant Cell. the gut and the brain, the effect significant. Because I knew the about their plans to identify the I am forever grateful to ASPB of climate change on air travel, issue was controversial, I contact- biggest challenges and opportuni- for investing in my experience traumatic brain injuries, nutri- ed not only the authors of the ties in food and agriculture for and supporting the larger goal tion, whisky, genetically modi- two new studies, but also other the next decade. I also published of the ASPB/AAAS Mass Media fied salmon, and brain-training scientists who had conducted a list of the 10 biggest myths in Fellowship program: “to enhance games. These fields are unfamiliar, similar studies, as well as a farmer agriculture, including topics like coverage of science-related but my training as a scientist and a beekeeper. Following the precision agriculture, pesticides, issues in the media in order to helped me identify potential cave- initial wave of coverage, a Slate and genetic engineering. improve public understanding ats, important additional studies, article and a popular science blog Not only has being a scientist and appreciation of science and and whom to interview about the singled out and commended my influenced my work as a science technology.” n scientific consensus on each issue. piece for its “admirable nuance.” writer, but spending the summer

ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  15 Where Are They Now?

As the years churn on, many esteemed members of ASPB have passed the torch to their younger colleagues and stepped out of the limelight to allow others to bask in its glory. Yet, many continue their good works to the benefit of plant biology and the world. Edited by Rebecca Dickstein, University of North Texas, “Where Are They Now?” is part of the ASPB News suite of columns focused on the personal and scientific life and insights of ASPB members at all stages of their career. This column offers a look into the current activities of influential members of ASPB who continue to make a positive mark on our Society. We hope you all enjoy this addition to your newsletter. Please feel free to submit your own article to “Luminaries,” “Membership Corner,” or “Where Are They Now?” For details, please contact Jill Deikman, Membership Committee chair, at [email protected]. As always, we are open to suggestions for articles or features of interest to readers of the ASPB News.

Elisabeth Gantt Distinguished University Professor Emerita, University of Maryland, College Park

ike many biology students, volunteers, and executive direc- I did not set out to become tors (Bob Chasson, Mel Josephs, La plant biologist; in fact, Crispin Taylor) and many of the I sort of fell into it backwards. support staff. Aspiring women scientists in my Establishing a second journal, youth generally went into teach- The Plant Cell, certainly ranks ing or were married to a scien- as one highlight of that time, tist who led the research team. and was made possible partly by Teaching high school was an ap- some wise planning and manage- propriate goal, but realizing that ment of funds that the Society my knowledge of plant biology had practiced. There were many was limited, I enrolled in a plant other highlights. The Society morphology class with Howard had only men as elected officers Arnott, a newly minted University until 1973, when Mary Stiller of of California, Berkeley, PhD with Purdue University became ASPP’s an enriched plant background. secretary. It took another decade, My interest in plant biology never Left to right: Len Pysh (department chair, Roanoke College, Department until 1984–85, before I became waned after that time. It was per- of Biology), Marilee Ramesh, Beth Gantt, and DorothyBelle Poli. the second elected woman, again haps an accident of history: the as secretary. USSR sent up Sputnik 1 in 1957, them. Here I want to recollect to prosper in the years follow- In Jack Hanson’s history, he which subsequently launched the the privilege of having experi- ing, greatly aided by acquiring noted, “There could, however, be development of U.S. science as enced much of the development the headquarters in Rockville, a significant change in gender. For never before and benefited many of the American Society of Plant Maryland, through the generosity the first time, at the 1984 Davis of us in the process. I would like Physiologists (ASPP), which in of the Gude family. meeting, there was a meeting to recall some factors about a 2001 became ASPB. In 1989 Jack Hanson wrote an scheduled specifically for women 50-year journey in plant biology In 1966 I joined the Radiation excellent history of ASPP up to in plant physiology.” It was attend- I was fortunate to observe, and I Biology Laboratory of the that time. I fondly remember his ed not only by women, but also by want to raise an issue facing some Smithsonian, where the director, involvement, talent, and dedica- a significant number of men. This “retired-research-active” plant William H. Klein, and Winifred tion. Being only a few miles from was the start of including women biologists. Klein attended to such essential the Rockville ASPP headquarters, as equals in all aspects of running In 2013 I had the opportunity ASPP business as membership I had become active in various the Society. It clearly is also one to cover some personal and scien- matters in their home basement, capacities in ASPP for some years of the Society’s significant accom- tific recollections (Gantt, 2013), while Martin Gibbs in Boston prior. The close proximity also plishments, and is an example of and but for a few important omis- guided ASPP’s journal Plant allowed interactions with many how changes are initiated first by a sions, there is no reason to repeat Physiology. The Society began of the Society’s dedicated officers, few and then supported by many. 16  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Where Are They Now?

Another major ASPP accomplish- For some years, I was able to ment was increased support for use some of these funds for my The ASPB News wishes to thank Beth Gantt for launching young plant biologists. research, until the chair of the “Where Are They Now?”. Her first column as editor appeared in “Where Are They Now?” was department froze all my funds for the September/October 2012 issue of the newsletter and featured designed to recognize the past over one year, with the justification Larry Vanderhoef, and she delivered two to three insightful and present activities of retired that they were now “state funds.” articles every year since then. It is fitting that Beth herself is the plant biologists. The term retired After various appeals, the universi- featured scientist five years later, and we thank her for her service implies various things—clearly, ty granted me the use of one-third as she now prepares to hand over the reins to Rebecca Dickstein, it means that they are no longer of the research budget. Actions of Professor of Biology at the University of North Texas. We wel- salaried, but are they no longer sequestering the research funds come Becca, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Beth. contributing? Three of my of retired-research-active faculty Jill Deikman, Membership Committee chair cohorts elected to the National are not unusual, as I have learned Nancy Winchester, Director of Publications Academy of Sciences in 1996, from other plant scientists in Brian Larkins, Chris Somerville, public state universities. A valued and Maarten Chrispeels (2016), retired-research-active neighbor, have plates full of commitments John Boyer (2016), continues in serving plant biology. My own research through the generosity of path has been somewhat differ- a former postdoc at the University ent. I am happy to tell you that I of Missouri. I have also been am a visitor scientist at Roanoke appraised that some Canadian College in Salem, Virginia. The universities make office and labo- Department of Biology has kindly ratory space available to retired- made some research space avail- research-active scientists, and even able. I am especially grateful for have initiated funds for which being able to be engaged in a such retired faculty can compete. small research project by myself, I hope that ASPB can begin a 25% discount for and I am lucky to be associated discussion by retired-research- ASPB members with the code with several scientists, three active plant biologists that to me ASP25 shown in the picture, who are seems overdue. I am not able to trained plant biologists. attend the annual meetings any I retired at the age of 72, not more due to family constraints. Intoducing the newest member because I was tired of research and However, I would welcome your teaching, but because I thought thoughts and ideas to get a sense of the Current Protocols family… it was time to release a position of how much interest there may for younger people. Furthermore, be in this topic (email me at Cutting-edge protocols covering all aspects of I was fortunate to be able to [email protected]). n plant biology keep my laboratory longer than Developed by leading international research anticipated, largely because of References scientists the temporary hiring freeze after Boyer, J. S. (2016). Where are they the 2008 severe financial crisis. now? ASPB News 43(3): 17–18. Suitable for both novices and experts working However, I was also in a favorable in the field Chrispeels, M. J. (2016). Where are position by having padded my they now? ASPB News 43(6): 17–18. research budget with thousands of Editorial Board: Gary Stacey (Editor-in-Chief), James Birchler, Joseph Ecker, Cathie Martin, Mark Stitt, Jian-Min Zhou dollars from my personal contri- Gantt, E. (2013). Benefits of an inclusive US education system. Annual butions, and some from contribu- Review of Plant Biology 64: 1–17. tions over decades of honoraria Find out more and download Hanson, J. B. (1989). History and other funds that I never took a FREE Sample Article: of the American Society of Plant personally. There is no doubt that Physiologists. Rockville, MD: www.currentprotocols.com many other plant biologists have American Society of Plant Published in affiliation with the contributed personal and grant Physiologists. https://aspb.org/about/ American Society of Plant Biologists funds to their research budgets. history/ ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  17 Science Policy

Policy Update BY LAUREN BROCCOLI Lewis-Burke Associates, LLC

House Agriculture on the budget. Chairman tion of GMOs and inquired Senate Agriculture Committee Holds Hearing Conaway mentioned the $104 whether academic researchers Committee Holds Hearing on University Research billion savings achieved by the were addressing the disconnect on Agriculture Research 2014 Farm Bill and alluded with the general public. Rep. Rick On June 22, the House On June 15, the Senate to the agriculture community Crawford’s (R-AR) exchange with Committee on Agriculture held Committee on Agriculture, having already achieved auster- Chancellor Duncan emphasized a hearing on university research. Nutrition, and Forestry held ity measures for many programs. the need to increase funding for Whereas the Senate Agriculture a hearing on federally funded Ranking member Colin Peterson the capacity-building grants for Committee hearing on June 15 agricultural research at USDA, (D-MN) emphasized that agricul- the Non–Land Grant Colleges of (detailed below) featured a panel the fourth in a series of Farm tural research at universities is the Agriculture (NLGCA) program. of USDA federal officials, the Bill–related hearings this past foundation of agricultural innova- Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) stated his House hearing focused exclu- year. The hearing consisted of two tion for the country. intent to increase the NLGCA sively on university leaders and panels. The first comprised USDA Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) authorization and to modify the challenges and opportunities officials and academic research- was the exception, offering the multistate requirement for of agricultural academic research. ers, including Ann Bartuska, a scathing statement on the the Specialty Crop Research Witnesses included Robert acting deputy undersecretary proposed cuts to USDA research, Initiative. Finally, Rep. Neal Duncan, Texas Tech University for Research, Education, and specifically the 17 ARS facilities Dunn (R-FL) inquired about the System chancellor; Jacqueline Economics (REE), USDA; Sonny that were proposed for termina- impact on academic research if a Burns, dean for research, Ramaswamy, director, National tion. He questioned the panel on proposed 10% cap was instituted University of Florida Institute Institute of Food and Agriculture the importance of these collabora- on the indirect costs of USDA of Food and Agricultural (NIFA), USDA; Chavonda Jacobs- tions and cited the Senate hearing research grants. Sciences; Glenda Humiston, Young, administrator, ARS, testimony from ARS administra- Witnesses’ testimony touched vice president, Agriculture and USDA; and Sally Rockey, execu- tor Chavonda Jacobs-Young about on a wide range of topics but Natural Resources, University tive director, Foundation for Food the necessity of these collabora- emphasized deferred maintenance of California, Oakland; Walter and Agriculture Research (FFAR). tions to meet the USDA mission. costs and recommended that Hill, vice provost for land grant In his opening remarks, Rep. Rodney Davis the next Farm Bill authorize a affairs at Tuskegee University; Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) (R-IL), chair of the Research dedicated infrastructure funding Steven Tallant, president, Texas praised agricultural research Subcommittee, questioned Burns stream that would require match- A&M University–Kingsville; as the backbone of agricultural on both the safety and promise ing funds. Many of the witnesses and Carrie Billy, president and productivity and a necessity in of biotechnologies, an exchange discussed the need for additional CEO, American Indian Higher preparing for the demands of a that highlighted gene editing and programs that support diversity Education Consortium. growing global population, and CRISPR as safe technologies that in agricultural sciences and work- In his opening remarks, are being used to address citrus he acknowledged the importance force development for Hispanic- Chairman Michael Conaway diseases and would be key to of strong public–private partner- serving institutions. With (R-TX) emphasized the role producing more nutritious foods. ships in the strained federal fund- respect to the Agriculture and that universities play as driv- Chairman Davis most recently ing environment. Both Chairman Food Research Initiative, many ers of innovation and efficiency. announced a new bipartisan Roberts and Senate Agriculture commented on the need to work Unlike the bipartisan discourse Agriculture Research Caucus Appropriations Chairman John with appropriators to achieve in the Senate hearing regard- cochaired by another member Hoeven (R-ND) were critical of funding at the authorized level. ing maintaining funding for of the committee, Rep. Jimmy the president’s FY2018 budget USDA research programs despite Panetta (D-CA). Source and Additional Information request, which proposed drastic the president’s fiscal year (FY) Reps. Ted Yoho (R-FL) and • The full webcast and witness cuts to the REE mission area, 2018 budget request, commit- Tim Walz (D-MN) made state- testimonies are available at including a 22% cut to ARS, the tee leadership did not posture ments regarding public percep- http://bit.ly/2sUYBki. proposed closure of ARS facili- 18  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Science Policy

ties, and the elimination of several largely insufficient in the event of grant institutions to be competi- a conservative radio host before NIFA programs. Senator Hoeven an attack or pathogen outbreak. tive. Most notably, McMurray’s joining the Trump campaign offered blunt remarks stating Sen. Klobuchar also questioned testimony emphasized the need and serving as USDA adviser the importance of agricultural Jacobs-Young about emerging for an Advanced Research during the transition. On July research and his intent to contin- plant science techniques, such Projects Agency–Agriculture to 24, a coalition of 22 commodity ue support for these research as the phenomics research being support large, multidisciplinary groups including the American programs. Nearly all members of conducted at the University of projects. Farm Bureau Federation, the the committee were in attendance Minnesota. Jacobs-Young spoke The hearing captured the American Soybean Association, and expressed universal support about agriculture being a high- continued growing bipartisan and the National Corn Growers for federal investments in agricul- tech industry, the importance of support for USDA agricul- Association sent a letter to the ture research, pressing witnesses developing data that can “speed tural research, evident in the $25 Senate Agriculture Committee to explain proposed cuts that up the process,” and the reasons million increase for the AFRI formally endorsing Clovis’s nomi- would have significant impacts on all the -omics are important to program for FY2017 and the nation and urging the committee their constituents. agricultural innovation. recent establishment of a new, to confirm him. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) Notably, during Rockey’s oral bipartisan Agriculture Research Senate Agriculture Committee expressed outrage at the proposed testimony, she indicated that by Caucus in the House. The Trump ranking member Debbie cuts to ARS as an “insult” and a the end of the year, FFAR will administration had not yet Stabenow (D-MI) released a “war on agriculture.” He pressed have awarded a total of $100 announced nominees for either statement citing “concerns” with Jacobs-Young to explain the million, half of the $200 million undersecretary of REE or USDA Clovis’s qualifications and noted proposed closure of the ARS in mandatory funding that creat- chief scientist, and Agriculture a “troubling view on climate facility in Colorado, one of 17 ed FFAR in the 2014 Farm Bill. Secretary Sonny Perdue had not change.” Additionally, Chairman included in the budget request. Chairman Roberts questioned made specific comments on agri- Pat Roberts (R-KS) alluded to Jacobs-Young noted that the deci- Rockey about plans to generate cultural research to date. Clovis’s past statements that crop sion to cut or eliminate ARS facil- new money to be sustainable, to Source and Additional Information insurance was unconstitutional ities was “data driven” based on which Rockey responded that and stated that any nominee with • The full webcast and witness the following criteria: minimizing FFAR is working on this but that those views “might as well not testimonies are available at the impact on ARS employees, the model developed in the last show up” before the committee. http://bit.ly/2sbOcRL. preserving ARS infrastructure, Farm Bill works best with addi- USDA secretary Sonny Perdue and maintaining a balanced port- tional federal investment. Trump Announces Sam has formally endorsed Clovis’s folio. Sen. Bennet emphasized The second panel of academ- nomination. Clovis as USDA REE that the proposal, regardless of ics and industry representa- Source and Additional Information being data driven, would not tives included John Floros, Undersecretary Nominee • Senator Stabenow’s state- be supported by him or other dean and director, College of The Trump administration an- ment is available at http://bit. committee members. Chairman Agriculture and K-State Research nounced Sam Clovis as the ly/2vqHnwl. Roberts voiced his support for and Extension, Kansas State nominee for USDA undersec- the exchange, stating that “the University; Gary McMurray, retary of Research, Education, FY2018 Appropriations and Economics (REE). The un- president proposes, and Congress division chief, Food Processing Update disposes.” Technology Division, Georgia dersecretary of REE oversees the Similarly, Sen. Amy Klobuchar Tech Research Institute; Kerry National Institute of Food and Entering August, the House of (D-MN) inquired about the Hartman, academic dean and Agriculture and is technically the Representatives passed four of proposed cut for the National sciences chair, Environmental USDA chief scientist, a position the 12 FY2018 spending bills Animal Health Laboratory Sciences, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish that requires Senate confirmation. in a minibus package that in- Network, a NIFA program that College; and Steve Wellman, The 2008 Farm Bill mandates cluded the FY2018 Energy and supports research on emerging farmer, Wellman Farms. the qualifications of chief scien- Water Development appropria- animal diseases. Ramaswamy Testimony illustrated the impor- tist as a “[leader] among distin- tions bill (detailed below). The responded that the federal tance of USDA’s relationship guished scientists with specialized remaining eight appropriations government dedicates $75 billion with land grant institutions or significant experience in agri- bills had been approved in com- to cybersecurity efforts, but USDA through formula funding, as well cultural research, education and mittee. Meanwhile, the Senate programs that support the secu- as opportunities through the economics.” Clovis holds a PhD Appropriations Committee ap- rity of the food supply amount to Agriculture and Food Research in public administration from the proved six of its FY2018 spending only $38 million, which would be Initiative (AFRI) for non–land University of Alabama and was continued on page 20 ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  19 Science Policy

POLICY UPDATE Biological and Environmental sharp contrast to the House programs to prepare and secure continued from page 19 Research (BER) program, bill that proposes eliminating the country’s food, agricultural, it does not specify how the the agency. BES would receive and veterinary systems against bills. Congress was to remain cuts would be applied. The $1.98 billion, $108.8 million terrorist attacks. The DHS assis- in recess until after Labor Day, Advanced Research Projects or 5.8% above the FY2017 en- tant secretary for health affairs is returning to Washington with Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) acted level and the House bill. directed to create a program that only 12 legislative days before the would be terminated. • Commerce, Justice, Science: will integrate and provide over- new fiscal year begins October 1. • Commerce, Justice, Science: NSF would receive $7.31 bil- sight of domestic preparedness Congress was expected to pass a for food and agricultural systems. NSF would receive $7.34 billion, 2.2% below the FY2017 short-term continuing resolution This effort includes coordinating lion, 1.8% below the FY2017 level but $658 million above to avoid a government shutdown screening procedures and lead- level but $686.6 million above the president’s FY2018 budget and attempt to negotiate a biparti- ing policy objectives to increase the president’s FY2018 bud- request. Research and Related san budget agreement that would DHS’s ability to respond to stake- get request. Research and Activities and Education and allow FY2018 bills to progress. holders and to agroterrorism. Provided below are topline Related Activities would be Human Resources would both Source and Additional Information funding levels for both the House flat, whereas Major Research be reduced by 2% compared and Senate FY2018 appropria- Equipment and Facilities with the House and FY2017 • The text for the Securing Our tions bills that fund federal agen- Construction would be re- levels, and the Senate would Agriculture and Food Act cies of interest to ASPB. duced by 63%. fully fund construction proj- can be found at http://bit. ects under the Major Research ly/2uy4RMR. n House FY2018 Senate FY2018 Equipment and Facilities Appropriations Bills Appropriations Bills Construction account. • Agriculture: The National • Agriculture: NIFA would Sources and Additional Information be funded at a level of $1.37 Institute of Food and • To see bill text and report billion, a $10.3 million or Agriculture (NIFA) would language, visit the House 0.8% increase compared with receive $1.34 billion, a 1.6% Appropriations Committee at FY2017. It is also 2.4% higher decrease compared with the http://bit.ly/2stNSy2. FY2017 enacted level of $1.36 than the House mark. AFRI • To see bill text and report billion. The House bill would would receive flat funding of language, visit the Senate reject the president’s proposed $375 million, consistent with Appropriations Committee at closure of 17 ARS facilities the House bill. ARS would http://bit.ly/2gQ9rUw. and laboratories and would receive $1.18 billion for salary provide $1.192 billion to ARS and expenses, a decrease from Securing Our Agriculture overall, a 6.1% cut compared the FY2017 enacted level of with the FY2017 enacted level. $1.27 billion and slightly lower and Food Act Signed into The Agriculture and Food than the House mark of $1.19 Law Research Initiative (AFRI) billion. It would also reject the On June 30, President Trump would receive flat funding of proposed closure of 17 labs signed the Securing Our $375 million, a $25 million and facilities. Agriculture and Food Act increase compared with the • Energy and Water: BER into law, which directs the FY2016 level and the presi- would receive $633 million, or Department of Homeland dent’s proposed FY2018 level. 3.4% above FY2017 and $51 Security (DHS) to coordinate • Energy and Water: Basic million above the House bill. agroterrorism efforts. The bill was Energy Sciences (BES) would The Earth and Environmental introduced by Rep. David Young receive flat funding compared Systems Sciences subprogram (R-IA) in February and cospon- with FY2017. Climate and would also be funded at $188 sored by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) earth sciences were not tar- million above the request. in response to the 2015 avian in- geted for cuts; although the ARPA-E would receive $330 fluenza outbreak. bill proposes a $30 million million, an increase of $24 The legislation amends the reduction compared with the million compared with the Homeland Security Act of 2002, FY2017 enacted level for the FY2017 enacted level, and in directing DHS to coordinate 20  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Education Forum

ASPB Education Committee Outreach at Arabidopsis Meeting in St. Louis BY SCOTT WOODY, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and COURTNEY PRICE, Ohio State University

he ASPB Education The ASPB booth also featured alleles of various sorts are segregat- events (ICAR and Plant Biology Committee hosted an new resources from the Genetic ing and then to apply PCR-based 2017), experienced an early trial Toutreach booth at the Resource Development Program molecular marker assays to virtu- by fire and provided outstanding International Conference on (Scott Woody and Rick Amasino, ally map causative mutant loci support for both. Special thanks, Arabidopsis Research (ICAR), University of Wisconsin– (http://sim.fpscgenetics.org). as well, to former Education held June 19–22 in St. Louis, Madison), including living and Special thanks for making the Committee chair Mary Williams, Missouri. ASPB members might lighted plant populations and ICAR outreach event a success who, as her already busy schedule recall that ICAR has, since GameteMaker, a genetic mapping are owed to new Education allowed, helped host the ASPB the 2011 event in Madison, simulation app. This app enables Committee coordinator Winnie booth. n Wisconsin, “gone global,” and students to propagate simulated Nham, who, faced with two the 2017 event marked the first F2 populations in which mutant almost overlapping outreach time ICAR returned to the United States; the next such event is not scheduled until 2020. The Education Committee therefore felt it was important to support 2016 Plant BLOOME Grant Project the 2017 event in service to the Arabidopsis research community, “Plant Solutions for Global Problems: Bringing Plant which remains a core constitu- ency among ASPB membership. Science to Life Through Interactive Videoconferencing” The ASPB booth featured multiple stations that described In 2016 Erich Grotewold First, the project team The second set of materials the various programs and resourc- was awarded a Plant BLOOME developed a new interactive developed through this project es available through ASPB and grant from ASPB for the proj- videoconference program includes four short educational affiliated groups, including the ect titled “Plant Solutions for for middle and high school videos that reinforce important Summer Undergraduate Research Global Problems: Bringing students that introduces concepts in plant science for a Fellowship (SURF; http://surf.aspb. Plant Science to Life Through students to various plant general audience. The foci of org/) funding opportunity, the Interactive Videoconferencing.” science concepts. This program these videos are (1) careers in ASPB Master Educator Program The project brought together uses online software to virtu- plant sciences, (2) plants as the (https://aspb-mep.secure-platform. faculty and staff from the Center ally connect students across foundation of our food system, com/a), and, notably, the Plant for Applied Plant Sciences, PhD the United States to a PhD (3) plants as a resource for Biology Learning Objectives, fellows from the Translational fellow and COSI educator for biofuels and bioproducts, and Outreach Materials, & Education Plant Sciences Graduate a one-hour hands-on program (4) plants as solutions to global (http://bloome.aspb.org/) grant Program, and educators from that is aligned with the Next challenges. program. We were pleased to allot the Center of Science and Generation Science Standards. The project team was pleased a booth station to feature the work Industry (COSI) in the develop- In advance of the program, to be invited to highlight these of 2016 BLOOME grant recipients ment of resources designed to teachers receive a kit of mate- new resources as a part of the Erich Grotewold and Courtney engage students and the general rials that includes detailed ASPB Education Committee Price of the Center for Applied public in learning about how lesson plans and supplies for all booth at ICAR this summer. Plant Sciences and the Arabidopsis plants impact our lives. activities. Biological Resource Center, Ohio State University (see inset). ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  21 Education Forum

At the ASPB Education Booth, a BLOOMEing Good Time BY SARAH WYATT Ohio University

t Plant Biology 2017, Writing), who joined forces to Plant Biology Learning create BioToons, a comic book AObjectives, Outreach series about plant biology for Materials, & Education (Plant 9- to 12-year-olds. Their comic BLOOME, http://BLOOME.aspb. books explain cutting-edge org) projects were a focus of the research projects to communi- Education Booth. Plant BLOOME cate the beauty, complexity, and grants are awarded on a competi- fascination of plant biology to tive basis to fund innovative ideas children. The pair work with to increase education and out- scientists to bring their research reach projects focusing on plant projects to the page in beautifully science literacy. Four previous illustrated story lines. Complete award winners came to Hawaii to with costumes, the pair told us share the products of their labors. The ASPB Education Booth, a BLOOMEing Good Time. Molly Edwards stories of migrating tomatoes Molly Edwards, a graduate (left), creator of Science IRL; Anna Backhaus and Isotta Reichenbach, and heroic Arabidopsis plants, student at Harvard with Elena creators of BioToons. just some of the main characters Kramer, presented Science IRL, a featured in their comics. Copies video series available on YouTube of their comics were available for (https://www.youtube.com/ conference attendees to peruse. scienceIRL) designed to show Last but not least, Alan how textbook science concepts Berkowitz (Cary Institute of come to life in the lab. Since each Ecosystem Studies) presented his episode revolves around an exper- “School Woodland Ecosystem iment that a scientist does every Study Project.” The project day in the lab or field, viewers get focuses on taking high school to see what being a scientist is like BioToons is a series of comics students to the woodlands in in real life. With 1,300+ subscrib- showcasing fascinating facts about ers on YouTube, Science IRL has the secret life of plants. their own schoolyard to explore produced over a dozen episodes the tree species. The group works that highlight a wide array of with teachers to develop inquiry- science concepts. From GMOs to The project is a collaboration BioToons presents their science based, exploratory lesson plans plant evolution to PCR and DNA, between Erich Grotewold (Ohio comics at the Education booth. that increase student understand- this series is great for increasing State University) and the Center ing of fundamental concepts like interest in plant science among of Science and Industry (COSI) biodiversity. The project resulted high school and undergraduate in Columbus, Ohio, to develop ucts, and plants as solutions to in a curriculum guide that students—and graduate students short educational videos and an global challenges. The project outlines the lessons taught to the and faculty, for that matter. interactive videoconferencing showcased these videos at the high school students and infor- Another graduate student, program to enhance plant science ASPB Education Booth. mation about how to implement Katie D’Amico from Ohio State education for middle and high Also at Plant Biology 2017 this program in other schools. University, presented results school students. The educational were two recent undergradu- And, of course, there were of the project “Plant Solutions videos describe careers in plant ates from the University of East T-shirts for sale, coloring books, for Global Problems: Bringing sciences, plants as the foundation Anglia, Anna Backhaus (Biology and 12 Principles of Plant Biology Plant Science to Life Through of our food system, plants as a Sciences) and Isotta Reichenbach bookmarks. n Interactive Videoconferencing.” resource for biofuels and bioprod- (Literature, Drama, and Creative 22  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Education Forum

Plant Biology 2017: Education Workshop Does Big Data BY SARAH WYATT Ohio University

ig data, computation, ogy courses. The project, funded models and their use in biological biology course. Judy combines and bioinformatics have in part by NSF and the Howard systems. analysis of available RNA-seq data Bflooded the research com- Hughes Medical Institute, intro- Judy shared her strategies for using CyVerse pipelines (www. munity. At Plant Biology 2017, duces and reinforces basic manip- incorporating bioinformatics cyverse.org) and wet lab confir- they flooded the classroom as ulation and graphing of data and analysis of RNA-seq data in her mation of genes identified to get well. The education workshop understanding of mathematical upper-division undergraduate students excited about big data “ABCs (Analysis, Bioinformatics, analysis and give them an intro- and Computation) in the duction to tools they will need for Classroom” featured ways to a career in biology. She provided integrate computation and analy- workshop attendees with access to sis of biological data into the data, and everyone got a chance classroom. Katerina Thompson to experience the pipeline from a (University of Maryland) and student’s perspective. Judy Brusslan (California State Katerina and Judy shared University, Long Beach) joined student feedback and assess- us to share tried and tested tech- ment indicating the success of niques and projects they have their approaches. Computation is developed and used successfully becoming not only the standard in the classroom. for research but also a necessary Katerina introduced Math component of biology education, Bench (http://mathbench.umd. and Katerina and Judy provided edu), an integrated suite of 40+ Katerina Thompson, University of Maryland (left), and Judy Brusslan, excellent resources and a model interactive online modules for use California State University, Long Beach, sharing tried and tested techniques for integration of computation in fundamental college-level biol- and projects they have developed and used successfully in the classroom. into the classroom. n

Katerina Thompson introducing workshop participants to MathBench. ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  23 Education Forum

Education and Outreach at Plant Biology 2017 BY ERIN FRIEDMAN Lynchburg College

an art be used to teach elementary students that Cplants respond to environmental cues? How can muse- ums make learning about plant evolution more fun? Do writing and editing Wikipedia articles increase student engagement in science writing? How can teachers use schoolyard woodlands to teach students about diversity? Can citizen science be used to demonstrate that wild animals do not have a preference against GMOs? These questions and are professional and engaging and more were addressed at the edu- feature a simple drag-and-drop cation and outreach concurrent design with content repetition to symposium at Plant Biology 2017. reinforce concepts. An engaged group of plant scien- Mario reported that students tists tore themselves away from enjoyed playing the games and the beautiful Hawaiian afternoon were able to navigate topics rang- to discuss these and other impor- Kevin Folta presenting Veg-a-Sketch. ing from evolution and biodiver- tant topics. sity to gene expression using the ABC model of flower develop- Veg-a-Sketch: Teaching students apply stencils and return discussed use of Veg-a-Sketch in ment. Although these resources Plant Development the plants to white light to restore elementary classrooms, attendees are currently available only in The symposium began with the accumulation of purple an- shared ideas about inquiry-based Italian, Mario discussed his desire two presentations about edu- thocyanin pigments in the leaves. activities that could be used to to develop similar games in cational tools targeted to K–12 The regions of leaf blocked by challenge undergraduate students English, and attendees spent most students. Kevin Folta (University the stencils remain green, allow- as well. These kits will be available of the Q&A portion of the presen- of Florida), winner of the 2017 ing the students to create artistic to schools, and information can be tation discussing possible modes ASPB Leadership in Science designs while learning about found at www.veg-a-sketch.com. of implementation and suggesting Public Service Award, shared cryptochrome responses and additional content. Veg-a-Sketch, a tool used to teach plants’ developmental responses Games for Museum children about photomorpho- to abiotic stimuli. Visitors Teacher Training to Use genic development. This elegant In addition to the obvious Mario De Tullio (University of Schoolyard Woodlands system allows students and teach- use of this tool to allow students Bari) then discussed his creation Alan Berkowitz (Cary Institute ers to grow purple-pigmented to explore biological responses, and use of three interactive games of Ecosystem Studies) shifted the lettuce under normal classroom Kevin also discussed his hope to teach museum visitors about discussion to teacher education, conditions. They then construct that students would become plant evolution. The games are presenting the results of a project a simple light box that exposes more interested in and thus eat presented to visitors following their funded by a 2014 Plant BLOOME the plants only to green light, more foods containing healthy exploration of more traditional grant. To increase science literacy depigmenting the leaves. The pigments. Although Kevin museum exhibits. The animations in schools and decrease plant 24  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Education Forum

evaluate content and supporting documents for an existing article. Advanced students can identify gaps in Wikipedia content and create new content or even new articles. Training modules help students and instructors learn how to use the tools and what require- ments must be met when citing sources. The impact of these edits is easy to track, which further reinforces student engagement. Sternberger reported that for approximately 180 student writers, there had been 1.1 million article views to date.

Anne Sternberger (left) presenting “Wikipedia in the Classroom.” Karl Haro von Mogel (right) showing the list of Other Educational Projects participants in his citizen science project to test whether squirrels prefer non-GMO corn. Some speakers also presented posters to increase opportuni- blindness, this project features science. The crowdfunded proj- Editing and Writing ties for discussion of their work. teacher training and correspond- ect investigated whether wild Wikipedia Content In addition, a dozen or so other ing classroom curriculum. posters were presented in the animals prefer non-GMO corn In the past few Plant Biology The teaching modules use Education section. Major themes (spoiler: they don’t, but they do meetings, scientific writing in the schoolyard woodlands to demon- this year included the following: love corn!). The experiment was classroom has been a hot topic of strate themes including dispersal, • Use of gaming to teach genet- massively successful on many discussion. Anne Sternberger and ics and molecular mechanisms growth strategies, herbivory, and fronts: the project was fully Sarah Wyatt (Ohio University) (Ludmila Tyler et al., University decomposition. By using a top- funded (and then some), sup- discussed the use of editing and of Massachusetts) down approach in which teaching plies were secured and provided writing Wikipedia content to en- fellows train additional teachers, to participants, controls were gage student writers. The idea is • Integration of authentic re- who then teach their students, included, and 442 experiments quite simple: providing students search activities into under- the program has reached a large graduate coursework (Stan were completed. Experimenters with an actual audience (e.g., number of students. To date, Roux, University of Texas; Ken included interested individuals Wikipedia users) and purpose five teaching fellows and 19 field Helm, Siena College; Sabrina and those who hoped to dem- increases engagement, owner- test teachers have participated, Robertson, North Carolina onstrate (or disprove) a rela- ship, and perceived importance and students have demonstrated of a task. Although implementing State University; M. Herman, St. improved recognition of diversity tionship between GM corn and John Fisher College) and prob- animal preference. these types of assignments can and the influence of species on seem daunting, Sternberger dis- lem solving (Miranda Meents, Although the results of this the environment as a result of this cussed her experiences as a stu- University of British Columbia) project were unsurprising to program. dent and then a teaching assistant • Outreach and education most attendees, the impact has in Wyatt’s courses that used this projects to help scientists been wide-ranging. One take- Research and Outreach writing model. connect to the general com- Using GMO Corn home from this presentation was Wikipedia writing can range munity (marketsci.org and the Squirrels won’t eat it, so why that research can also serve as from evaluating to editing to Plant Breeding Coordinating should we? This unsubstanti- outreach; these types of studies creating, and robust tools are avail- Committee) ated claim is one of many used can generate publishable data, able from Wiki Education (www. • Ways for authors to make to validate anti-GMO senti- teaching resources, and citizen wikiedu.org) to support these their data more discoverable ments. Karl Haro von Mogel scientists who become scientific tasks. In an introductory-level and reusable (Arabidopsis (Biology Fortified) tested this advocates as a result of being undergraduate course, the task Information Resource and claim using the power of citizen involved in the scientific process. could simply be to critique and Phoenix Bioinformatics). n ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  25 Education Forum

SURFing at the Undergraduate Poster Session in Honolulu BY MICHAEL CAMPBELL Pennsylvania State University

lant Biology 2017 wel- the next generation of plant scien- comed students in tists. Although many expressed PHonolulu with an exclu- career interests in plant biology, sive undergraduate poster session. some mentioned other avenues I had the pleasure of meeting that they will pursue. In particu- many talented young researchers lar was a student who expressed at the poster session and was able a desire to pursue a career in to chat in depth with 14 of the science policy. This demonstrates ASPB Summer Undergraduate the value of the SURF program Research Fellow (SURF) awardees in providing an excellent avenue at both the undergraduate poster to undergraduates to hone their session and a SURF networking skills for a career in scientific dinner that followed. What was research but also to have a signifi- exciting about this year’s group cant impact on plant science was the ethnic and gender di- funding and policy. versity as well as the diversity of It does appear that the SURF Cairo Archer (Cornell University) discussing her research at the Plant institutions represented. It is criti- program has increased in ethnic Biology 2017 undergraduate poster session. cal that ASPB develop research and gender diversity, and certain- opportunities in plant sciences ly more can and should be done at multiple levels, and the SURF to continue in that direction. It tions and private colleges with ence in a society that currently program and undergraduate is imperative that plant biology significant resources, future questions public funding for plant poster session once again demon- reach out to a more diverse pool scientists are also being trained science programs. strated the Society’s commitment of individuals, and the SURF at colleges and universities that If you have never attended the to that endeavor. program is an indication of that do not make the top tier. The undergraduate poster session at To see scientists at the very goal of increased inclusion. SURF program enables students the annual Plant Biology meet- beginning of their career is Another unique component of at these smaller institutions to ing, I suggest you pay a visit in rewarding and hopeful, and the the undergraduate poster event participate in research and brings 2018. To discuss science with level of enthusiasm from the was the diversity of institutions plant science to these institutions undergraduates at the beginning undergraduates regarding their represented. Students present- at an increased level scientifically. of their scientific career is uplift- work was fantastic. The young ing at the undergraduate poster This creates a pipeline of indi- ing. They have an enthusiasm, researchers certainly demon- session came from both large and viduals who move on to graduate and a level of energy and excite- strated their expertise and interest small programs. Although the programs at larger institutions, ment, that is needed to keep plant in science and gave me confi- bulk of highly significant publi- but more significantly, it brings science research relevant and dence that they have the mettle cations in plant biology come plant science to smaller institu- vibrant. n to provide ASPB and society with from large land grant institutions, thus reaching a wider audi-

26  ASPB NEWS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 Education Forum

PlantingScience Professional Development Workshop Strengthens Classroom and Early Career Scientist Connections BY SUSAN BUSH Trinity College

n July 2017, PlantingScience as they design and think Across the board, scientists hosted a professional de- through their own plant from ASPB and BSA at the Ivelopment workshop at the science inquiry projects. workshop deeply appreciated the Biological Sciences Curriculum In addition to opportunity to communicate with Study (BSCS) in Colorado PlantingScience, the teachers. Online mentoring of Springs, Colorado, as part of the Digging Deeper grant high school students depends on PlantingScience: Digging Deeper is designed to develop, open communication between Together grant funded by NSF implement, and evaluate the scientist mentors and the and led by efforts from BSCS, a collaborative profes- classroom teachers. The scien- the Botanical Society of America sional development (PD) tists moreover were impressed (BSA), and ASPB. The workshop model for high school with the teachers’ knowledge included 24 high school teachers science teachers and and scientific prowess. For the from around the country with 12 scientists participating teachers, increasing their own plant scientists at early stages of in the PlantingScience education and boosting student their career; the latter were gradu- program. At the same comprehension of difficult ate students, postdoctoral scholars, time, the Digging concepts like photosynthesis and professors from Doctoral Deeper grant includes and cellular respiration proved Program—Highest Research research on the effect of to be an outstanding opportu- Activity (R1) and Primarily the PD model on science nity. The teachers viewed the Undergraduate Institution (PUI) teaching and student Participants at the PlantingScience chance for high school students schools. The goal of this workshop outcomes focused on Professional Development Workshop. to interact with real-life scientists was to bring together teachers photosynthesis. The outside of their classrooms and and scientist mentors participat- summer workshops at increase scientific literacy as a ing in the online PlantingScience BSCS facilitate the PlantingScience with help from the scientists. The huge benefit of participating in platform. As an early career PD model, allowing science teach- scientists learned about teach- PlantingScience. scientist at a PUI, I attended this ers and career scientists to work ing resources and pedagogical All told, the community-build- workshop to learn more about the closely over extended periods approaches; these resources were ing aspect of this workshop was PlantingScience program. to develop a shared expertise designed for classroom teachers, truly influential for both scientists The PlantingScience online that catalyzes the ultimate goal: but many scientists were excited and teachers. Open communica- platform is a free resource for engaged students who can profi- to report that the teaching tools tion and the experience of differ- student-centered plant investiga- ciently integrate science content will be translated into their own ent perspectives have built new tions that integrates scientific prac- with practices of science. labs and classrooms. One gradu- collaborations and connections tices and big ideas in biology that At the workshop, plant scien- ate student said she had picked between scientists and teachers, meet the guidelines in the Next tists and teachers worked together up some teaching skills “through something the PlantingScience Generation Science Standards. on a number of projects ultimately osmosis” during her PhD training, administrators hope will persist PlantingScience is a learning designed to achieve learning but the PD workshop opened her both online and off. n community, initiated in 2005, in outcomes in high school science eyes to diverse teaching publica- which volunteer scientists provide classrooms, but the meeting was tions and pedagogical resources online mentorship to high school much more than that. The teach- that she can use as a teaching assis- and middle school student teams ers honed their experimental skills tant, in the lab, and during lectures. ASPB NEWS | VOLUME 44, NUMBER 5  27 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ROCKVILLE MD American Society of Plant Biologists AND ADDITIONAL 15501 Monona Drive MAILING OFFICES Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA

New open access journal from ASPB and SEB

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

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