ASPBnewswinter 2022 - American Society of Plant Biologists
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ASPBnews
winter 2022
volume 49 • issue 1
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS
3 President’s Letter 6 Perspectives: 9 Plant Biology 2022
The Uniting Power of Green Why ASPB Membership In Person and Coming Soon
Is Important to Me
membership
contents
ASPB Council
Council members highlighted in blue also serve on the Board
of Directors.
President Katayoon (Katie) Dehesh
3 President’s Letter Immediate Past President; Chair Maureen McCann
President-elect Gustavo MacIntosh
4 2021–2022 Awards Committees Secretary Stacey Harmer
Treasurer; Chair, Board of Trustees Kent Chapman
5 Changes to the ASPB News Elected Members Tessa Burch-Smith
Clint Chapple
Elena Monte
PERSPECTIVES Chair, Education Committee Erin Friedman
Chair, Equity, Diversity, and
6 Why ASPB Membership Is Important to Me Inclusion Committee Miguel Vega-Sanchez
Chair, International Committee Patricia León
Chair, Membership Committee Ruth Welti
OUT OF THE OFFICE Chair, Publications Committee Steve Theg
Chair, Science Policy Committee Tessa Burch-Smith
7 Where Will You Find Me, When I’m Out of the Office? Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Eva Farre
Section Representatives
Mid-Atlantic Section Mike Axtell
PLANT BIOLOGY 2022 Midwestern Section Kathrin Schrick
Northeastern Section Josh Gendron
9 In Person and Coming Soon: Plant Biology 2022 Southern Section Nihal Dharmasiri
Western Section Judy Brusslan
10 Plant Biology 2022: Program Committee Changes to Support Equity, Mexico Section Stefan de Folter
Diversity, and Inclusion Early Career Plant Scientists Section Al Meyers
Environmental and Ecological Plant
Physiology Section Emily Heaton
CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE CORNER Primarily Undergraduate Institutions Section Karen Hicks
Ambassador Alliance Asia Hightower
11 Interview with ASPB Legacy Society Member Chris Somerville Early Career Representative Josh Trujillo
ASPB Staff
MEMBERSHIP CORNER Chief executive officer
Crispin Taylor, ctaylor@aspb.org
13 Sabrina Chin Chief financial officer
Clara Woodall, cwoodall@aspb.org
UNSUNG HEROES Executive and governance affairs administrator
Sylvia Lee, slee@aspb.org
Accounting manager
14 Ann M. Lavanway Teressa Leath, tleath@aspb.org
Senior staff accountant
Jotee Pundu, jotee@aspb.org
SECTION NEWS Senior staff accountant
Francky Rakotomanana, francky@aspb.org
16 Join an ASPB Section! Director of meetings and marketing
Jean Rosenberg, jean@aspb.org
19 ASPB’s Mexico Section Participates in the 2021 Mexican Society of Conference coordinator
Biochemistry Congress Teresa Myers, tmyers@aspb.org
Senior membership manager
20 85th ASPB Northeastern Section Annual Meeting Shoshana Kronfeld, shoshana@aspb.org
Membership administrator
Linda Palmer, lpalmer@aspb.org
SCIENCE POLICY Community engagement administrator
vacant
21 Policy Update Web systems manager
Mark James, mjames@aspb.org
23 ASPB and CAST: Partners for 25 Years in Disseminating Plant Science Senior database administrator manager
Elias Sanchez, esanchez@aspb.org
Education coordinator
EDUCATION FORUM Winnie Nham, wnham@aspb.org
Vice president of content and communications
24 Scaling Up Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Through K–12 to Sarah Black, sblack@aspb.org
Production manager, ASPB News, and publications assistant
Postsecondary Education Diane McCauley, diane@aspb.org
Managing editor
25 Surviving Academia and Industry: Plant Biology 2021 Workshop Chris Lowe, clowe@aspb.org
Peer review manager, Plant Physiology
27 ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Ashton Wolf, awolf@aspb.org
28 Plant BLOOME Senior features editor, The Plant Cell
Nan Eckardt, neckardt@aspb.org
Features editor, The Plant Cell
NEW STAFF
Mary Williams, mwilliams@aspb.org
Peer review manager, The Plant Cell
Annette Kessler, akessler@aspb.org
29 ASPB Welcomes New Vice President of Content and Communications
The ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is also
29 Elias Sanchez Is ASPB’s New Database Administrator available online. It is published quarterly. Its purposes are to
keep membership informed of ASPB activities and to reinforce
the value of membership. The ASPB News is edited and pro-
TRIBUTE duced by ASPB staff from material provided by members and
other interested parties. Contact: Crispin Taylor, Editor, ASPB
30 Danny Schnell News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA;
ctaylor@aspb.org; 301-296-0900.
© 2022 American Society of Plant Biologists
2 ASPBNews | winter 2022
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
The Uniting Power of Green
BY KATIE DEHESH
ASPB President, University of California, Riverside
C
limate change knows no bor- acceptance speech for the 2018 award for
ders. This obvious truth, and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. This
well-recognized impacts of global strategy targets exploiting our under-
warming on agriculture and food security, standing of the intrinsic biology of plants.
as well as the broad scope of individual and Although plants are effective in capturing
organizational efforts to ameliorate this CO2 from the atmosphere by the process
urgent threat, were on display at the United of photosynthesis, that fixed carbon is ulti-
Nations Climate Change Conference of the mately recycled back to the environment.
Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on October Chory has proposed and is implementing a
31–November 12, 2021. Presentations at strategy to ensure that the captured CO2 is
COP26 ranged from descriptions by gov- sequestered in a nonrecyclable form for an
ernments of national-level efforts to reduce extended period. She is using genetic engi-
fossil fuel–based carbon emissions and neering to generate plants that both convert ● participate in public debates,
reduce rising atmospheric CO2 levels to captured carbon into enhanced levels of
reports by individual research groups and ● visit classrooms,
suberin in the roots and produce larger and
organizations on carbon capture initiatives deeper roots. This suberin, sequestered in ● contribute financially to supporting
using an array of technological applications the subterranean root biomass, is refracto- such efforts, and
and coordinated biosphere approaches. ry to degradation by soil microflora, thus ● help raise awareness of the small ways
Efforts to reduce current CO2 levels providing long-term underground carbon individuals can contribute on a daily
comprise a spectrum of nonbiological and basis.
storage, resistance to re-emission to the
biological methods. The nonbiological
atmosphere, and sequestration. But how can we best use the power of the
methods encompass a large array of tech-
What can we do? As individual plant united voices of our ASPB membership to
nological applications exploiting chemical
biologists, we can give some thought to make a difference in climate change?
and physical approaches. The biological ap-
how we might be able to use our own I am by no means an expert in dealing
proaches are centered primarily on the un-
knowledge and experience with plant with the broad scope of issues raised by
derstanding that natural carbon storage is by
systems to develop new approaches that climate change, but as ASPB president, I
far the most impactful climate solution we
might contribute to plant-mediated CO2 would like to represent you in conveying
can implement apart from cutting fossil fuel
capture and sequestration. In addition, the extent of the existing research efforts of
emissions. Efforts to use the CO2 fixation
as we are all aware, there are widespread our individual members toward address-
capacity of plants, broadly targeted at the
discussions, proposals, activities, and ing climate change and in presenting our
capture and storage of carbon above and/
organizations aimed at curtailing climate consensus views to those we may be able
or below ground, are being pursued. For
change. As individuals, we can, like all to influence. Thus, I am asking you all, as
example, halting and reversing forest loss
and expanding and diversifying existing for- other members of society, members of ASPB, to share your research
ests are among the most effective terrestrial ● become politically active, programs, thoughts, views, suggestions,
approaches to capturing and storing carbon. and so forth on what the content of our
● join efforts and campaigns at the local agenda should be and the targets you think
The IPCC (https://www.ipcc.ch) estimated level to reduce carbon-based energy use,
that 1 billion ha of forest would keep global may be most receptive to our input as an
warming increases below 1.5°C by 2050. ● formulate proposals and inject them association of plant biologists.
An additional seminal strategy was into public discourse, What can we, as a Society, do to
eloquently formulated by Joanne Chory, ● educate and hopefully influence cli- contribute to the solution of this critical
Salk Institute for Biological Studies, in her mate-skeptical members of our society, continued on page 4
volume 49, issue 1 | ASPBNews 3
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
continued from page 3 2021–2022 Awards Committees
Listed below are Awards Committee members for the current year. The year in which each
committee member’s term ends is indicated in parentheses.
“ Time is short. Let
us act now. Be in touch
and share your thoughts at
Adolph E. Gude Jr. Award
Julia Bailey-Serres (2022), chair
Maarten Chrispeels (2022), past winner
Excellence in Education Award
Yan Lu (2023), chair
Rupesh Kariyat (2022), past winner
https://bit.ly/ Wendy Boss (2022) Karen Hicks (2022)
Joseph Hirschberg (2025) Marta Laskowski (2023)
UnitingPowerofGreen.
Sharlene Weatherwax (2025)
Fellow of ASPB Award
Charles Albert Shull Award Neelima Sinha (2023), chair
Dominique Bergman (2024), chair Bonnie Bartel (2022)
Adrienne Roeder (2022), past winner Julia Frugoli (2023)
Libo Shan (2022) Joe Kieber (2023)
Marisa Otegui (2023)
Lawrence Bogorad Award for
global problem? Our existing efforts include Charles F. Kettering Award Excellence in Plant Biology Research
the upcoming Plant Biology 2022 (https:// David Somers (2026), chair David Jackson (2026), chair
plantbiology.aspb.org/) and the information Donald Bryant (2022), past winner Alice Cheung (2022), past winner
and events hub provided by the Plantae Jennifer Fletcher (2026) Eva-Mari Aro (2024)
Global Plant Science Events Calendar Thomas Sharkey (2026) Justin Walley (2026)
(https://plantae.org/events-calendar/). But Robert Rabson Award
Charles Reid Barnes Life
how else can we best use the international Membership Award Ken Keegstra (2022), chair
network of ASPB members to address this Tuan-hua David Ho (2022), chair Diane Okamuro (2022)
issue? And how can we best engage ASPB Bob Goldberg (2022), past winner John Shanklin (2024)
members to be part of the solution to this Alan Jones (2023) Matthew Hudson (2026)
global problem using the uniting power of Hailing Jin (2024)
green? Stephen Hales Prize
Time is short. Let us act now. Be in touch Early Career Award Becky Boston (2023), chair
and share your thoughts at https://bit.ly/ Hiroshi Maeda (2023), chair Detlef Weigel (2022), past winner
UnitingPowerofGreen. Troy Magney (2022), past winner Alice Cheung (2022)
Charlie Anderson (2023) Steve Briggs (2023)
Paula McSteen (2023)
Summer Undergraduate
Enid MacRobbie Corresponding Research Fellowship
Membership Award Chris Wolverton (2022), acting chair
Steffen Abel (2024), chair Amy Marshall-Colon (2024)
Jaswinder Singh (2023) Erich Grotewold (2022)
Marilyn Anderson (2024) Thomas Eulgem (2025)
George Coupland (2024) Meteweb Ayelew (interim)
Keiko Sugimoto (2024)
Excellence in Diversity and
Inclusion Award
Cris Argueso (2026), chair
Karina Morales (2022)
Adam Steinbrenner (2024)
Sophia Stone (2026)
4 ASPBNews | winter 2022
Changes to the ASPB News
ASPBnews
winter 2022
volume 49 • issue 1
In anticipation of the ASPB News’s 50th year best to publish four issues of ASPB News, THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS
3 President’s Letter 6 Perspectives: 9 Plant Biology 2022
in 2023, the ASPB Membership Committee rather than six, so we can better curate The Uniting Power of Green Why ASPB Membership
Is Important to Me
In Person and Coming Soon
has approved upgrades and redesigns for the content. Each of the four issues will focus
treasured publication. This is not the first on a theme that extends across several
time the ASPB News has been revamped, but articles. These themes, in calendar order,
it may be the most complete revamp of the are Membership, Policy, Education and
newsletter to date. You will see some of the Outreach, and Science and Research.
changes in this issue; other changes will be Other changes over the next few issues
rolled out in subsequent 2022 issues. are as follows:
When working on the redesign of the 1. Each issue will have a cover that is de-
newsletter, the Membership Committee signed to be attractive when left in offic- membership
first discussed the purpose of the ASPB es and labs and shared with colleagues.
News, now and in the future. They deter-
2. More articles will be solicited and accept-
mined that every article in the ASPB News
ed from the ASPB community. If you are
should fill at least one of the following
interested in submitting an idea for an
purposes: The following features of the ASPB
article, please contact info@aspb.org.
1. Serve as a call to action for ASPB News will remain the same:
3. A new “Perspectives” column will
members 1. The ASPB News will still be published
highlight a topic of importance to plant
2. Celebrate the people of the plant scientists, although not always plant sci- both in print and electronically via
science community, highlighting ence related, and we will ask two to four email.
members members of the ASPB community to 2. The issues will continue to be archived
3. Notify members about activities and share their thoughts on the matter. at https://aspb.org/aspb-news-past-
initiatives of ASPB, including commit- 4. The newsletter will publish more issues/.
tees and sections policy-related articles from inside and 3. The Member Corner, Where Are They
4. Inform members about the policy outside the United States. Now, Luminaries, and Unsung Heroes
activities of ASPB 5. One of the most exciting changes will be columns will still appear twice each year.
5. Provide updates on current topics the addition of interactive content. Some 4. The President’s Letter will continue to
important to the plant science com- articles will have QR codes that readers be featured in each issue.
munity can use to access more information and We hope that these changes will im-
6. Publicize opportunities related to forums for discussions on the topic. prove your enjoyment of the ASPB News.
membership and meetings aimed at 6. Opting out of receiving the print or We encourage you to provide feedback on
both members and nonmembers. email versions of the newsletter is now the changes by contacting info@aspb.org.
From there, the committee determined easier to do from your ASPB Portal
that to serve these purposes, it would be profile (https://members.aspb.org/s/).
volume 49, issue 1 | ASPBNews 5
PERSPECTIVES
Welcome to the ASPB News “Perspectives” column. These articles explore the topical themes of each quarterly issue of the newsletter. They
are typically written by members who are actively involved in the work of the Society to support and nurture plant science and plant scientists.
Why ASPB Membership Is Important to Me
Laura Arribas-Hernández an eye. I quickly used my new membership
Member since December 2021 to apply for a Women’s Young Investigator
Travel Award just before the deadline, and I’m
I’m a postdoctoral researcher from Spain
crossing my fingers because I really would like
working on plant RNA biology at the
to attend PB22.
University of Copenhagen. I became an ASPB
Because my membership is still very young,
member because I want to attend Plant
I’ve barely had time to see what other advantag-
Biology 2022 in Portland, Oregon. I saw that
es it may bring, but just by browsing the ASPB
attendance is much more affordable for mem-
website I have learned some useful stuff. I have
bers and that, as a member, I could apply for
to admit that my Europe-based origin and
travel grants. Although the price of member-
career development to date have provided very
ship was also something to consider, I noticed
little scientific contact with U.S. labs other than
that memberships can be paid by group
through journal articles. I hope that my new
leaders with “ASPB miles,” which are given as
ASPB membership and (hopefully) attendance
a reward for reviewing journal articles. My
at Plant Biology 2022 will change that, and that
supervisor, Peter Brodersen, often reviews for
I can expand my scientific horizon toward the
The Plant Cell and Plant Physiology, so I asked
United States in the future.
him if he had miles to cover my membership,
and voilà! I became a member in the blink of
Judy Brusslan at Plant Biology and ASPB Western Section
Member since 1992 meetings and have greatly valued their in-
depth conversations with other professors.
My first Plant Biology meeting was in San
When I became an academic mom with
Antonio, Texas, in 1996. In 1995, I had
two small children, I shared my experiences
become an assistant professor at California
at Plant Biology career panels, encouraging
State University, Long Beach (CSULB), a
others to be parents if they wanted. Last year, I
primarily undergraduate institution (PUI)
was honored to speak in an education session
where I was the sole plant biologist, and
about my efforts to incorporate primary
ASPB offered a critical lifeline to current
literature into my courses. Plantae has allowed
findings in plant biology. I remember attend-
me to view plant biology talks from my home
ing as many presentations as I could fit in,
office. And when the Plant Biology conference
running between talks during concurrent
returns in person, I plan to bring two stu-
sessions, taking copious notes, speaking with
dents, who are looking forward to presenting
colleagues at my poster, and staying out late
their findings to interested colleagues.
every night. It was thrilling!
The ASPB PUI community keeps me
As my years at CSULB continued, ASPB
connected with other plant biologists who
offered the opportunity to bring undergrad-
prioritize teaching and still run research labs.
uate and master’s degree students to con-
The ASPB community as a whole continues
ferences, where they could experience the
to foster my love of plant biology.
breadth and excitement of research. My stu-
dents have presented undergraduate posters
continued on page 8
6 ASPBNews | winter 2022
OUT OF THE OFFICE
your time in and keep you mentally strong
to persevere.” I took this advice to heart and
began horseback riding and throwing ceram-
ics in my down time, and I’m so grateful that
I invested time and energy in more than just
my education during grad school.
To this day, I remain focused on main-
taining work–life balance and have hobbies
that recharge me and support my joy. I feel
most grounded when I’m in nature, whether
on a short hike loop or a multiday backpack-
ing trip, so when I take time off and get out
of the office, I head out to the wilderness to
do what I love while supporting forest and
water conservation efforts.
A few years ago, I heard about Adven-
ture Scientists, and I got hooked. Adventure
Scientists helps crowdsource data collection,
including permitted sample collections,
for meaningful large-scale environmental
projects. I have worked on two projects so far,
Timber Tracking and Wild and Scenic Rivers.
For the Timber Tracking project, I
collected GPS location information and
leaf, seed, and wood core samples of coastal
redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and
Alaska yellow cedar (Callitropsis nootkaten-
sis) throughout their ranges to support the
creation of chemical and genetic databases.
This information is powering new ways
both to understand the genetic diversity that
exists naturally in a species and to pinpoint
the geographic origin of timber samples
using chemical signatures. Together, these
databases will improve sustainable forestry
management and help prevent illegal loggers
PHOTO CREDIT: ASHLYN WEDDE
from sneaking poached trees into the world’s
wood supply.
Where Will You Find Me, When I’m I loved hiking to remote coastal Califor-
Out of the Office?
nia state parks and Bureau of Land Manage-
ment lands to locate towering redwood trees,
with their thick, porous, and often scorched
BY ASHLYN WEDDE
red bark, centuries old and still thriving
Trait Portfolio Manager, Driscoll’s Global R&D, and ASPB Membership Committee
Postdoc Representative along the state’s northern coast and rivers.
These majestic redwoods are the tallest trees
on earth, and some live more than 2,000
While interviewing for graduate school, I hard in your courses and in your research,
years. I feel privileged to help protect them.
asked a professor, Michael Kahn, for advice but also focus on a hobby you love that is
Our trips to collect Alaskan yellow cedar
on how to make it through grad school. He unrelated to your work. That way, when you
data were much more challenging, for rea-
shared some excellent advice, and I still think fail a test, or your research comes to a dead
it applies to both school and life: “Work end, you have something positive to invest continued on page 8
volume 49, issue 1 | ASPBNews 7PERSPECTIVES
Future
Plant Biology WHY ASPB MEMBERSHIP IS IMPORTANT TO ME
continued from page 6
Meetings Ruth Welti
Membership Committee Chair
Member since 2001
One big benefit of ASPB membership is dis-
counts on publishing in ASPB’s journals, The
Plant Cell, Plant Physiology, and Plant Direct.
An annual membership can more than pay
for itself if you publish just once in an ASPB
journal! For example, currently a member can
save $824 on the cost of an open access article
published in Plant Physiology compared with
the cost for a nonmember. That is a lot of val- the stories behind the papers they highlight
ue for a $165 professional membership (and and the advice they and their guests provide
other membership categories cost even less)! for early career scientists. Check it out! I’m
I’m also a huge podcast fan, and I love happy to know that my dues help support
The Taproot with hosts Liz Haswell and this podcast and other content on the Plantae
Ivan Baxter (https://plantae.org/education/ website.
podcasts/the-taproot/). I’ve enjoyed hearing
2023
Savannah, Georgia
August 6–10
WHERE WILL YOU FIND ME collecting data at multiple sampling locations
continued from page 7 using field probes to measure pH, oxygen,
sons ranging from wet fall days to wildfires salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and
causing evacuations from Oregon’s central conductivity and taking water samples for
state parks. Regardless, Alaskan yellow cedar mineral, nutrient, and salinity analysis. This
are one of the rarest and most elusive trees in work surveying rivers that impact drinking
their southern range toward central Oregon, water will provide a framework for under-
drawing us to remote corners of the wilder- standing their current water quality and
ness to spot a silvery grandmother cedar conditions to inform the management of
with her beautiful yellow core. these important waterways.
Next up, I am working on the Wild and Finding purpose in our work is a
Scenic Rivers project. This project aims to universal desire, and when our down time
survey rivers with unknown or unassessed contributions benefit other scientists focused
water quality with the long-term goal of on conservation and preservation efforts, it
preserving these water resources to support is rewarding to get out of the office and help
wildlife and human communities. I will be make a positive impact.
2024
Honolulu, Hawaii
June 21–25
8 ASPBNews | winter 2022In Person and Coming Soon:
Plant Biology 2022
July 9–13, Portland, Oregon
A About Portland
fter two years of virtual events, place in global gastronomy. Experience the
ASPB and the Canadian Society of fresh, local ingredients that can be found at
Host city Portland, Oregon, will honor Plant
Plant Biologists (CSPB) are looking farmer’s markets, food carts, and fine dining
Biology 2022 with an official Plant Biology
forward to welcoming more than 1,000 plant locales alike.
Week and is sure to deliver a unique confer-
scientists to Plant Biology 2022. While the To work off the calories, Portland is an
ence experience. Individuality and creativity
program is being finalized, the Plant Biology outdoor explorer’s paradise. You’ll find urban
thrive here, as you might expect based on the
2022 Program Committee is working over- hiking, ropes courses, kayaking, and more,
local slogan “Keep Portland Weird.” Despite
time to ensure that the meeting features the all set amid the stunning beauty of the Pacific
being Oregon’s largest city, full of urban
best plant science research from a broad Northwest wilderness. Or stay in town and
neighborhoods, Portland is also one of the
range of speakers in our field. Whether this explore the International Rose Test Garden,
greenest cities in the United States, boasting
is your first Plant Biology meeting or you’re Portland Art Museum, or Oregon Museum
37,000 acres of green space and views of
a returning attendee, this year’s event will be of Science and Industry.
Mount Hood beyond the city limits.
charged with renewed energy after two years The primary venue, the Oregon Con-
Foodies will enjoy experiencing all
online, and promises to engage, inform, and vention Center, will help to ensure the health
Portland has to offer as a culinary treasure.
advance plant scientists of all career stages. and safety of all attendees by requiring proof
The city is home to craft breweries, coffee,
of vaccination and compliance with state
and top chefs and the birthplace of James
Fostering Meaningful Beard, the chef who established America’s
mask requirements.
Connections
As a premiere live gathering of plant sci-
entists, Plant Biology 2022 will continue
the tradition of connecting students and
early career researchers with veterans from
around the world, creating vast opportuni-
ties for connection and collaboration. Events
are tailored to promote conversation and
knowledge sharing, helping to establish the
connections that drive plant science forward.
Scientific content is incorporated into
major symposia, concurrent symposia,
workshops, and poster sessions, creating an
intensive learning environment. Within five
days, attendees will expand their aware-
ness of leading-edge research and develop
foundational knowledge of novel topics,
while building their professional network
within the plant science community. There
is nowhere better to initiate partnerships,
See the program and register at
collaborations, and collective projects. plantbiology.aspb.org.
volume 49, issue 1 | ASPBNews 9Plant Biology 2022
Program Committee Changes to Support Equity,
Diversity, and Inclusion
W Accessibility
hen ASPB’s Plant Biology meet- initiated two years ago for the speakers invit-
ings were obliged to go virtual ed to the EDIC-sponsored minisymposium
The Plant Biology 2022 registration form
two years ago, the Program and is now being expanded to all speakers.
will include a field for individuals with
Committee was free to think and act globally.
disabilities to request reasonable accommo- New Program Selection
That global approach was reflected in the
dations as part of their registration for the Structure
attendance: in 2021, registrants from outside
event. In April, the Plant Biology 2022 con-
the United States outnumbered those from Plant Biology planning has gone from a
ference team will be in Portland at the event
within. In 2022, our return to an in-person, top-down model of selecting conveners and
venue to review the requested accommoda-
U.S.-based event brings with it both the ex- speakers, in which members of the Program
tions and ensure an accessible experience for
citement of resuming in-person meetings, Committee made recommendations, to a
attendees. In addition, Plant Biology 2022
which many in the plant science community bottom-up model, in which members of the
staff are reviewing resources for best prac-
have missed, and the realities of engaging community propose workshop and concur-
tices for accessible events (e.g., https://bit.
speakers and attendees from around the rent topics. People who previously might not
ly/3rV7nx1). More updates will be available
world. have been invited in the top-down model
as additional measures are put into place.
Engaging a diverse panel of speakers and have stepped forward and shared their con-
ensuring an equitable and inclusive environ- siderable expertise to the benefit of the event
Applying an Equity Lens to
ment for plant scientists are critical issues. The and its attendees. This innovation, imple-
Abstract Review mented for the first time in the fall planning
Plant Biology 2022 Program Committee wish-
es to share the efforts previously implemented The EDIC has adapted a rubric used by sessions, has been a resounding success and
and recent changes in support of this priority. the North American Arabidopsis Steering will continue for future conferences.
Committee to guide program development
EDIC Representation on for the International Conference on Ara- Postevent Access
the Program Committee bidopsis Research. The expanded Program To ensure the continued access of Plant
Committee will use this rubric to guide Biology meeting content by scientists around
Miguel Vega-Sanchez, chair of ASPB’s Equity,
and inform the assessment of submitted the world, recordings from all scientific ses-
Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (EDIC),
abstracts as the concurrent symposia are sions during Plant Biology 2022 will be avail-
and Adam Steinbrenner, EDIC member,
put together. To make this effort as effective able to registrants after the event. Although
have joined the Program Committee. Miguel
as possible, we will be adding additional, the exact format and details of access have
will participate in all aspects of the commit-
but optional, demographic questions to the yet to be determined, ASPB and the Canadi-
tee’s deliberations for this year’s and next
abstract submission form, and we encour- an Society of Plant Biologists will ensure that
year’s conferences. Moreover, Adam will be
age all submitters to share this information, scientists who aren’t able to attend in person
participating directly in abstract reviews for
which will be used only for this purpose. nevertheless are able to access the informa-
Plant Biology 2022, joining the Program
The goal, from the earliest planning stages tion presented at the conference.
Committee at its pending in-person meet-
of Plant Biology 2022, has been to engage The plant science community rightfully
ing. This fundamental change in how the
speakers from underrepresented groups, demands change, and we hear and respect
Program Committee is composed ensures
and we continue to do so as the last major the voices of minoritized individuals and
that development of the conference program
components of the program come together. groups. As a field and as a community, we
is conducted mindfully and with purposeful
The full program is not yet finalized, but we have begun to change, but we need to accel-
EDI consideration. The EDIC continues to
encourage you to follow the developments at erate and expand our efforts, because there is
independently handle regular and recogni-
https://plantbiology.aspb.org/. much more to do. The changes we have out-
tion travel award applications and decisions.
In addition, the Program Committee, lined here represent some of the initial steps
in response to a request from the EDIC, in what will be a journey that brings many
will invite all Plant Biology 2022 speakers more updates and changes aimed to benefit
to prepare diversity statements as optional marginalized plant scientists in the United
openings for their talks. This practice was States and around the world.
10 ASPBNews | winter 2022CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE CORNER
Interview with ASPB Legacy
Society Member Chris Somerville
How did you spend your career? dissecting other areas of plant biology, with a climate change, which led to me proposing a
I completed a PhD in 1978 at the University of view to seeding a bunch of topics that we saw new Carnegie Institute dedicated to research
Alberta, working on the regulation of amino as “demonstration projects.” We had the idea in global ecology. My concerns about climate
acid biosynthesis in E. coli. As I was finishing that our students and postdocs would go on change eventually led Shauna and me to move
my thesis, my adviser received a gift of EcoRI to found labs working on Arabidopsis and we to the University of California (UC), Berke-
from Howard Goodman, and we started would create a community. We could not have ley, in 2008, where I cofounded the Energy
playing around with DNA. My wife, Shauna, guessed at that time how large the community Biosciences Institute with a $350 million grant
who had just finished an MS in plant breeding, would eventually grow to be. Shauna found from British Petroleum and also participat-
and I formed the idea that genetic engineering mutants and ecotypes with altered pathogen ed in writing, with Jay Keasling and several
was going to become possible in plants, and responses, and I initially dabbled in various colleagues, the $125 million DOE grant that
so during a several-month sojourn in Paris at topics such as mutants with altered responses supported the Joint BioEnergy Institute. I
the Pierre and Marie Curie Institute, we settled to phytohormones, herbicide resistance, starch retired from UC Berkeley in 2016 and took
on Arabidopsis as a promising model plant for synthesis, lipid synthesis, cell wall synthesis, a position as a science program officer in a
molecular genetics. In the beautiful library of and other things. The topics my group worked philanthropy funded by Facebook cofounder
that institute, we also learned of Bill Ogren’s on were primarily related to problems in Dustin Moskovitz and his wife Cari Tuna.
ideas that plant productivity might be improved biochemistry and the use of plants as sources
by suppressing photorespiration, so we joined of renewable materials. What do you consider to be your most
In 1994 we moved to the Carnegie Institu- important contributions to plant science?
his lab at the University of Illinois, where I did a
postdoc and Shauna did her PhD. We isolated a tion at Stanford, where I was the director and I think that our efforts to develop Arabidopsis
series of mutants of Arabidopsis with muta- Shauna was a staff scientist. During the very as a model system for molecular genetics were
tions in genes for enzymes associated with the enjoyable years at Carnegie, I was engaged quite impactful. It was a team effort that ini-
photorespiratory pathway that proved useful in in advancing the application of genomics tially included Shauna, me, Elliot Meyerowitz,
resolving some issues associated with the mech- through activities such as helping coordinate Maarten Koornneef, and Dave Meinke, but it
anisms of photorespiration and CO2 fixation. the international group that sequenced the gained steam when people like Fred Ausubel,
In 1981 we accepted positions at the Arabidopsis genome and setting up The Ara- Dick Flavell, Mary Clutter, Machi Dilworth,
University of Alberta but found it difficult bidopsis Information Resource with my for- Jeff Schell and Marc Van Montagu, Jerry Fink,
to obtain the resources needed to develop a mer student Sue Rhee. At the same time, the Ron Davis, Howard Goodman, and many
robust research program. So in 1982 we moved ecologists in the institute educated me about others adopted and supported the idea.
to the DOE Plant Research Laboratory in East My group published a lot of research ar-
Lansing, Michigan. I was appointed as an asso- ticles, but my favorite was probably a Science
Most Recent paper with my postdocs Pierre Broun and
ciate professor, and after a short delay, Shauna
was appointed assistant professor of plant ASPB Pioneer Members John Shanklin in which we were able to con-
(as of February 10, 2022)
pathology. She was initially discouraged by vert a fatty acid desaturase into a hydroxylase
her department from continuing to work with Richard Dixon by introducing four mutations. The work
Arabidopsis, because it was a useless weed. Yuji Kamiya built on a series of earlier papers from my
But after she obtained tenure, she was able to group that included a collaboration with Bri-
John Ohlrogge
return to work with Arabidopsis. an Fox and Eckard Münck in which we used
Julian Schroeder Mössbauer spectroscopy of a desaturase that
Our big idea in those days was to try and
encourage widespread use of Arabidopsis as a Ed Tolbert we had cloned and functionally expressed
model system. So rather than continue work- https://aspb.org/membership/aspb- in media with saturating Fe57 to work out a
ing on photorespiration and photosynthesis, pioneer-members/ probable reaction mechanism for desaturases.
we started exploring the use of Arabidopsis for continued on page 12
volume 49, issue 1 | ASPBNews 11CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE CORNER
CHRIS SOMERVILLE standards or goals for scientific activity. And Mostly, the Society supported my career by
continued from page 11 yet all scientists in the world share a common providing a high-quality venue for papers from
On the basis of that work, we hypothesized how understanding and practices and goals and my group, even when the topics were unfash-
a single reaction center could be used to make standards. I think that one of the forces respon- ionable at that moment. ASPB also offered
double bonds, hydroxyls, epoxides, and alkynes. sible for this unique human activity is scientific me many opportunities to present my group’s
The work provided a theoretical mechanistic societies such as ASPB, which provide virtual work to the community and to get to know
explanation for much of the chemical diversity and physical meeting places for scientists to people from many different subfields. I received
of fatty acids found in nature. I particularly share knowledge. In particular, I consider the several awards from the Society, which I very
liked that paper because of the broad impli- journals of the Society to be the bedrock of much appreciate and which may have helped
cations, but also because we proceeded from knowledge in plant biology and deeply appre- catalyze some of the opportunities to contribute
hypothesis formulation to a test that supported ciate the fact that many papers published many to scientific leadership that I enjoyed.
the theory and made predictions. decades ago continue to be cited as definitive
However, looking back on my years as a sources of knowledge. I think the role of ASPB What important advice would you give
professor, what I have found most satisfying as a sources of knowledge is even more crucial to individuals at the start of their career
in plant science?
has not been any particular paper. Rather, it has now that the Internet has become a bottomless
been the privilege of spending my career in the source of disinformation and misinformation. One of my nieces is currently finishing a PhD
company of bright, curious, honest scientists in plant biology, so I could write a book based
and watching my students and postdocs go on on the many discussions we have had during
her education. Creating a career as a scientist
Centennial
to their own careers in science.
is very complex and involves a lot of difficult
Challenge Goal
When did you become a member of ASPP/ decisions—particularly about which topics to
ASPB? study, how to assess when to abandon a line
I became a member of ASPP in 1982 at the of research, how to manage competition and
2024
suggestion of my postdoc mentor, Bill Ogren, collaboration, and countless other issues. Addi-
who advised me that the Society was a force for tionally, the amount of training required for un-
good that I should support. Also, in those days certain employment prospects at an unknown
membership resulted in home delivery of Plant 3,000,000 location and a modest income requires quite a
Physiology, thereby reducing the amount of time lot of self-confidence or single-mindedness.
2,700,000
I had to devote to the library at the expense of Perhaps the best advice I gave to many of
time in the lab. In the succeeding years I was 2,400,000 the postdocs and students who worked in my
involved with some of the committees of the group was to not define themselves in terms of
2,100,000
Society, such as serving on editorial boards and whatever problem they worked on, but rather
chairing the Publications Committee during 1,800,000 to think of themselves as problem solvers. Thus,
the eventful years when we arranged a change not a “lipid biochemist” or “pathologist” but
1,500,000
in the editor-in-chief of Plant Physiology for simply a curious problem solver. This reflects
the first time in about 30 years and founded 1,200,000 my own experience. I started working in bac-
The Plant Cell in the face of protests from loyal terial genetics, then worked in plant molecular
900,000 genetics and biochemistry, then led a renew-
members who did not see any value in publish-
ing a second journal. 600,000 able energy institute that had a big chemistry
and chemical engineering theme, and now I
How did the Society impact your career, 300,000 allocate funds for biomedical research. I have
and what motivated you to become a 0 enjoyed the continual learning and found the
Founding Member of the Legacy Society? various transitions to be challenging
2021
and enjoyable in equal measures.
2021
I think of scientific research and teaching as
highly social activities in which a group of people
who share a passion for knowledge collaborate at Academic Family Tree
the societal level to maintain, expand, and trans- https://academictree.org/
mit knowledge. It is somewhat remarkable how plantbio/tree.php?pid=76913
weakly this activity is organized. There is no or-
ganized global or national bureaucracy that sets AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021. UNAUDITED.
12 ASPBNews | winter 2022MEMBERSHIP CORNER
ASPB members share a common goal of promoting the growth, development, and outreach of plant biology as a pure and applied science.
This column features some of the dedicated and innovative members of ASPB who believe that membership in our Society is crucial to the
future of plant biology. If you are interested in contributing to this feature, please contact ASPB Membership at info@aspb.org.
Sabrina Chin
Title: Research Associate
Place of Work or School: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Member Since: 2016
Research Area: Root development, gravitropism, root hairs, flavonoids, root-knot
nematodes
What would you tell colleagues to en- Have you enhanced your career, lab,
courage them to join ASPB? research, or education using ASPB, the
ASPB’s membership spans six continents and Plant Biology meetings, section meet-
ings, Plantae.org, The Plant Cell, Plant
has amazing plant scientists under one roof,
Physiology, or Plant Direct?
which makes it easier to network. It also offers
great perks, such as membership discounts I moved to the United States in 2019 and
and travel grants to attend Plant Biology and was mostly clueless about the U.S. academic
regional meetings, as well as opportunities to system. ASPB’s Primarily Undergraduate
shape the plant science community. Institutions (PUI) Section has been pivotal
For students and early career scientists, in acquainting me with how American uni-
it is a great place to expand leadership, teach- versities, particularly PUIs, function. This
ing, and communication skills—for example, information has been useful in helping me
through the ASPB Ambassador Program and manage my expectations and plan my career.
Plantae—and to earn fellowships—for ex- I have also enjoyed the Plantae platform,
ample, through the ASPB Scholars Program especially their research webinars during the
and the Summer Undergraduate Research lockdown and their teaching and learning
Fellowship. A lot of new initiatives involve tools.
early career researchers and focus on equity,
diversity, and inclusion, and everyone should In what ways has being an ASPB mem-
keep an eye out for them. ber been of value or importance in your
career or education?
Was someone instrumental in getting I am privileged to have had the opportuni-
you to join ASPB? ty to be an active ASPB member. Through How and why did you get into plant
My PhD advisor, Ulrike Mathesius told me ASPB, I have worked behind the scenes science?
about ASPB during my PhD candidacy and in roles that I never thought I’d be able to
For my Honours project (the Australian
supported my membership. I continued my fill. For example, I cochaired concurrent
equivalent of a master’s degree), I deliber-
membership when I began working with symposia at Plant Biology 2020, interviewed
ated between an immunology project and a
my previous postdoctoral adviser, Elison a scientist for the Unsung Heroes column,
plant science project on the delivery of RNAi
Blancaflor at the Noble Research Institute, be- and evaluated travel grant candidates. Above
to root-knot nematodes through the host
coming more involved with ASPB under his all, I have been able to work with amazing
plant. Frankly, I can’t even remember what
mentorship. He encouraged me to apply to be and inspirational scientists at different stages the immunology project was, other than that
an ASPB ambassador and an early career rep- in their careers. These experiences have been I had to snap the necks of mice to gather
resentative on the Women in Plant Biology invaluable in pushing me out of my comfort
Committee; I might not have had these roles zone to learn nonbench skills. continued on page 14
had it not been for him.
volume 49, issue 1 | ASPBNews 13MEMBERSHIP CORNER
MEMBERSHIP CORNER Science. Journal sites also include article What do you think is the next big thing
continued from page 13 recommendations with the original arti- in plant biology?
spleen cells. Hence, it was an easy decision to cle, which makes it easy to look for related The next big thing in plant biology is the
pick plant science, and I haven’t looked back articles. I don’t obsess over the journals, transition of research from model plants to
since. Moreover, I gathered that plant science as long as I enjoy the quality of the articles non–model plants, including crop plants
is important because everyone needs to eat and reviews. I also appreciate journal clubs, such as maize, wheat, soybean, and rice, as
their greens. in which colleagues tell me about new and well as other interesting plants such as moss.
interesting findings. The advent of sequencing has enabled more
What is your favorite thing about being plants to be sequenced, which has in turn led
a plant biologist? What do you still have to learn? to more comparative genomics to delineate
My favorite thing about being a plant biolo- I joked with my friends during my PhD gene functions and gene evolution in non–
gist is telling people that I am a plant biolo- about being a “professional student,” and I model plants.
gist and then, when they ask about plants in thought I’d throw my hat off to that when
their garden, seeing their reaction when I tell I graduated. Nonetheless, I still have a lot What do you see as the most important
them that I can’t identify most garden plants. to learn, and I don’t think I’ll stop being role for scientific societies such as ASPB?
a student. I struggle with my identity as a I read a blog post by Mary Williams about
How do you gather scientific informa- scientist, sometimes because of imposter how it takes a community to raise a scientist
tion? What are your sources? syndrome, so I try to not take myself too (https://blog.aspb.org/it-takes-a-community-
I start by reading reviews relating to a topic, seriously. As an early career researcher, I also to-raise-a-scientist/). ASPB as a professional
and later I pinpoint specific journal articles find discovering my niche to be challenging, society is part of that equation for scientists
in the reviews. My sources typically are so I’m definitely leaning on my mentors and at all stages of their career.
search engines, such as Google and Web of other scientists for help with that.
5 Actions to Get More Value from
Your ASPB Membership
1 2 3 4 5
Search the Apply to join a Read Plant Update your profile. Nominate a fellow
Member Directory committee. Physiology and The plant scientist
The more we know
for colleagues. Plant Cell. (or yourself).
Sign in to the Member about you, the better
Sign in to the Member Portal and click on Sign in to the ASPB we can target our Nominees are needed
Portal and click on the Serve on a Committee site using your mem- emails and program- every year for ASPB
Member Directory in in the top menu. ber username and ming to your interests. leadership positions
the top menu. password. and named awards.
Learn more about ASPB benefits at https://aspb.org/membership/.
Access the Member Portal at https://members.aspb.org/s/.
Have a question? Contact info@aspb.org.
14 ASPBNews | winter 2022UNSUNG HEROES
Welcome to the ASPB News “Unsung Heroes of Plant Biology” column! These stories, brought to you by the ASPB Ambassador Program,
showcase the vital contributions of non-tenure-track scientists in plant biology. Contact Shawna Rowe, ASPB ambassador and column
editor, at roweshaw@gmail.com with questions or comments.
Ann M. Lavanway went to faculty with them, or just trying to
solve problems when we discovered them.”
Dartmouth College When asked how she handles the chal-
lenges and pressures that come with juggling
BY NABILA RIAZ
ASPB Ambassador multiple roles as a research support special-
ist, Ann replied, “I stopped putting barriers
A
around things a long time ago, when I first
nn M. Lavanway is a research sup-
port specialist for the Department started working at Dartmouth. My philosophy
of Biological Sciences at Dartmouth is, if you need me, you call me, and you can
College. She manages the Life Sciences call me at home, too; that’s fine. I’d much rath-
Center (LSC) Light Microscopy Facility er be solving problems. I’m happy with that.”
and trains undergraduate students, gradu- Ann stressed the importance of the
ate students, and staff to use its equipment, constant support and admiration she has
which includes laser scanning confocal received from her mentors and peers at
microscopes, two spinning disk confocal Dartmouth: “Everybody in this department
microscopes, a total internal reflection fluo- has given me lots of breathing room to grow,
rescence system, a multiphoton microscope, and Rosalind Lee in Dartmouth’s Biochemis- especially my mentors in microscopy, Roger
and a wide-field fluorescence microscope. By try Department as a research scientist, just as Sloboda, Sharon Bickel, and Amy Gladfelter.
far her most important contribution is her micro-RNA research was taking off. Each of these people challenged me and sup-
collaboration with faculty, staff, and students Soon after Ann joined the Ambros and ported me. Elizabeth Smith, Mary Lou Gue-
to ensure that all research labs are running Lee lab, an NSF Course, Curriculum, and rinot, Rob McClung, and Tom Jack all have
smoothly. Laboratory Improvement grant she had been very supportive. The new faculty are so
Ann has had a huge impact on the previously cowritten was approved, and she amazing, and they’re constantly moving me
Dartmouth graduate student community. No decided to return to the Biological Sciences in a new direction. I love that.”
one gets their PhD from the Department of Department to bring compound research– One of the contributions she is most
Biological Sciences without Ann’s help, and level microscopes to the teaching labs. When proud of is her role in getting new faculty
graduate students have always acknowledged asked whether this decision was difficult, and their labs settled in. Her administrative
Ann’s efforts during their thesis defense Ann replied, “I was delighted that we got experience and problem-solving capabilities
seminars. Abdul Haseeb, a senior graduate the grant, so I came back. I must admit that enable Ann to anticipate the needs of new
student in the department, said, “She offers I missed the undergraduate and graduate faculty and their labs, and with the support
expertise in training students to use various student populations a lot and wanted to work and trust of the department and faculty,
microscopes housed in LSC. She is always with a larger community.” she ensures that new PIs’ research becomes
available for help with equipment and plan- Ann’s contribution to Dartmouth’s productive as quickly as possible.
ning imaging experiments.” Department of Biological Sciences extends In addition to Ann’s professional pas-
Ann is originally from a small town in beyond her role as a research support spe- sions, conservation and wildlife are very
Vermont. As a kid, she was always interest- cialist. She was actively involved in the design important to her; for example, she served as
ed in how things worked in the world, and and construction of the new Life Sciences chair of the Thetford [Vermont] Conserva-
during her time at Trinity College in Burling- Center, and in 2011, when the department tion Commission. Ann spends a lot of time
ton, Vermont, she began her formal studies in moved to the new building, she took on ad- outside keeping track of wildlife. She enjoys
science. Ann had a work–study job preparing ditional responsibilities as building manager. helping salamanders travel to pools and wet-
undergraduate teaching labs, and she was Ann recalled, “It was an amazing experience lands to breed during a migration called the
initially hired by the Biological Sciences for me. It was integral to have someone “big night”: “It requires multiple nights going
Department at Dartmouth in 1993 to do the hearing every week how things were going, out at about midnight, looking for them on
same and later promoted to special instructor. working with architects and engineers on the road, and helping them across before
She then moved to the lab of Victor Ambros things, trying to solve problems before we they’re squished by cars.”
volume 49, issue 1 | ASPBNews 15SECTION NEWS
Join an ASPB Section!
A
SPB has six sections that bring ecological and environmental plant physiolo- membership required by the ASPB Consti-
together members in U.S. regions, gy and to promote the general welfare, good tution and Bylaws, so our most important
Canada, and Mexico to participate fellowship, and creative interactions among goal is to recruit more members in 2022. The
in smaller meetings and events and three plant biologists focusing on the many linkag- Mexico Section provides Mexican scientists
sections that focus on specific topics. Each es among plant physiology, ecology, and the with a community that fosters their science,
section has its own leadership team that environment. EEPP Section members range and in turn they promote the goals of ASPB
plans activities and manages the section, and from ecophysiologists to whole-plant phys- and the wider plant science community.
dues are just $5 per year per section. Please iologists to molecular physiologists with a In 2022, the Mexico Section will help
read a bit about each section below. focus on environmental responses. We meet plan the 20th National Plant Biochemistry
annually at the Plant Biology conference, and and Molecular Biology Congress and the 13th
Early Career Plant Scientists Plant Biology 2021 featured lightning talks Joint Symposium Mexico–USA, and the 3rd
Section by early career EEPP Section scientists. We ASPB Mexican Section meeting, to be held in
The Early Career Plant Scientists (ECPS) have also partnered with Plantae to organize 2023. This joint meeting strengthens the ties
Section (https://earlycareer.aspb.org) was plant physiology–focused webinars. So far, between Mexican and U.S. researchers, young
formed in 2020 to support the interests of our webinars have featured a root physiology investigators, and students. We especially en-
early career plant scientists and formalize methods presentation from EEPP Section courage early career scientists, postdocs, and
their representation in ASPB’s leadership member Larry York and a panel discussion motivated students to submit their abstracts to
structure. The ECPS Section has taken an on translational plant science featuring scien- be considered for a flash talk.
active role in ASPB over the past two years, tists in industry and nonprofit research, and Ideas for other activities for the section
sponsoring workshops, activities, webinars, we have more webinars in the pipeline. are always welcome. You may follow and/
and Plant Biology attendance awards to help The EEPP Section welcomes new or contact the section via Twitter (@ASPB_
support the vibrant early career scientist members and new ideas for ways to better Mexico) or email (aspb.mexico@gmail.com).
community at ASPB. support environmental and ecological plant
The ECPS Section will continue to physiology researchers! We also hope to Mid-Atlantic Section
provide opportunities for early career ASPB strengthen our interactions with the regional Members of the Mid-Atlantic Section (https://
members to grow and thrive in 2022. We’ve and Early Career Plant Scientists sections midatlantic.aspb.org) are based in Penn-
planned a series of webinars for the com- of ASPB. Please join the EEPP Section busi- sylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware,
ing year. In addition, we’re hosting several ness meeting at Plant Biology 2022, which Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of
events at Plant Biology 2022 to help provide a will feature lightning talks by early career Columbia. The section welcomes all mem-
meaningful experience to attendees, includ- researchers and a keynote speaker who will bers in the region and beyond. The major
ing a Three-Minute Thesis Competition, highlight the state of the art in the field of activity of the section has been, and will con-
professional development workshops, and environmental and ecological plant physiol- tinue to be, hosting a sectional meeting each
social events to build and strengthen the early ogy. The business meeting will also provide year. The Mid-Atlantic Section meetings have
career scientist community at ASPB. We invite members and interested participants with historically been well attended and collegial.
all those with an interest in the needs and up-to-date information about the section’s They are centrally located with respect to
representation of early career scientists to get recent and upcoming activities, future goals, population density (usually on the I-95 corri-
involved! Follow us on Twitter @ASPB_ECPS. and fit with the broader ASPB community. dor) and low priced. Prominent investigators
We look forward to seeing you in Portland! and rising stars give talks highlighting their
Environmental and Ecological research. The poster sessions are excellent
Plant Physiology Section Mexico Section and feature a mix of postdocs, graduate
The Environmental and Ecological Plant The Mexico Section (https://mexico.aspb. students, and undergraduate researchers.
Physiology (EEPP) Section (eepp.aspb.org) org) supports the continually expanding The Mid-Atlantic Section meetings are also
was established in 2015 as the first topic- plant science discovery happening in Mexico excellent opportunities for networking.
based ASPB section. The purpose of the and by Mexican scientists. The section is The section’s primary goal for the
EEPP Section is to encourage the growth of having trouble maintaining the minimum coming year is to continue our tradition of
16 ASPBNews | winter 2022You can also read
