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ASPB Committees
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ASPB’s governance committees provide expertise and insight that inform ASPB’s decisions and drive its programs forward. Committees represent member interests across a broad range of topics. Interested in serving? Learn more by exploring the committee list below, and if you are a current member and would like to put your name forward for committee service, please apply to join an ASPB Committee below.
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Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the Society’s decision-making body; it has authority to act on all matters not reserved to the council or to the Society as a whole. The board of directors is charged with maintaining the activities of the Society in furthering the science of plant biology. Decisions of the board of directors require a quorum of five voting members and a minimum of 4 votes cast, in favor of the decision, unless otherwise directed herein.
Committee Members
Committee Members
Tessa Burch-Smith,
President-Elect, Chair (2025-2028)
Kent Chapman,
President-(2024-2027)
Judy Brusslan,
Secretary (2025-2027)
Sreekala Chellamma,
Treasurer (2023-2027)
Sarah Wyatt,
Elected Member [elected by ASPB membership] (2023-2027)
Aruna Kilaru,
Elected Member [elected by ASPB Council] (2024-2026)
Patricia Leon,
Elected Member [elected by ASPB membership] (2025-2029)
Crispin Taylor
, CEO (non voting)
FAQ
1. Committee Name: Board of Directors (BoD), President-Elect is chair
2. What is the composition of Committee?
BoD has seven members, including the president-elect as chair, and comprises the president, the secretary, the treasurer, and three elected members. Two are elected by the membership in society-wide elections held every other year and serve for 4 years. The third elected member is a current Council member selected by the council in an annual election.
One of the elected members is nominated by the Nominations Committee and one is nominated from the membership at large. The Council-elected third member agrees to run and is selected during the first Council meeting of the governance year.
The activities of the committee are supported by Crispin Taylor, CEO and Sylvia Lee, Executive and Governance Affairs Administrator.
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
The BoD is the Society’s decision-making body; it has authority to act on all matters not reserved to the Council or to the Society as a whole. The BoD is charged with maintaining the activities of the Society in furthering the science of plant biology. Decisions of the BoD require a quorum of six voting members and the majority of votes cast.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: BoD meets twice at the annual meeting and may meet for ad hoc meetings with Board of Trustees or other stakeholders as needed.
Conference calls: Standing conference calls every other month and additional ones are scheduled as required.
5. What are the main activities of the Committee?
Deliberate and discuss proposals submitted by Council and other standing committees
Develop and support strategic initiatives
Coordinate with the CEO and ASPB staff to execute approved actions
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
BoD approves proposals via motions that are formally presented to the committee.
7. How is the Council-elected member selected for service on BoD by Council?
The following mechanism was accepted by Council at its July 2019 meeting. Only Council members present at the first Council meeting of the governance year will be able to vote, and votes may only be made by individuals elected or appointed to serve on Council. The Council-elected member begins their service on the BoD on October 1 of the year in which they are elected and serve through September 30 of the following year, unless re-elected to a second one-year term by Council. The current election process, as approved and implemented by Council, is as follows:
Before the meeting
Council members are advised to consult a distributed spreadsheet that lists current BoD members and the members of Council eligible to serve. Included are the position the member is representing on Council, as well as URLs to each Council member’s website. Council members are invited to review the information to identify their favorite candidate, which may include themselves!
During the meeting
: We will employ a two-step election process: First, all Council members vote for one eligible individual (including, if they wish, themselves). Next, the two Council members with the highest number of votes and who are willing and able to serve if elected proceed to a run-off election, with all members of Council voting for one candidate. Again, Council members may vote for themselves. Prior to the second vote, the top two candidates should be prepared to express their reasons for serving and any priorities they might have for activities by the BoD.
EXTRA INFORMATION if the voting results in tie votes
: In the event of tie votes for the second place in Step One (e.g., if Person X received 3 votes, and persons Y and Z both received 2 votes) all three will proceed to the second round of voting. In the event of a tie vote for the first place in Step One, all candidates receiving the top number of votes will proceed to the second round of voting. Again, in all scenarios, top vote getters should be willing and able to serve, if elected.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees shall oversee the investments of the Society, and shall prepare the annual budget for the board of directors’ approval. The trustees share with the treasurer the responsibility for the financial stability of the Society.
Committee Members
Committee Members
Sreekala Chellamma,
Treasurer; Chair (2023-2026)
Erich Grotewold
(2021-2026)
Chris McEntee,
ad hoc member (2021-2026)
Z. Jeffrey Chen
(2024-2028)
Glenda Gillaspy
(2025-2029)
Clara Woodall,
CFO, Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee Name: Board of Trustees (BoT)
2. Composition of Committee:
The Board of Trustees has 4 members. All members are appointed by the President-Elect, typically for four-year terms. The chair is selected by the President-Elect and is named the Treasurer. The Treasurer also serves on the Board of Directors. The committee works closely with and is supported by Clara Woodall, Chief Financial Officer.
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
The Board of Trustees functions as the Finance and Audit committee for ASPB. BoT assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling the society’s fiduciary responsibilities related to financial reporting, internal controls, annual audit, compliance with federal and state laws, and makes recommendations to the Board for approval.
The Board of Trustees also monitors the investments of the Society. BoT is responsible for making sure financial matters aligns with the mission of the organization.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: BoT meets once at the annual meeting and may meet for ad hoc meetings with Board of Directors as needed.
Conference calls: as needed. Other business conducted by email.
5. What are the main Activities of the Committee?
The committee is tasked with working with staff to develop an annual budget, preparation and distribution of financial statements, oversight of investments, and creation of policies to safeguard all assets.
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
Helps the Board understand the financial condition of the organization, provides accurate financial records, audited annual financial statements, and heads off potential financial problems.
Council
The Council is the Society’s deliberating body; it provides leadership and guidance in setting the overall direction of the Society via the strategic plan. The council evaluates novel program, product, and service concepts in the context of the strategic plan and through its comprehensive sense of the Society’s directions and priorities, makes recommendations to the board of directors accordingly.
Committee Members
Hong Ma,
Immediate Past-President, Chair (2023-2026)
Kent Chapman,
President (2024-2027)
Tessa Burch-Smith,
President-elect (2025-2028)
Judy Brusslan,
Secretary (2024-2027)
Sreekala Chellamma,
Treasurer (2023-2026)
Sarah Wyatt,
Elected Member [elected by ASPB membership] (2023-2027)
Patricia Leon,
Elected Member [elected by ASPB membership] (2025-2029)
Aruna Kilaru,
Elected Member [elected by ASPB Council] (2024-2026)
Aruna Kilaru,
Chair, Membership Committee (2024-2028)
Christos Noutsos,
Chair, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (2025-2028)
Reuben Peters, Chair,
Publications Committee (2025-2027)
Erin Friedman, Chair,
Education Committee (2019-2029)
Keiko Torii, Chair,
International Committee (2021-2028)
Georg Jander,
Chair, Science Policy Committee (2024-2027)
Rebecca Roston, Chair,
Women In Plant Biology Committee (2023-2026)
Miguel Alfonso Pineros,
Rep to Council, Northeastern Section (2023-2027)
Marco Burger,
Rep To Council, Western Section (2023-2026)
Courtney Leisner,
Rep To Council, Mid-Atlantic Section (2025-2028 )
Mike Mickelbart,
Rep To Council, Midwestern Section (2024-2026)
Colleen Doherty,
Rep To Council, Southern Section (2024-2027)
Elena Pelech,
Rep to Council, Environmental and Ecological Plant Physiology Section (2025-2027)
Azam Noori,
Rep to Council, Primarily Undergraduate Institutions Section (2024-2027)
June Simpson,
Rep to Council, Mexico Section (2024-2027)
Taylor Scroggs,
Rep to Council, Early Career Plant Scientists Section (2025-2027)
Maren Arling ,
Rep to Council, Ambassador Alliance (2026-2027)
Seth Edwards,
Rep to Council, Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
Linkan Dash,
Rep to Council, Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
Crispin Taylor,
CEO (Non-voting)
FAQ
1. Committee Name: Council; Immediate Past-President is chair.
2. Composition of Committee:
The council consists of the following
ex-officio
members: the president; the immediate past president; the president-elect; the secretary; the treasurer; the chair of the women in plant biology committee; the chair of the publications committee; the chair of the equity, diversity, and inclusion committee; the chair of the membership committee; the chair of the international committee; the chair of the education committee; the chair of the science policy committee and a representative from the Ambassador program
The two elected members of the Board of Directors also serve four-year terms on the council. In addition, there shall be a voting representative from each section of the Society who shall be elected by the section for a non-renewable three year term. There is also an Ambassador Alliance representative. Sectional representatives, with approval of the president, may send a voting substitute to council meetings, but no predetermined proxy or absentee votes may be submitted for such meetings.
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
The Council is the society’s broadest leadership body – it provides guidance in setting the overall direction of the society by bridging between standing committees and sections and the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors. The council evaluates novel programs, products, and service concepts in the context of the missions of ASPB and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: One all-day meeting the day before the annual meeting. Other ad hoc meetings may be called as needed.
Conference calls: Every other month at a standing time.
5. What are the main Activities of the Committee?
To evaluate activities of the society.
To make recommendations regarding adding new activities, transitioning away from legacy activities and fostering communication among committees and sections.
To provide programmatic and financial guidance to the BoD.
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
Recommendations to BoD.
Collaborations between committees and sections.
Raising awareness of new opportunities and concerns within membership.
Constitution and Bylaws
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee is charged with maintaining and, as necessary, recommending updates to the Society’s constitution and bylaws. The committee’s recommendations are reviewed by the council and voted on by the board of directors, as described elsewhere in this document.
Committee Members
Andrew Groover,
chair (2020-2026)
Sona Pandey
(2024-2027)
Leeann Thornton
(2025-2028)
Crispin Taylor,
Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee Name: Constitution and By-Laws (C&B)
2. Composition of Committee:
Three members, one of whom is chair. Each person serves a three-year term and the terms are staggered. All are appointed by the president-elect.
Crispin Taylor, CEO serves as the staff liaison.
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
To make recommendations to Council regarding changes to the constitution or by-laws.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: none required
Conference calls: only as needed.
5. What are the main activities of the Committee?
Any society member can submit (in writing) proposed changes to the by-laws to this committee via the CEO. These proposed changes have to be submitted not less than two months before the annual election begins. The committee’s recommendations are reviewed by the council and voted on by the board of directors, as described in the Constitution and Bylaws. (
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
Submit recommendations for changes to the constitution and/or by-laws with the appropriate language to Council.
Education Committee
The Education Committee, through seminars, publications, lectures, or other appropriate means, shall promote and improve the teaching and public awareness of plant biology as a constantly expanding science.
Committee Members
Erin Friedman,
Chair (2019-2029)
Isabel Johnson,
Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
Daisy Noe,
Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
Mindy Findlater
(2023-2027)
Jonathan Gilkerson
(2019-2027)
Jaime Barros-Rios
(2023-2027)
Jasmine Yu
(2023-2027)
Sebastian Cocioba
(2022-2026)
Jennifer D. Robison
(2022-2026)
Michael Busche
(2025-2029)
Winnie Nham
, Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee Name: Education Committee
2. Composition of Committee:
The Education Committee has ten members consisting of eight regular members and two Early Career Representatives (ECR). Of the regular members, one is selected as chair. Members are selected by the President-Elect typically for a period of four years, while ECRs serve two year terms
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
The Education Committee shall partner with allies worldwide to promote, support, and improve the teaching and public awareness of plant biology as a constantly expanding science that can address global challenges.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person:
Once during the annual meeting
Conference calls:
as needed, typically every other month. Also communicates by email.
5. What are the main Activities of the Committee?
-Review, share feedback, and participate in the panel on Education Committee grants including:
Plant Biology Learning Objectives, Outreach Materials & Education (BLOOME) Grant- Review typically takes place in early SpringTransforming Education in Plant Biology (TEPB)- Review typically takes place in late fall
Organize, plan, and participate in Education Committee booths at various outreach events and conferences, as the committee decides to participate, as examples:
Plant Biology- summer, annually. This includes running the Plant Science Saturday public outreach event, organizing the Education Committee workshop and networking events, and attending the Education Committee meeting
As schedule allows:
National Science Teacher Association (NSTA)- spring, annually
National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)- fall, annually
White House Easter Egg Roll- April, invitation only basis
Share and promote education resources and outreach materials through a variety of methods, including:
Posting to Plantae.org and ASPB.org
Writing or sharing articles on ASPB blog and newsletter
Cross posting via ASPB’s social media feed
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
Education resources and information posted online or at teaching conferences
Outreach activities at national teaching meetings and outreach events
A workshop at the ASPB annual meeting
Education Booth at the annual meeting- provide information, interactions
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee works to broaden participation in plant biology by members of underrepresented groups. It works to address issues of particular concern to underrepresented minority scientists and their supporters and to promote the inclusion of minority plant biologists in all aspects of the Society and the profession.
Committee Members
Christos Noutsos
Chair (2023-2028)
Rajeev Ranjan,
Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
Susan (Shuxiao) Zhang,
Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
Kevin Cope
(2023-2026)
Hua Lu
(2023-2026)
Pubudu Handakumbura
(2024-2027)
Kevin Cox
(2025-2028)
Amanda Koenig
(2025-2028)
Sannidhi Menon
(2025-2028)
Marcela Rojas Pierce
(2025-2028)
Elena Shpak
(2025-2028)
Crispin Taylor,
Staff Liaison
FAQ
Committee Name
: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC)
Composition of Committee:
EDIC has six members appointed by the president-elect and two early career representatives (ECRs) that are selected from a pool of applicants. Typical appointments are two each year for a period of three years, and the president-elect designates one of these members as chair. The ECR representatives serve two years.
For a list of current members go to: https://aspb.org/about/committees/#toggle-id-5
What are the main goals of the committee?
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC) identifies priorities and provides recommendations to guide the ASPB’s policies and practices. EDIC’s goal is to ensure that ASPB’s structure and the programs it develops represents the needs of the diverse plant science communities that make up the Society’s membership. The committee is committed to championing programs and influencing the changes needed for ASPB to continue striving to become a society where all members are heard and represented. In particular, the EDIC works with ASPB leadership, other committees, meeting organizers, and staff to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment is nurtured in the society based on respect and acceptance of its diverse membership and reflected on members’ attitudes and behaviors.
The committee also strives to develop mechanisms to evaluate the success of these efforts.
How often does the committee meet?
In person: Every year during the Plant Biology Meeting.
Video conference calls: on an
ad hoc
basis.
What are the main Activities of the Committee?
The committee develops activities to promote participation and inclusion of communities currently underrepresented in Plant Science. This is achieved by providing support and career development opportunities for all Society members in a myriad of ways. In addition, the EDIC develops avenues to highlight the work of underrepresented groups in Plant Sciences, as well as recognizes the work of members who promote EDI values in our community. We primarily manage the review of travel grant proposals (both the main awards as well as the EDIC-specific Recognition Travel Grants awards); sponsor and host a concurrent scientific mini-symposium during the annual Plant Biology Meeting; sponsor and develop workshops related to inclusion and diversity topics.
What are the main outputs of the committee?
Our main outputs include the selection of travel grant awardees with an effort to increase representation of underrepresented groups in the society; contributions to the annual Plant Biology meeting scientific and training resources (EDIC mini-symposium and workshops); collaboration on EDI training and awareness with other ASPB committees (e.g. WiPB); increasing the collaboration between similar inclusion and diversity committees at other scientific societies.
International Committee
The International Committee has as its function exploring and, where consistent with the strategic plan and Society priorities, developing relationships between ASPB and other organizations based outside the United States.
Committee Members
Keiko Torii,
Chair (2023-2028)
Maneesh Lingwan,
Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
Hannah Rae,
Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
Om Parkash Dhankher
(2023-2026)
Gabriela Toledo-Ortiz
(2021-2026)
Bochra Bahri
(2024-2027)
Elena Monte
(2025-2028)
Paul E. Verslues
(2025-2028)
Crispin Taylor
, Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee Name: International Committee
2. Composition of committee:
The committee consists of six members, appointed by the president-elect after consultation with the chair. The CEO of ASPB is an ex-officio member. All other members typically serve for 3 years and one of the six is designated as chair. The members of the committee are chosen to reflect the international diversity of the ASPB, most are located outside of the US, and many are active members of plant science societies in other countries thus creating natural liaisons.
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
The international committee has as its function exploring and, where consistent with the strategic plan and Society priorities, developing relationships between ASPB and other organizations, either based outside the United States and/or operating at international level. The committee also organizes events relevant for the internationalization of plant research activities.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: One time at annual meeting, usually an early morning meeting with breakfast served, so that the committee meeting does not conflict with scientific sessions or workshops.
Conference calls: 3-4 times per year, approximately 1-1.5 hours. Timing requires flexibility because of the different times zones of the members (early morning or late evening EST would be typical)
5. What are the main activities of the Committee?
Developing opportunities for the ASPB to liaise internationally
At the annual meeting, organize events relevant for the international community of scientists, international students, international research collaborations, international policy etc.
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
Strengthen the ASPB brand internationally
Providing fora for discussing issues with international relevance
Legacy Society Leadership Committee
The ASPB Legacy Society Leadership Committee (LSLC) was formed in 2016. The LSLC serves to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of plant biology through planned giving and other supporting initiatives. They lead many of the fundraising efforts for ASPB under the auspices of ASPB’s Board of Trustees with a primary focus on professional development and early career-centered activities. In addition to its role in fundraising, the committee promotes awareness of ASPB’s Legacy Society, which honors legacy donors and inspires future generations of plant scientists to contribute to the society’s sustainable growth. Legacy donors are comprised of individuals whose cumulative donations to ASPB exceed $5,000.
Committee Members
Laura Wayne
, chair
(2024-2026)
Joseph Lagner,
Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
Shirsa Palit,
Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
Sreekala Chellamma
(2023-2026)
Candace Haigler
(2025-2029)
Oliver Melvin
(2025-2029)
Stan Roux
(2025-2028)
Crispin Taylor
, CEO, Staff Liaison
Clara Woodall
, CFO, Staff Liaison
FAQ
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee has as its function the maintenance and enhancement of the membership of the Society by continuing to address issues of recruitment of new members and retention of those presently enrolled, and to provide membership services and benefits that are consistent with the strategic plan and the council’s priorities and that meet the approval of the board of directors of the Society.
Committee Members
Aruna Kilaru,
Chair (2024-2028)
Asha Kumari,
Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
Amin Khan,
Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
Stephanie Houle,
(2023-2027)
Chamindika Siriwardana,
(2024-2028)
Miguel Alfonso Pineros,
Northeastern Section rep (2024-2027)
Marco Burger,
Western Section rep (2023-2027)
Courtney Leisner,
Mid-Atlantic Section rep (2025-2028)
Elena Pelech,
Environmental and Ecological Plant Physiology Section rep (2025-2027)
Mike Mickelbart,
Midwestern Section rep (2024-2026)
Colleen Doherty,
Southern Section rep (2024-2027)
Azam Noori
Primarily Undergraduate Institutions Section rep (2024-2027)
June Simpson,
Mexico Section rep (2024-2026)
Taylor Scroggs,
Early Career Plant Scientists Section rep (2025-2027)
Janeen Braynen
Ambassador Alliance rep (2023-2026)
Shoshana Kronfeld, Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee Name: Membership
2. Composition of Committee:
The membership committee has five members appointed by president-elects, one of whom the president-elect designates as chair. The committee includes two early career professionals (ECPs); one a post-doctoral scholar or with similar employment at time of appointment, and one that represents graduate students. These ECPs serve for two years, while the other members typically serve for four years. Additional members include those nominated by each of the society’s sections and these individuals serve four-year terms.
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
To address issues of recruitment and retention of members, and to provide membership services and benefits.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: One time at annual meeting, usually an early morning or lunch time meeting with a meal served, so that the committee meeting does not conflict with scientific sessions or workshops.
Conference calls: Usually meets about every other month or every quarter for about 90 minutes. There are sometimes additional meetings, either with the whole committee or subcommittees, as needed.
5. What are the main Activities of the Committee?
Reviews and understands membership statistics. Develops recommendations for increasing membership.
Supervises and supports the Ambassador program, participates in selection of new Ambassadors, helps select an Ambassador of the year.
Responsible for two columns of ASPB News. Chair identifies authors for “Luminaries” column, and works in a supporting role with editor of “Where Are They Now.” Chair responsible for identifying editor for “Where Are They Now,” when needed.
Committee organizes a workshop at the annual meeting. Requires input of committee members to decide topic and to identify individuals to participate. Chair has to submit request for workshop in fall so that it can be advertised in meeting announcements and the room/time can be scheduled.
The committee needs to approve funding for ASPB sections provided by ASPB (currently $3500 per section).
Review Hardship membership applications as they come in. Each application is reviewed by two committee members on a rotating basis as needed.
6. What are the main recent outputs of the committee?
1. Sponsored an average of one workshop per year at the annual meeting.
2. Ambassador Program revision and doubling of the program.
3. Membership Project study, analysis and report.
Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee is charged with carrying out the annual nominations procedures, as described in Article VII of the Society’s constitution.
Committee Members
Tessa Burch-Smith
President-Elect; Chair, (2025-2028)
Kent Chapman,
President, (2024-2027)
Sannidhi Menon
EDIC Rep [elected by ASPB EDIC] (2025-2026)
Joseph Lagner,
Early Career Rep [elected by ASPB Early Career Plant Scientist Section] (2025-2027)
Marco Burger,
Council Rep – [elected by ASPB Council] (2025-2027)
FAQ
1. Committee Name
: Nominations Committee
2. What is the composition of the Committee?
The nominations committee consists of five voting members: the president-elect (who serves as chair); president; a council representative, elected by council; an equity, diversity, and inclusion committee representative, elected by said committee; and an early career representative, elected by the early career section. Each elected member described above will be selected by each entity using rules agreed upon by the majority of their members.
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
To consult with membership to provide names for the election ballot representing a diverse selection and see that the election results are certified. Also to advise the President-Elect on committee appointments.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: none required
Conference calls: as needed, usually only 1-2 per year, most business is conducted via email.
5. What are the main activities of the Committee?
To identify outstanding candidates to stand for election to one of the offices:
President-Elect, Secretary and/or elected member of the Board of Directors (depending on the year).
And to advise the president-elect on committee appointments
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
Names of individual for the ballot and suggestions for appointments to standing committees.
Pioneer Program Leadership Committee
The Pioneer Program Leadership Committee is a subcommittee of the ASPB’s Legacy Society Leadership Committee. Its roles are to support, promote, and increase the impact of the Pioneer of ASPB program.
Committee Members
Sharlene Weatherwax, Chair
(2025-2027)
Rita Varagona
(2025-2027)
Christoph Benning
(2025-2027)
Eva Farre Prokosch
(2025-2027)
Crispin Taylor
, CEO, Staff Liaison
Clara Woodall
, CFO, Staff Liaison
FAQ
Coming soon…
Program Committee
The Program Committee, chaired by the secretary, shall plan, arrange, and publicize the annual programs of the Society.
Committee Members
Judy Brusslan,
Secretary; Chair (2025-2027)
Tessa Burch Smith,
President-Elect (2025-2026)
Ian Wallace,
Past Secretary (2025-2026)
Virginia Miguel,
Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
Gurleen Kaur,
Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
David Horvath
(2023-2027)
Juan Dong
(2024-2028)
Kevin Cope
(2025-2026)
Yangnan Gu
(2025-2029)
Toyosi Ijato
(2025-2029)
Ling Li
(2025-2029)
Laura Malaguerra,
Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee Name: Program Committee.
The current ASPB Secretary is Chair of the Program Committee. Secretary is an elected position. The Secretary serves a four-year term on the committee, the first year as Secretary-elect and member of the Program Committee. In years 2-3, the Secretary is Program Committee chair and in year 4 the same person serves as past-secretary and Program Committee member.
The committee’s work is supported by Jennifer Covington, ASPB Vice President Membership & Meetings.
2. Composition of Committee:
The committee has eight total members, including the Chair/ASPB Secretary. Other members are the President-elect, either the Secretary-elect or the immediate past-secretary (depending on year in the election cycle), and four members appointed by a President-elect for four-year terms. An early career scientist is also a member of the committee. This individual serves for two years and is selected by the current committee members from applicants after a call for applicants.
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
The Program Committee, chaired by the Secretary, oversees the scientific programming for the Plant Biology conference brand, including, among other things, oversight of the call for content, agenda development, and speaker selection.
4. How often does the committee meet?
The Program Committee generally, meets four times a year, either in person or virtually.
Fall: In September/October the program committee meets virtually over 2 days (up to 8 hours) to develop the in-person and virtual program structure for the following year’s conference.
Late Fall: In December, the program committee meets virtually over 2 days (up to 8 hours) to review workshop and community proposed concurrent symposium submissions.
Winter: In January/February, the program committee meets in-person over a weekend.
At the Plant Biology Conference: The committee meeting during the Plant Biology Conference.
Committee members also participate in ad hoc meetings and email discussions as applicable.
5. What are the main Activities of the Committee?
Plans the scientific program of the Plant Biology conference (including virtual workshops and Plant Biology Extended).
Reads abstract submissions and organizes the concurrent symposia based on submitted abstracts, a subset of which are solicited by the committee.
Approves conference workshops submitted through the open call for content.
Liaises with the ASPB Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee to help ensure that the conference program reflects the diverse communities served by ASPB.
Suggests cities to consider for future conferences and provides a location proposal to Board of Directors for approval.
Collaborates across ASPB to ensure that all member voices are reflected, in some way, in the program.
Works closely with ASPB staff and support team to deliver the conference.
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
The in-person and virtual program for the Plant Biology conference.
Publications Committee
The Publications Committee shall supervise and report to the board of directors on all non-editorial aspects of the Society’s journals and other publications, including budget requests and printing contracts arranged by the editors and the headquarters office. The publications committee shall search and make recommendations to the board of directors on appointment of editors-in-chief of the journals or other publications, and shall review and make recommendations to the board of directors for their reappointment after each five years’ service. Members of an editorial board of a journal or other publication shall be appointed for up to five years of service by the publications committee on the recommendation of the editor-in-chief.
Committee Members
Reuben Peters,
Chair (2022-2027)
Shannon Barry,
Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
Elisa De Meo,
Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
Ivan Baxter
(2025-2030)
Hong Qiao
(2024-2029)
Maria Eugenia Zanetti
(2022-2027)
Meng Chen
(2025-2030)
Sarah Black,
Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee name: Publications Committee
2. Composition of committee
The publications committee has six members who are appointed to five-year terms by the president-elect with the approval of the ASPB board of directors. One of these members is an early career researcher who is selected in consultation with the committee from a pool of applicants. The early career member serves for two years.
Staff Liaison, Crispin Taylor, CEO
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
The committee ensures that ASPB’s publishing activities serve the Society and the broader plant science community. The committee helps the Society maintain a publishing enterprise that generates revenue to fund other ASPB activities.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: The committee meets in late winter/early spring at ASPB headquarters if the need for a full-day meeting arises (e.g., to launch a search for a new chief editor). The committee has one two-hour in-person meeting at the annual meeting.
Conference calls: The committee has a conference call each spring if it is not convening at ASPB headquarters and additional calls as the need arises.
5. What are the main activities of the committee?
The publications committee advises the board of directors on non-editorial aspects of the ASPB’s journals and other publications. The committee also conducts searches for and makes recommendations to the board of directors on new editors-in-chief. The committee also reviews and approves journal editorial board members who are recommended by the editor-in-chief. The committee reviews and ranks applications for the ASPB/AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship program.
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
1. Advice to ASPB leadership on publishing matters
2. Advice on journal editorial boards
3. Advice and facilitation of other ASPB publications
4. Selection of an ASPB/AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering fellow
Science Policy Committee
The Science Policy Committee shall explain the interests of plant science to the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch and the public. The science policy committee will provide comments to appropriate members and committees of Congress; coordinate interaction with officials in Congress and federal agencies; assist Society members in contacting and providing educational information to policy makers; develop a strategy and objectives for support of basic plant science and coordinate efforts with other plant science societies and related groups; and ensure Society public affairs efforts are consistent with applicable laws.
Committee Members
Georg Jander
Chair (2023-2027)
Hong Ma,
Immediate Past-President (2025-2027)
Miracle Omorebgee,
Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
David Baldwin,
Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
Charles Anderson
(2022-2026)
Gloria Muday
(2025-2029)
Gary Gardner
(2025-2029)
Dawn Nagel
(2023-2027)
Miguel Vega Sanchez
(2023-2027)
Enamul Huq
(2024-2028)
Crispin Taylor,
Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee Name:
Science Policy Committee (usually abbreviated SPC)
2. Composition of Committee:
The SPC consists of nine members, one of whom is chair. The past-president is a member. With the exception of an early career researcher who is selected from among applicants after an open call, all other members including the chair are appointed by the president-elect.
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
The main goals are to advocate on behalf of ASPB members to governmental and other agencies. The committee communicates with the firm Lewis-Burke, who keeps the committee up-to-date on funding issues and opportunities.
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person:
The committee meets in person at the annual meeting and every March meets in DC for “Hill Day”. This is a two-day event where the committee meets with congressional staff office.
Conference calls:
There are monthly conference calls to get updates from Lewis-Burke and to provide input on any matters arising.
5. What are the main Activities of the Committee?
The science policy committee shall explain the interests of plant science to the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch and the public. The science policy committee will provide comments to appropriate members and committees of Congress; coordinate interaction with officials in Congress and federal agencies; assist Society members in contacting and providing educational information to policy makers; develop a strategy and objectives for support of basic plant science and coordinate efforts with other plant science societies and related groups; and ensure Society public affairs efforts are consistent with applicable laws
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
The main outputs of this committee are updates for the newsletter on policy issues, requests for action on specific issues related to federal agencies or policies that affect plant biology. The committee also selects the winner of the Mary Clutter Leadership in Public Service Award.
Women in Plant Biology Committee
The Women in Plant Biology Committee has as its function the maintenance and enhancement of the status of women plant biologists by continuing to address issues of particular concern to women scientists and to promote the inclusion of female plant biologists in all aspects of our Society and profession.
Committee Members
Rebecca Roston,
Chair (2023-2026)
Ruby Tiwari,
Early Career Representative (2024-2026)
Malini Muthu Karpagam,
Early Career Representative (2025-2027)
Rosana Melo
(2023-2026)
Lesley Murphy
(2023-2026)
Azam Noori
(2023-2026)
Chin-mei Lee
(2023-2026)
Thiya Mukherjee
(2025-2028)
Crispin Taylor,
Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee Name: Women in Plant Biology
2. Composition of Committee:
The committee typically consists of seven members, and one of whom the president-elect designates chair. The chair typically serves for multiple years. In 2018 we invited early career scientists to join standing committees, so one of the seven is an early career scientist.
See
for list of current
members.
Staff Liaison, Crispin Taylor, CEO
3. What are the main goals of the committee?
Our vision is to have a plant biology community that fully embraces rich diversity and gender equality.
Our mission is to promote gender equality, diversity, career development and leadership in the plant sciences.
Our goals are to promote activities and cultural shifts to carry out our mission and ultimately reach our vision. We hope to grow beyond just a committee and develop into a network. Join the
Women in Plant Biology Network
and share your ideas or start a discussion. We would love to hear from you!
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: once per year at the annual meeting
Conference calls: about every other month
5. What are the main Activities of the Committee?
We really want to be more than just a committee, I would like to see us grow into the Women in Plant Biology Network. You can reach us via
Plantae
or contact our members directly.
At the beginning of each year, we review applications for the Sharon Gray WYITA, awarding 7 travel grants per year.
Each year we organize a workshops with a Guest Speaker or Panelists at the annual meeting. Our guest speaker at PlantBio20 was
Dr. Sharlene Weatherwax
. The past few years we have collaborated with the EDIC to organize a workshops. At PlantBio21 we had a panel discussion on “
Building Sustained Commitments to Equity and Inclusion
” and at PlantBio22 a panel discussion on “Science Communication: Enhancing Your Delivery, Selling Your Science, Promoting Yourself”. We are currently working on planning workshops and networking evens for Plant Biology23
We have developed a Webinar Series on a number of topics, such as
Writing Research Statements for job applications
or
Parenting and Scientific Training
We have also worked with ASPB Staff and the membership committee to launch the
Plantae Mentoring Center
. Sign up to become a mentor!
We now have a very active twitter account, so check us out
@ASPB_WiPB.
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
The past year we have tried to increase the number of activities we do and expand our impact beyond the annual meetings. Historically our committee was very focused on the annual meeting. We now have a set of 6 webinars that are available for members to view at any time. We hope to add additional content in different formats (such as short video clips) in this coming year. As we grow into more of a Network, I would like us to provide community support to each other and build allies in our society.
Resources
Women in Plant Biology Biographies
Interview with Laura Wayne, Chair (2017-2020)
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