PLANT BIOLOGY NEWSLETTER
University of Minnes ota
Volume XI Number
Department of Plant Biology, 250 Biological Sciences Center
1445 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108-1095
612-625-1234
July 26, 2007
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Message from Interim Department Head
Phytograd and Plant Biological Sciences Graduate Program
Calendar of Events
Faculty Meetings/Messages
Funding /Job Opportunities / Seekers
Miscellaneous
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1. Message from Interim Dept. Head
Congratulations to George Weiblen!
The Royal Botanic Garden, a renowned scientific centre for the study of plants and their
diversity and conservation, has awarded associate professor of plant biology George Weiblen
a $14,400 Marie Cure Outgoing International Fellowship.
2. Phytograd & Plant Biological Sciences Graduate Program
Announcing the MPGI Spring Course for 2007
PBIO 5690 Special Topics: MPGI Seminar Course, Transport Processes in Plants and
Microbes (1 credit, S/N)
Instructors: John Ward <jward@umn.edu> (Plant Biology) and Jeff Gralnick
<gralnick@umn.edu> (Biotechnology Institute, Microbiology)
The goal of this Special Topics course is to introduce graduate students to scientists working
on transport processes in plants, microbes and in plant/microbial interactions. Students will
be required to attend six seminars during he semester (scheduled as part of the Plant Biology
Colloquium on Tuesdays at 3:30 in 335 Borlaug or as part of the BTI Seminar Series on
Thursdays at 3:30 in 239 Gortner). Students are also required to meet as a group with each
speaker in a session after the seminar to discuss the speaker's research. Students will also
have the opportunity to go out for lunch or dinner with the speaker. The following is a
tentative schedule for the seminars:
March 20 Julian Schroeder (UCSD) Ion channels, signal transduction
http://www-biology.ucsd.edu/labs/schroeder/
April 5 Eric Webb (University of Southern California) Genomics and iron acquisition in
marine cyanobacteria
http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/biosci/Webb_lab/Webb%20Lab%20Home.html
April 10 Andreas Weber (Michigan State) Chloroplast metabolite transport, Galdieria
(thermophillic algae) genomics
http://www.plantbiology.msu.edu/weber.shtml
April 24 Michael Udvardi (Noble Foundation) Nitrogen Transport, Rhizobium-legume
symbiosis
April 26 Dianne Newman (Caltech) Extracellular electron transfer, photosynthesis and
biomineralization
http://www.gps.caltech.edu/labs/newmanlab/
May 1 Mary Lou Guerinot (Dartmouth) Iron transport in plants
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~guerinot/
The Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (DDF) program is intended to give outstanding finalyear PhD candidates an opportunity to complete the dissertation during the 2007-08
academic year by devoting full-time effort to research and writing. The award includes a
stipend of $21,500 for the academic year beginning September 2007, academic-year tuition
for up to 14 credits each semester, and subsidized health insurance through the graduate
assistant plan. Summer 2008 health insurance will be included for eligible Fellows not
graduate by Spring 2008.
The award is intended for students. who, typically, will be entering their final year of
graduate study, having entered Graduate School in fall 2002 or later with a bachelor's degree
(or 2004 or later with a master's degree). Nominees who entered before this date are eligible,
but the nominating program must provide an explanation of individual circumstances that led
to a lengthier program of study, in order to establish the student's record of good progress.
It is strongly recommended that candidates have a thesis proposal on file at the Grad School
by the deadline. Also, it is expected that Fellows will graduate by the end of spring 2008, but
not later than the end of Fall 2008.
The PBS program has been allotted six nomination slots to be divided among first-year
fellowship nominations and DDF nominations.
Please submit your DDF application to the PBS program office by FRIDAY,
FEBRUARY 16TH, 2007.
A PBS program committee will review the DDF applications in February to determine which
applications to forward to the Graduate School. We know that a minimum GPA of ~3.4 is
required and we know that the application will not be successful unless the student has at
least one publication from the thesis research. Please keep these criteria in mind as you plan
activities for the coming year.
If you would like more information, please see the Graduate School website.
http://www.grad.umn.edu/fellowships/enrolled_students/index.html#DDF
Center for Teaching and Learning - Preparing Future Faculty
PFF Retreats on Effective Teaching and Career Planning
The PFF Retreat is designed to introduce graduate students to the services available through
PFF. Retreat participants attend teaching and job search-related sessions and interact with
area faculty in a panel discussion on how a graduate student might prepare for their future
career directions.
Retreat Dates:
January 11, 2007 and May 16, 2007 – 9 AM – 2PM (doors open at 8:30 AM)
To register; http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/pff/retreat/index.html
TO:
GRADUATE STUDENTS/ADVISORS IN PBS GRADUATE PROGRAM
FROM:
PBS FINANCIAL AID COMMITTEE
RE: PBS Graduate Student Travel Requests for Spring 2007 for traveling in
January through April, 2007)
*******************Travel Awards*******************
The PBS Graduate Program has funds to support graduate student travel. These funds are to
help support travel to professional meetings, a scientific laboratory or workshops to learn
new techniques, or for the collection of biological materials. If funds are to be used to travel
to a scientific meeting, the student must be making a presentation (talk or poster). The
Summer 2007 Student Travel (May through August) Request announcement will be
sent out in February.
Funding for only one trip will be allowed each year (September through August). Written
requests must be submitted and financial support awarded prior to travel.
Four copies of your written request for assistance must contain the following:
For Travel to Professional Meetings
1.) Meeting Name, Location, and Time.
2.) Justification for budget. All other sources of financial support must to be listed.
3.) Abstract of presentation signed by the graduate student and advisor.
For Ot her Travel
1.) Justification for travel, indicating the scientific importance of this travel to the graduate
students professional development.
2.) Demonstration of students financial need. All other financial support needs to be listed.
3.) Letter of support from the student's advisor.
Application deadline is: Thursday, December 14, 2006. Awards will then be made two
weeks following the application deadline.
Please submit the materials to Gail Kalli, Program Coordinator, Plant Biological
Sciences Graduate Program, 256 Biological Sciences Center.
3. Calendar of Events
Plant Biology Winter Party
It is time for our annual get together before the break. Come on by for
some food and drink while chatting with fellow Plant Biology people. This
is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with those that you might have
been too busy to see all semester. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
WHAT: Plant Biology Winter Party
WHERE: 257 Biological Sciences Center
WHEN: Wednesday December 20th at 2:30-4:30
The Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute cordially invites you to the 4th Annual
Cargill/MPG Holiday Musicale featuring the 'Note'-able Genomes. Please join us for an
afternoon of food, music and fun. Entertainment will be provided by your colleagues who
wish to share their gift of music.
Grab your buddies...come enjoy refreshments in the atrium of the Cargill Building as you
listen to melodies of the season. The festivities will begin at 3:00 pm on Friday, December
15th, and continue until 5:00pm (or until there is no more Wassail).
4. Faculty Meetings/Messages
Dear PBio Faculty,
According to University Policy, final grades are due no later than three business days after
the last final exam. For fall semester 2006, grades will be due no later than Wednesday,
December 27.
Once you have submitted the grades to the Registrar, please print out a copy for the main
office.
If you are having problems entering grades, please feel free to contact Gail or Patrice for
assistance.
BECOMING A FULL PROFESSOR: A WORKSHOP FOR ASSOCIATE
PROFESSORS
The Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost is offering
workshops about working toward full professorship.
The first workshop on Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-noon, is full for UMTC, but space is still available on
other campuses. Due to the level of interest, two workshops have been added: Dec. 19, 10
a.m.-noon, L-114 Carlson School, UMTC; and Dec. 21, 3-5 p.m., (ITV locations) 100
Dowell, UMC; 173 Kirby, UMD; HFA 7, UMM. For more information or to sign up for a
workshop, e-mail Cheryl Johnson at caj@umn.edu.
5. Funding / Job opportunities / Seekers
The AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program strives to better
prepare scientists to more effectively communicate with the public. This is the fourth year
that ASPB has sponsored this important program, which was established more than 30 years
ago by the American Association for the Advancement of Science; ASPB sponsorship
ensures that a plant biologist is included among each year's fellows. Fellows will work for 10
weeks during the summer of 2007 as reporters, researchers, and production assistants in mass
media organizations nationwide. They collaborate with media professionals at radio and
television stations, newspapers, and magazines to make important science news clear and
comprehensive to the public.
The program is open to applicants who are enrolled as college university students (in any
graduate or postgraduate level, or who have shown exemplary performance in their senior
undergraduate year) in the natural, physical, health, engineering, computer, or social sciences
or mathematics.
Please take a moment to visit http://ehrweb.aaas.org/massmedia.htm to learn more about the
AAAS/ASPB fellowship program and to download an application brochure.
An informational flyer is available at http://www.aspb.org/publications/AAAS_ASPB07.pdf,
and you can also read about some of our previous fellows' experiences in the program at
http://www.aspb.org/newsletter/novdec04/06fellow.cfm and
http://www.aspb.org/newsletter/novdec05/03aaas.cfm. If you have any questions, please call
me at (301) 251-0560, extension 117, or send email to nancyw@aspb.org.
Assistant Professor/Assistant Scientist, Institute of Biological Chemistry
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
Assistant Professor/Assistant Scientist (25% Academic Programs, 75% Agricultural
Research Center) in Plant Biology. Full-time, tenure track position: 9-month appointment.
Begin date: 2007. This position reports administratively to the Director of the Institute of
Biological Chemistry.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Ph.D. or equivalent.
• One year postdoctoral experience by start date.
• A record of research and publications in a fundamental area of modern plant biology, with
particular emphasis on using innovative approaches to study plant biochemistry/biophysics,
structural biology, and systems biology.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are highly preferred.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Screening of application materials will begin on January 15, 2007. Send curriculum vitae, a
statement of research interests, and a description of future plans. In addition, applicants
should arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to:
Dr. Norman G. Lewis
Search Committee Chair
Institute of Biological Chemistry
Washington State University
P.O. Box 646340
Pullman, WA 99164-6340
Phone: 509-335-8383, Fax 509-335-7643, email:millerhm@wsu.edu
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create a dynamic, well-funded program in a fundamental area of modern plant biology with
particular emphasis on using innovative approaches to study plant biochemistry/biophysics,
structural biology, and systems biology. The candidate is expected to rapidly develop a
highly competitive research program and contribute substantially to the Institute of
Biological Chemistry and College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
missions.
General responsibilities include:
• Develop and maintain a vigorous research program supported by extramural funding.
• Train graduate students.
• Participate in teaching graduate courses in the area of modern plant biology.
• Work effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures,
backgrounds, and ideologies in a global environment.
• Participate in committee service at the department, college, and/or university level.
• The successful applicant will be expected to conduct an approved program of research
consistent with the mission of WSU Agricultural Research Center.
SALARY:
Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications.
The State University of New York at Farmingdale is recruiting for the following academic
positions and invites applications from interested:
Faculty Position: Assistant Professor of Ornamental Horticulture
Candidates should have an extensive understanding of Ornamental Horticulture and Plant
Identification, as well as a comprehensive understanding contemporary landscape gardening.
Teaching responsibilities may include various plant identification courses (Woody,
Herbaceous and Indoor Plants), Plant Propagation, Nursery Management, Greenhouse
Management and/or General Horticulture.
Duties in student advisement, curriculum development, website development, scholarship
and shared supervision of the outdoor teaching gardens and woody plant collections, and
participation in Departmental and College-wide committees required. Current relevant
professional experience required. Previous teaching experience, and/or website development
preferred.
Ph.D. (Horticulture, Ornamental Horticulture, Floriculture or related area) preferred, ABD
required at time of initial appointment.
Ph.D. (Horticulture, Ornamental Horticulture, Floriculture or related area) required at time of
continuing appointment.
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Starting Date: Fall 2007
Application Deadline: Review of Applications will begin on January 29, 2007 and continue
until the position is filled.
Apply To:
Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae and the name, address,
phone number and e-mail address of three professional references. Only applications
submitted electronically will be accepted.
Send to: Lorraine Greenwald, Acting Dean, School of Business at:
Bus.search@farmindale.edu
Hiring contingent upon pending budgetary approval.
6. Miscellaneous
Fall/Spring Student Employment Work Study Dates to Keep in Mind:
* Fall 2006 on-campus work-study employment eligibility dates run
from August 21 - December 29, 2006. If the student is properly
registered for Spring 2007, work study then continues on January 2,
2007.
* Student employees who are graduating at the end of Fall 2006 or
who will not be registering for Spring 2007 will also be able to work
through December 29, 2006.
Room Temperatures in BioSci
If the room temperature of your office or lab is too cold (or too hot), please feel free to call
the Facilities Management Call Center at 612-624-2900 and let them know.
Editors:
Pete Snustad, Interim Dept. Head; Anne Caton, Admin. Director;
Patrice Myers, Executive Assistant
This publication is available in hard copy or email by request. Please contact Patrice Myers via email
(pmyers@umn.edu) or call 625-1234 if you would like to receive a copy.
The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs,
facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status,
disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.