1. Has being a member of ASPB helped you in your career? If so, how?
Being a member of ASPB has been tremendously rewarding for my career. I have had the chance to get critical feedback on my research in real time at annual meetings. Membership continues to provide me ready access to thousands of experts in any area of plant biology.
2. Why has being a member of ASPB been important to you?
It has given me an opportunity to interact and network with pioneers and friends in plant biology, and it has allowed me to stay updated on the latest developments in plant science.
3. Was someone instrumental in getting you to join ASPB?
ASPB is THE happening plant biology society. As I progressed in plant biology, joining ASPB was the logical choice.
4. What would you tell nonmembers to encourage them to join?
ASPB is a career-enhancing organization vital for every plant biologist. ASPB serves as the collective eyes, ears, and voice of plant biologists. Nonmembers are missing opportunities to showcase their research at meetings where they can get instant feedback from experts in the field; as members, they can test their ideas with their peers and also have representation to bring policy changes in science via ASPB.
5. Have you found a job or hired anyone using ASPB job postings or networking at the annual meeting?
Yes, I did hire one of my postdocs through an ASPB job posting and also have several connections that I can choose from when a postdoc or graduate student position opens in my program.
6. Do you still read print journals? If so, where do you usually read them: work, home, library, in the car, on the bus, or somewhere else?
Not much. I guess I got on the “in silico” bus a few years ago. When I do need to read older journals predating the electronic revolution, I head to the library.
7. Have there been any issues in plant biology in which you thought ASPB should be involved or that led you to consider becoming active in the governance of the Society, and if so, what were they?
The engagement of undergraduate students, underrepresented groups, and high school teachers and students in plant biology is close to my heart. In addition, I think ASPB should be involved in making an impact on plant biology education beyond American soil. I have attended one International Committee meeting and would be interested in volunteering if an opportunity presents itself.
8. What could ASPB do better?
ASPB could champion the cause of high school science teachers by furthering a policy at the federal level that would allow teachers to engage in research during summer with appropriate compensation and effectively update the curriculum. This is the only way we can ensure having a constant stream of well-prepared students choosing science as a career. Also, ASPB can focus on having a larger global presence to further the cause of plant biology.
9. What do you see as the most important role for scientific societies such as ASPB?
Scientific societies facilitate exchange of ideas, people, and science and invigorate research through face-to-face interactions. Beyond the scientific realm, ASPB can make a profound impact on spreading the tenets of scientific thought among society at large.
10. What advice would you give to a plant scientist just starting out?
Get involved and get engaged because the golden era in plant biology is just starting. You don’t want to miss it.
11. What do you think is the most important discovery in plant biology over the past year, and why?
The role of RNA in regulation of biological processes.
12. What do you think is the next “big thing” in plant biology?
I believe the next “big thing” is integration of all the “omics” and biotechnology approaches to design plants for maximum food and energy production to feed the burgeoning human population and meet the global energy budget.
13. What are you reading these days?
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan.
14. What do you still have left to learn?
This quote by Isaac Newton made a great impression on me while I was growing up: “I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.” Guess that says it all: lots! |
