Meet the Current Ambassadors

About the Ambassador Program

Past Ambassadors

Applications will reopen in November/December 2026

Ambassador Alliance

The ASPB Ambassador Program is a semi-independent organization within ASPB with oversight by the Membership Committee.  It is  governed by an ad-hoc committee of six comprised of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Membership Committee (MemCom) Representative, External Communication Coordinator and Outgoing Chair. This group will be called the Ambassador Alliance. Each position will last for one year.

Maren Arling

Maren Arling

Chair, Corteva

TBD

Vice Chair,
Charles Hodgens

Charles Hodgens

Secretary, University of Tennessee

Janeen Braynen

Janeen Braynen

Rep to MemCom, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Undergraduate and Graduate Ambassadors

Modesta Abugu is a PhD Student at North Carolina State University. For her research, she  seeks to explore the genetic mechanisms of flavor in sweetpotato for  improved consumption and nutrition,  under the supervision of Dr. Craig Yencho and Dr. Massimo Iorizzo. She is also the cofounder of the African Researchers Network in ASPB

Andrew Egesa

I am a plant geneticist and molecular physiologist interested in generating knowledge about plant development, performance, and environmental interaction. My current research interests are focused on photosynthesis, phenotypic plasticity, plant reproductive development, and plant stress biology.

Audrey Fahey is a graduate student in North Carolina State University’s Genetics PhD program. She is interested in studying how genes correspond to phenotypes in plants using computational and bench techniques. As Ambassador, she is looking forward to continue connecting to the wider plant biology community and giving back to an organization through which she was able to experience so much. Outside of research, you’ll find her reading, crafting, biking around town, and playing board games.

My name is Maria Clara and I am a PhD student at the University of Arkansas, in the Crop Soil and Environmental Science department. In my current research, I am using phenotyping and “omics” analysis to understand the functions of SnRK1 signaling in rice plants.

One of my outreach interests is to encourage young people to pursue careers as scientists. Using social media, I created a mentorship group that helped young Brazilians get into U.S. and Canadian colleges to do internships or graduate studies in science fields and I also created an Instagram page named “CRISPR Brasil” dedicated to promoting CRISPR education in Brazil. In my free time, I like to go hiking, swimming, playing volleyball, and reading fiction books. A fun fact about myself is that I grew up on a farm in Brazil which made me choose to pursue a career in plant biology.

Hi everyone, I am Liza Gautam, a Ph.D. candidate originally from Kathmandu, Nepal. Currently, I am working in Professor John C. Sedbrook?s lab in the Department of Biological Science at Illinois State University (ISU). I completed my Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology from Kathmandu University, Nepal, and Master of Science in Biotechnology from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway. After completing my master?s degree, I worked as an Assistant Research Fellow in Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), one of Nepal?s leading research government organizations. As a molecular geneticist, I am working on the domestication of pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.), an emerging oilseed cash cover crop. My research primarily focuses on utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology to target multiple genes at different loci, aiming to enhance seed size, boost seed oil content, reduce glucosinolate levels, and improve drought tolerance in pennycress. Beyond this work, I am actively involved in various other projects and have had the rewarding experience of mentoring multiple students at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Additionally, I had the honor of serving as the President of the Phi Sigma Beta Lambda Chapter, a non-profit organization at ISU dedicated to advancing biological sciences. I have been a member of the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) since 2022 and have had the privilege of serving as an ambassador since 2025. My passion lies in fostering connections within the scientific community and promoting plant science through outreach activities. Beyond my professional interests, I enjoy expressing myself through dancing, exploring new places, and experiencing different cuisines. These pursuits bring balance to my life and fuel my curiosity for both science and culture. I am excited to contribute more to the field and inspire others along the way!

I am a PhD scholar in Genetics and Plant Breeding at Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University and a researcher at ICRISAT Genebank, Hyderabad. My doctoral research focuses on contributing towards development of climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crop cultivars, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly food security and improved nutrition.

My major focus was towards exploration of crop wild relatives to enhance the shelf life and nutritional quality of staple crops like pearl millet. In addition, I am also investigating biotic stress factors, particularly blast and downy mildew diseases in pearl millet, to develop resistant genotypes. I have a strong interest in advanced data analytics, predictive modelling, and computational approaches, and I am in the early phases of learning these techniques. My goal is to leverage these tools to unravel complex genotype-environment interactions, enhance trait prediction accuracy, and accelerate the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding crop varieties

My name is Avninder Kaur, a PhD student at University of Florida. My research focuses on optimizing the production of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) in Florida and investigating the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying bud induction and post-harvest senescence. This study aims to enhance understanding of the physiological and molecular processes that govern artichoke development and post-harvest quality. Additionally, my project seeks to explore the bioactive metabolites present in artichoke, which offer multiple health benefits due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. The ultimate goal is to promote the commercial cultivation of artichoke in the southern United States, capitalizing on its significant health benefits and economic potential. To address post-harvest losses, my research will employ advanced gene-editing tools to extend shelf life and preserve nutrient content during storage, thereby improving both the market value and consumer appeal of artichokes in the region.

Freddie Mildenhall is a doctoral candidate at Purdue University in the department of Horticulture and the Center for Plant Biology. He works with Dr. Kranthi Varala on his thesis research contrasting the effect of near freezing temperatures on the circadian rhythms of *Arabidopsis* and tomato. Freddie’s broader interests lie in using gene editing and genomics to address the challenges presented by a changing world climate.

Nadia Mourad Silva holds a B.S. degree in Microbiology & Cell Science from the University of Florida. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research in a lab focused on strawberry volatile genes for flavor enhancement. This experience ignited her passion for horticultural sciences and the potential of biotechnology in addressing global food security and crop improvement. Following her degree, she gained practical experience at a seed company and an ornamental plant nursery. 

Nadia returned to the University of Florida to pursue a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology. Her current research concentrates on maize kernel development and metabolism. Specifically, exploring the role of sorbitol metabolism, the interplay with overall carbohydrate partitioning, and its impact on seed quality and quantity. 

Outside of her academic pursuits, Nadia is actively engaged in leadership and mentorship roles within the plant science community such as with the UF Plant Science Council chapter, as an ASPB Ambassador, and through volunteering within the local community. 

Contact and Social Media:

nmourad@ufl.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-mourad/

Twitter: @NadiaNazihM

Hello, my name is Deisiany Neres. I am a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg Virginia. My research interests are in using synthetic biology to study plant resistance. I am also interested in bioinformatics and transcriptomics.

My bachelor’s degree is in Forest Engineering, and since my second semester as an undergraduate student I found myself interested in plant genetics. I have worked with genetics population in Annona crassiflora trees, African Mahogany improvement, and intern for 9 months in a biotech company that works in finding resistance to eucalyptus.

As a first-generation student I am super excited about making science interesting to the generations to come, as well as building new connections through public relations.

A fun fact about me is that I can walk on my hands and do some “risky” yoga poses without never being a practitioner. I am super excited about being part of this team and I hope to learn and contribute a lot to the ASPB community.

Ceren ÖZDEMİR graduated from Yıldız Technical University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree on Molecular Biology and Genetics. Her research was on tissue culture techniques for the increasing the yield of production of secondary metabolites from medicinal plants and it resulted with the thesis under the title of “Establishment of In Vitro Callus Cultures in Salvia sclarea” and supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) 2209-A program.

Her current area of interest is understanding symbiotic nitrogen fixation pathways and their molecular intricacies. Now on pursuing a Ph.D. at Koç University-Turkiye, she focuses on unraveling the mysteries of these symbiotic relationships at a molecular level and check out for the two of the main events in symbiotic nitrogen fixation: differentiation and survival. Her interdisciplinary approach in her project at the other side, incorporating proteomics analyses with the transcriptomic data and enlightens the unknown role of the NCR peptides in the host – rhizobia interactions to resolve the main flow of the nitrogen-fixation at plants. Through her research, she aims to shed light on the symbiotic nitrogen fixation process, offering insights that could revolutionize agricultural practices and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

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My journey into plant science is as vibrant as the carotenoids I study. As a master?s student in Biology at East Tennessee State University, I work in the Sun Plant Synthetic Biology Lab, where I explore the intricate enzyme networks driving carotenoid biosynthesis in tomatoes. My research aims to enhance crop nutrition, addressing global challenges like malnutrition and food security?work that feels as rewarding as it is fascinating. Outside the lab, I?ve found creative ways to share my love for science. Growing up in Bangladesh, where science often feels daunting, I authored four bestselling science books to inspire young learners and make complex topics accessible. I?m also a language enthusiast, fluent in four languages and always eager to learn more. When I?m not experimenting with gene editing or diving into plant pathways, you?ll find me exploring new cultures through travel. As an ASPB Ambassador, I?m thrilled to connect with others, share the wonders of plant biology, and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Sammi Surber is a PhD student at the University of Georgia in the Department of Plant Biology. She works with Dr. CJ Tsai with her dissertation project working on characterizing xylem preferential sulfate transporter genes with in Populus tremula X alba. Sammi’s broader interests lie in science communication about gene and genome editing as well as making STEM more accessible in rural communities in the US.

My name is Erin and I am a Ph.D. student in the Department of Plant Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. My research focuses on disease resistance of fungal pathogens in tomatoes, strawberries, and wheat, with the goal of uncovering the durable plant resistance genes. Before joining UMD, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a degree in Biology alongside a major in Dance. During that time, I worked in Dr. Simon Gilroy’s lab, investigating calcium signaling in plant stress responses and drought resilience in crops. Beyond my passion for research, I enjoy engaging with the broader community, whether through teaching, mentoring, or creating opportunities to connect science with the arts. Outside the lab, you can often find me practicing dance, mentoring students, or exploring creative ways to communicate science and art. If you’d like to discuss plant science or share ideas about community engagement, feel free to reach out to me at ewiegman@umd.edu.

Rashidat is a graduate of Plant Biology from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Growing up in one of the hotspots of food insecurity, she developed a deep passion for addressing the challenges of hunger and malnutrition in her home country. She is committed to leveraging biotechnology to improve crop productivity and alleviate food insecurity. With aspirations to pursue graduate studies in plant breeding and biotechnology, Rashidat is dedicated to integrating innovative solutions to transform agriculture in Nigeria. She firmly believes that through relentless effort and strategic interventions, a food-secure Nigeria is achievable.

Postdoc Ambassadors

Hi everyone! I am Komal Attri, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. My research focuses on the functional characterization and evolutionary analysis of genes involved in a plant xanthophyll cycle, with the goal of optimizing their expression to enhance crop photosynthetic efficiency. During my Ph.D., I investigated the hidden conservation of microRNA-directed posttranscriptional gene silencing modules regulating calcium signaling genes in plants. I am passionate about applying genetic engineering and synthetic biology tools to drive innovation and address challenges in agricultural sustainability. As an ASPB Ambassador, I am excited to bridge the gap between science and society by promoting science communication. Through outreach, I hope to engage broader audiences in understanding the critical role of plant biology in solving global challenges.

Hello! I recently graduated with a doctoral degree from East Tennessee State University, TN, USA and currently working as a Postdoctoral researcher in the same lab. My research focuses on understanding the transcriptional regulation of oil biosynthesis in plants. Especially, I am working on understanding the healthy oil biosynthesis process in the avocado fruit. My research has possible future implications in food security and biofuel production.

I have been a member of the ASPB community since 2020 and joined the Ambassador program in 2023. I have been actively engaged in regional outreach activities. I also attended and volunteered at the ASPB events for the past two years and looking forward to doing more in the future. Besides research, I love traveling, trying different cuisines, and doing landscape photography.

Louis Pasteur once said, “Science know no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch  which  illuminates  the  world”.  With this torch  I  plan  to  help  with  the diversification, incursion and contribute of science to a wider audience. This quote always stood out to me; as Ijourney towards my goal to become a better scientist. My name is Janeen Braynen and I’ve obtained my doctorate degree at Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, China. As  a  Ph.D.  student  my  primarily  focus  was  to  understand  alteration  occurring  during reproduction and flowering time in diploid, haploid and polyploid Brassica rapa using various  omics techniques.  Currently, my research focus on understanding gene regulatory networks which control nutrient used efficiencies in crop plants. Apart from my research endeavors, I am passionate about teaching and communicating science to non-scientist and young future scientist. Prior, to my post doctorate studies, I volunteer extensively in undergraduate classes, in my country, to discuss my journey in science and the impact science research can have on societies. In addition to this all, I am individual who love to serve my community by volunteer my  time  to  tutor  elementary  and  high  school  students. Also, I  enjoy  being  a  part  of organizations that serve, help, and is committed to uplifting children and young adults within local communities. Moreover, my hobbies include baking and practicing yoga.

My research focuses on bioinformatics, cell biology, and molecular biology. Outreach Interests: I am passionate about outreach, science communication, and the popularization of science. A Fun Fact About Me: I enjoy recording guitar covers of Bollywood music. Additional Information: If I were not in research, I would have pursued a career as a professional playback singer or a show host. Introduction: My name is Linkan Dash, and I hold a Ph.D. in Genetics and Genomics from Iowa State University (2018-2023). My background is in plant molecular and cell biology, but I am particularly passionate about high-throughput bioinformatics, especially single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. I am also enthusiastic about designing and organizing workshops related to these topics.

I am a Postdoctoral Associate and Project Director for the Biochemistry Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My research focuses on enhancing food security through combating the phosphorus crisis. I have received a USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Fellowship to develop novel crops to mitigate fertilizer pollution and increase phosphate use-efficiency. I have also developed a scientific outreach initiative known as?Phyte4Food.? The goal of Phyte4Food is to enhance public awareness of the phosphorus crisis, plant biology, where are food comes from, and other important agricultural topics. https://www.phyte4food.comcfreed@wisc.edu

I am a 3rd year PhD student in the Lewis lab of the Plant and Microbial Biology department at the University of California, Berkeley, where I study wild tomato’s (S pimpinellifolium) ability to defend itself against Pseudomonas syringae, the causal agent of bacterial speck disease. Wild tomato, but not cultivated varieties, are able to recognize the bacterial secretion system, and mount a subsequent immune response. As an undergrad, I studied plant innate immunity for 4 years in the Huffaker lab at the University of California, San Diego. I worked on several projects during this time, including investigation of a transcription factor which was found to modulate plant defense responses in a phosphorylation dependent manner. Another project identified a receptor for the inceptin elicitor of plant defense, which originates from herbivory events in beans. My independent research project surrounded a novel family of defense signaling peptides in multiple species of the bean family, as well as characterizing the putative receptors in their respective plant systems. I am very excited to continue to spread knowledge of plant sciences as an ASPB ambassador!

Contact Me

Aleah is a postdoctoral researcher in the Integrative Biology Department and an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Freshman Research Initiative – Experiential Learning Office at the University of Texas at Austin. Aleah received her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology from Dillard University (an HBCU in New Orleans, LA) and her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS). She has maintained membership in the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) since 2017. Aleah is broadly interested in plant biology and had the opportunity to be a participant in the 2017 Frontiers and Techniques in Plant Science course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, New York, USA as well as the ASPB Conviron Scholar’s program in 2020. In addition to her research, Aleah is very passionate about scientific communication, outreach, and increasing participation and retention of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. At UT Austin, Aleah runs a research course (X-Plants) where she teaches molecular biology, computational biology, and plant genetics techniques to undergraduate students (https://fri.cns.utexas.edu/research-streams/x-plants). As the external communications representative for the ambassador alliance, Aleah continues to disseminate ASPB initiatives and the wonderful work we do to further ASPB mission.

Hi, I am Karthikbabu, a plant scientist passionate about understanding the complexities of plant growth and development. Currently, I work as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where I focus on plant biomechanics, exploring how biological and mechanical factors together influence the growth of plant organs. My academic journey includes completing a PhD at NUS, where I investigated the mechanisms underlying the chilling stress response in Arabidopsis roots. I enjoy working on interdisciplinary projects and collaborating across fields, including engineering and food science, to approach scientific questions from new and innovative angles. These experiences have allowed me to grow as a researcher and contribute to a broader understanding of plant biology. As an ASPB Ambassador, I am eager to foster collaboration within the global plant science community, inspire young researchers, and highlight the critical role of plant biology in addressing pressing challenges such as food security and climate change. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, running, and exploring new technologies, often bringing fresh perspectives and inspiration to my scientific endeavors.

I am a plant biotechnologist with extensive expertise in genetics, physiology, and multi-omics approaches to address critical challenges in sustainable agriculture. I earned my Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology from the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, India, and have since conducted postdoctoral research at Clemson University and the University of Manitoba. My research focuses on understanding the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying nitrogen remobilization, source-sink dynamics, and stress tolerance in crops like maize and wheat. Recently, I have explored the role of gene dosage in metabolic choreography and stress responses in amaranth, as well as the regulators of plant-arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis for nutrient utilization. By integrating advanced phenotyping, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and mathematical modeling, I aim to improve nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) use efficiency, reduce fertilizer dependency, and enhance crop resilience. My work has been recognized with awards such as Clemson University?s Distinguished Postdoc Award and the Early Career Travel Award by the Metabolomics Association of North America. Beyond research, I am passionate about outreach and inspiring the next generation of plant scientists. As an ASPB Ambassador, I am committed to promoting plant science through networking, mentorship, and empowering young researchers. I actively engage in climate change awareness initiatives, emphasizing the role of sustainable agriculture in mitigating environmental challenges. By mentoring students and participating in public science events, I aim to foster curiosity and enthusiasm for plant science, ensuring a diverse and inclusive future for the field. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy reading and listening to music, which provide me with inspiration and balance in my life.

I am a Postdoctoral Researcher with Dr. Katarzyna Glowacka at University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) working on exploring chilling tolerance in C4 bioenergy grass Miscanthus. I have been working on exploring the mechanism of abiotic stress tolerance in plants from the biochemical, physiological and metabolomic prospective since the start of my research journey. Beyond my research accomplishments, I have benn an active member of the plant science community here at UNL. For the last year, I have served as an officer of the Collective Research Organization of Plant Science (CROPS) ? a society for the professional development of graduate students and post-docs at UNL sharing a research interest in photosynthetic organisms. Currently I am serving as ASPB Early Career Representative (ECR) on membership committee. Twitter: @AshaYad23106091

I am a Research Associate at the Complex Carbohydrate Research Centre (UGA). My research focuses on cell wall remodeling through xylan engineering. The ultimate objective of my research is to generate cell wall bioresources for bioenergy and novel biomaterials. My current research aligns well with the exploration of biological sources for clean energy, an area that I am keenly interested in. Apart from research, I love nature, reading, watching movies and listening to music. I love interacting with people from different cultures. My goals towards career and personality development include participation in outreach and organizing activities. I also enjoy being part of group activities.

I am a postdoctoral fellow funded by an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellowship. I conduct research in the Food Quality Unit at USDA-ARS in Beltsville, Maryland. I examine crops such as leafy greens and potatoes growth, quality, and phytochemical accumulation after physical or chemical treatments and underlying gene changes in response to plant stresses. The applications of agricultural practices and food safety to reduce postharvest losses is a mission of USDA-ARS Food Quality Unit. During my graduate studies at the University of California, Riverside, I learned about plant tomato immunity. I defended my dissertation titled, ?The elucidation of the role of Leucine Aminopeptidase A (LapA) in the wound and retrograde signaling pathways in tomato,? in 2022. I have been awarded numerous fellowships throughout my science career. As a recipient of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Dissertation Fellowship in 2017, I was invited to speak at three local AAUW California chapters to share my story as a Latina in science. The best part was educating nonscientists about strategies scientists use to enhance plant resistance to pests and pathogens. I am interested in science communication and am excited to be part of the ASPB Ambassador Program.

I am Prachi Pandey, a Postdoctoral Researcher working at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India. My research focuses on understanding mechanisms of stress tolerance in plants. Currently, I am trying to understand the effect of the combination of biotic and abiotic stresses on chickpeas. Working with an enthusiastic team at NIPGR, I am exploring how drought can influence chickpea’s defense against foliar and root pathogens. We observe the plants in the fields and study their defense systems in the lab using various physiological and molecular tools and techniques. Being a molecular biologist by training and persevering to become a plant physiologist, I enjoy discussions on molecular and physiological aspects of plant defense mechanisms. At present, I am involved in research outreach activities. However, I intend to participate in educational outreach more frequently since I find talking to kids about the mysteries of plants intriguing.

I owe my newly evolved ability to keep finding and giving answers to my four-year-old child, who motivates me to step onto unchartered territories almost every day. Outside lab, I enjoy spending time with my little kid, reading books, and singing nursery rhymes together. I love exploring new avenues with him every day. We are scientists growing together!

Hello! My name is Elena Andrea Pelech, and I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My research interests involve ecological and technological methods to increase crop productivity. During my PhD, I studied the ecophysiological complexities of maize and soybean intercropping systems where I took many physiological measurements which were also used to parametrize a three-dimensional plant simulation model. I have explored the natural variation of mesophyll conductance during photosynthetic induction in ancestral soybean cultivars for the RIPE project (Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency) and I am currently working on improving the loss in photosynthetic efficiency found in the lower shade leaves of bioenergy sorghum (funded by the Department of Energy). I am also the outreach officer for the ASPB Environmental Ecological Plant Physiology section. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, gardening, video games, travelling, and reading about mythology/history.

I am a Postdoctoral Associate at the Centre for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology at New York University. I am interested in unraveling the molecular mechanism underlying DNA binding and gene expression in plants. Beyond the lab, I look forward to contributing to the plant science community. I have been actively involved in mentorship in STEM and organizing symposiums. As an ASPB ambassador, I hope to share my love for plant biology, inspire others to pursue careers in science, and help create a welcoming space for everyone in the field. Email sonal.s@nyu.edu Twitter @sci3ntyst Bluesky @sci3ntyst.bsky.social

Asha Sastya, is an Indian Ph.D. student at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, where she conducts research in the Extremophyte Lab under the guidance of Prof. Simon Barak. Her research focuses on understanding the intricate relationship between abiotic stresses and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling in plants. By employing novel genetically-encoded biosensors, she investigates how stress-specific and compartmentalized ROS signature dynamics orchestrate tailored cellular responses to various environmental stressors, contributing valuable insights into plant stress tolerance. Asha?s passion for bridging the gap between research and real-world applications is deeply rooted in her upbringing as the daughter of a farmer in India. This personal connection inspires her commitment to empowering farming communities, inspiring young scientists, and promoting sustainable practices. In addition to her research, Asha is an integral part of BGU Radio (the university radio station), where she both manages the campus studio and produces science-focused podcasts that make complex concepts accessible and engaging. As an ASPB Ambassador, Asha plans to leverage her podcasting skills to share stories about plant science and its applications, demonstrating its transformative potential in addressing global challenges. In this way, she will promote the ASPB mission in highlighting the importance of plant science in fostering innovation, sustainability, and resilience, while inspiring curiosity across diverse audiences.

Hello, everyone! I’m Thayssa, a postdoctoral researcher at São Paulo State University in Brazil. My journey with plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses began during my Bachelor?s studies and has since evolved. Currently, I’m focused on exploring alternative biofungicides for crop plants. My professional goal is to have my research group in South America. As a German/ Brazilian citizen, married to a Colombian, and who has lived in the three countries, I want to keep the collaborations I have made during my doctoral study in Germany to increase the scientific opportunities between Europe and South America. I have always been interested in science communication. During my Bachelor?s and Master?s studies in Brazil, I organized science fairs in schools and annual meetings of biology students that aimed to promote sports and networking among sixteen Brazilian universities. In Germany, I was an elected student representative of the doctoral researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München, and I had the chance to improve the working conditions and networking opportunities for doctoral researchers at the campus. Since 2022, I’ve been part of the ASPB Ambassador Program, enhancing my science outreach skills, networking, and learning from the ASPB community. I look forward to meeting you all in person one day!

My name is Anuradha Singh, and I am a postdoctoral researcher at Michigan State University in Dr. Addie Thompson’s lab (Plant Soil and Microbial Science Department). My current research focuses on genomic and phenomic analyses of sorghum under seasonal stress conditions using statistical and physiological modeling. As a first-generation scientist, I aspire to be a role model for many other young students in my town, as well as for my daughter!

As an ASPB Ambassador, I am dedicated to raising awareness about the biodiversity crisis, climate change, food security, and supporting animal-free diets. I consider myself a motivated scientist who is committed to conveying informative science to young and developing minds, aiming to increase interest and awareness in plant science-related fields. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, engaging in outdoor activities, and maintaining my garden.

Contact Details: singha57@msu.edu

I am Rezwan, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biological Sciences at Mississippi State University. I earned my B.S. in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering from Khulna University, Bangladesh, and my Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Mississippi State University. My research is centered on plant orphan genes and taxon-restricted genes, with a focus on unraveling their molecular mechanisms, functional networks, and applications in enhancing crop nutrition and resilience. I have been privileged to contribute to research projects supported by esteemed organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). These efforts have led to several publications in high-impact journals. My work extends from the lab to the field, where I engage in planting and testing crops like soybean, rice, and maize to develop high-protein crop varieties. In addition to research, I am passionate about education and mentorship, having guided several high school and college undergraduate students in their scientific growth. As an active member of ASPB for several years, I have participated in meetings and engaged with the plant science community. I am thrilled to join the 2025 Ambassador Program, where I aim to advance science outreach, connect with plant scientists, and address challenges early-career researchers face. Outside of my professional endeavors, I enjoy traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and playing casual games. I look forward to contributing to the ASPB community and advancing its mission to promote plant science.

Jithesh Vijayan

I am a postdoctoral scholar in the Dept. of Biochemistry at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I work with Dr. Rebecca Roston. I am a plant and algal physiologist with an interest in signaling, stress and nutrient availability. Currently I am working towards understanding the mechanism of action of an archaeal antioxidant that is able to increase the biomass yield/ productivity in a variety of plants species such as Arabidopsis, soy bean, tobacco and basil. For my doctoral dissertation, I studied the role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Target of Rapamycin (TOR) in microalgal metabolism under nitrogen starvation.

I have been a member of ASPB since 2015 and an ambassador since 2018. I am interested in outreach activities and SciCom, and participate in a variety of events targeted to non-science audience. I am currently serving as an ECR rep on the program committee (2021/22). In this role I hope to augment the program of the PlantBio2022 to better serve the ECR community.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vt_jithesh

Contact me

Professional/Industry Ambassadors

I am a Senior Research Associate at Corteva Agriscience, with over a decade of broad biotechnology research experience, specifically in the areas of process improvement for gene editing, transformation, and reproductive biology. I am a coauthor of peer-reviewed publications and am an inventor on several patent applications.  My philosophy on work includes promoting a collaborative approach and creative problem solving.   I also currently sit on the University of Wisconsin Biotechnology Master’s Program Advisory Board, and am lead editor of Corteva’s Biotechnology Newsletter.

Hello everyone, I am a research associate in the Department of Botany at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I received my Ph.D. in plant biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville under the guidance of Dr. Brad M. Binder, where I had worked on the contrasting roles of ethylene receptors ETR1 and ETR2 in the regulation of seed germination under different abiotic stress responses in the model plant system Arabidopsis thaliana. Currently, in Dr. Simon Gilroy’s lab at UW-Madison, I am working on several projects where I am looking into the role of calcium signaling and its components in the regulation of flooding and low-oxygen stress responses in plants under earth-based as well as outer space microgravity-based environments. Till date, I have worked on different plant systems ranging from the model plant Arabidopsis to other species such as tobacco, cotton, and tomato. Beyond doing research in the laboratory, I love teaching science. I had been a lecturer in the University of Calcutta back in India after completing my master’s program and had also taught multiple semesters during my graduate school and at UW-Madison. Apart from research, I really enjoy doing martial arts, acting in plays and showcasing Indian culture in the form of dance or songs in different cultural events. If you are curious to know how plants behave and grow in space, please feel free to contact me in my email id: bakshi4@wisc.edu.

As a young plant physiologist, my research has been influenced by my extensive experience studying plants under single or combined abiotic stresses. This challenging and fascinating field of study has honed my scientific skills and fueled my passion for understanding how plants respond to environmental stressors. My primary research goal is to gain a profound understanding of plant (perennial and annual crops and forest trees) responses to abiotic stress, ranging from observable morphological and physiological changes to the underlying genetic mechanisms. This comprehensive approach is crucial in deciphering the complex interactions and adaptations within plants when faced with adverse environmental conditions. Great thinkers (Michael Faraday, Albert Einstein, Louis Pasteur, and Auguste Comte) have shaped my perspective on the importance of observation, experimentation, and the ruthless pursuit of knowledge. In line with Auguste Comte, “All good intellects have repeated, since Bacon’s time, that there can be no real knowledge but that which is based on observed facts,” I firmly believe in the power of experimental science as a tool for understanding the natural world. Similarly, Albert Einstein’s perspective on experimental science profoundly influences my approach. Einstein once remarked, “The only source of knowledge is experience.”

I am currently an Associate Investigator at Corteva Agriscience in the Midwest region. I started my plant biology journey in horticulture and then transitioned over to broader agriculture sciences when I joined Corteva. As part of my team, I work on new technologies to advance seed product development through doubled haploids. I am excited to be an ASPB Ambassador and look forward to promoting the mission of ASPB through outreach.

Andrew FoudreeMy background in Plant Science started at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. I have lived in Iowa for several years and enjoy biking, hunting, and spending time outdoors. I currently work at Corteva Agriscience within the Trait Discovery group. As part of a team, I work to develop, evaluate, and advance new trait leads into our pipeline. A specific part of my role involves evaluation and tracking of new transgenic and edited mutation events. By joining the ASPB Ambassadors program, I hope to be part of their mission to promote ASPB through networking and development of leadership in science.

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My journey in the field of plant genetics started in India, where I did my Master’s in the field of plant breeding and genetics. I did my PhD at Washington State University, where I worked on understanding the evolution of chromosome pairing control in wheat. I have recently joined as a research scientist, where I am working to develop a targeted method of alien gene transfer. By joining ASPB’s ambassador’s program, I hope to play my role in ASPB’s mission. I hope to further develop my professional network and improve my leadership skills. I strongly feel that communication and training play a critical role in improvement in any field of science, so I will do my best to promote ASPB’s long-term goals and engage next generation of plant scientists.

Contact Information: kanwar@geneshifters.com