Name: Peter Twumasi
Title: Dr.
Place of Work or School: Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Research Area: Plant and Microbial Biotechnology
Member since: 2004

1. Why has being a member of ASPB been important to you?
I have met many instrumental people in my field of study at the conferences—Maureen McCann and Alison Roberts are among my mentors and I met them at ASPB meetings. I have also enjoyed the discounts on study materials.

2. Was someone instrumental in getting you to join ASPB?
Anne Mie Emmons, my professor at Wageningen University, The Netherlands.

3. What would you tell colleagues to encourage them to join?
I would advise students and researchers working in the field of plant biology to take advantage of the numerous opportunities made available through ASPB, including discounts on educational and research materials, a platform to present your work to famous researchers and to seek their assistance in your work, and the possibility of finding a position through the Job Bank in some of the most well-known labs of members around the globe.

4. Have you enhanced your career using ASPB job postings or through networking at an ASPB function?
I have not been fortunate to get job through these resources, but I have made contacts who have been instrumental in my research.

5. Do you read print journals? If so, where do you usually read them?
Yes, at work and the library.

6. What do you think is the next “big thing” in plant biology?
The use of whole plant biomass (cellulose) for biofuel.

7. What person, living or deceased, do you most admire?
Professor Ton Bisseling of the Molecular Biology Department at the Wageningen University and Research Center, the Netherlands.

8. What are you reading these days?
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture.

9. What are your hobbies?
Reading and listening to classical music.

10. What is your most treasured possession?
My knowledge of science.

11. What do you still have left to learn?
French language and business administration.