ASPB Committees
Download ASPB Committee History: Excel Spreadsheet PDF
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 six voting members and the majority of votes cast, unless otherwise directed herein.
Committee Members
Committee Members
Hong Ma, President-Elect, Chair (2023-2026)
Leeann Thornton, President (2022-2025)
Ian Wallace, Secretary (2023-2025)
Sreekala Chellamma, Treasurer (2023-2027)
Sarah Wyatt, Elected Member [elected by ASPB membership] (2023-2027)
Elena Monte, Elected Member [elected by ASPB membership] (2021-2025)
Karen Hicks, Elected Member [elected by ASPB Council] (2023-2024)
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.
Meeting Summaries and Activities
Meeting agendas coming soon
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)
Ed Cahoon (2020-2024)
Chris McEntee, ad hoc member (2021-2024)
Erich Grotewold (2021-2025)
Jen Sheen (2021-2025)
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.
Meeting Summaries and Activities
Meeting Summary, December 8, 2023
Meeting Summary, November 7, 2023
Treasurer’s Written Report 2023
Meeting Summary, March 2, 2023
Audited Balance Sheet and Statement of Activities Year 2021
Treasurer’s Written Report 2022
Meeting Summary, December 9, 2022
Meeting Summary, August 9, 2022
Meeting Summary, June 17, 2022
Meeting Summary, March 4, 2022
Meeting Summary, February 8, 2022
Treasurer’s Written Report 2021
Meeting Summary, December 2, 2021
Meeting Summary, June 17, 2021
Meeting Summary, April 19, 2021
Meeting Summary, March 18, 2021
Meeting Summary December 10, 2020
Meeting Summary August 11, 2020
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
Gustavo MacIntosh, Immediate Past-President, Chair (2021-2024)
Leeann Thornton, President (2022-2025)
Hong Ma, President-Elect (2023-2026)
Ian Wallace, Secretary (2023-2025)
Sreekala Chellamma, Treasurer (2023-2026)
Sarah Wyatt, Elected Member [elected by ASPB membership] (2023-2027)
Elena Monte, Elected Member [elected by ASPB membership] (2021-2025)
Karen Hicks, Elected Member [elected by ASPB Council] (2023-2024)
Ruth Welti, Chair, Membership Committee (2021-2025)
Danielle Ignace, Chair, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (2016-2025)
Steve Theg, Chair, Publications Committee (2016-2025)
Erin Friedman, Chair, Education Committee (2019-2025)
Patricia Leon, Chair, International Committee (2021-2024)
Tessa Burch-Smith, Chair, Science Policy Committee (2020-2024)
Rebecca Roston, Chair, Women In Plant Biology Committee (2023-2026)
Josh Gendron, Rep to Council, Northeastern Section (2021-2024)
Marco Burger, Rep To Council, Western Section (2023-2026)
Shunyuan Xiao, Rep To Council, Mid-Atlantic Section (2022-2024)
Kathrin Schrick, Rep To Council, Midwestern Section (2021-2024)
Aruna Kilaru, Rep To Council, Southern Section (2023-2026)
Christopher Vincent, Rep to Council, Environmental and Ecological Plant Physiology Section (2023-2026)
Karen Hicks, Rep to Council, Primarily Undergraduate Institutions Section (2021-2024)
Stefan de Folter, Rep to Council, Mexico Section (2021-2024)
Brianna Griffin, Rep to Council, Early Career Plant Scientists Section (2023-2025)
Janeen Braynen, Rep to Council, Ambassador Alliance (2023-2025)
Al Meyers, Rep to Council, Early Career Representative (2023-2024)
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.
Meeting Summaries and Activities
Council Meeting Summary August 4, 2023
Council Meeting Summary June 8, 2023
Council Meeting Summary April 13, 2023
Council Meeting Summary February 9, 2023
Council Meeting Summary October 14, 2022
Council Meeting Summary July 8, 2022
Council Meeting Summary March 10, 2022
Council Meeting Summary January 21, 2022
Council Meeting Summary October 25, 2021
Council Meeting Summary July 16, 2021
Council Meeting Summary May 13, 2021
Council Meeting Summary March 12, 2021
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
Elizabeth Vierling, chair (2020-2024)
Andrew Groover (2021-2024)
Eran Pichersky (2021-2024)
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. (https://aspb.org/about/constitution/#toggle-id-11)
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.
Meeting Summaries and Activities
Meeting agendas coming soon
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 (2019-2025)
Michael Busche, Early Career Representative (2023-2025)
Divya Mishra, Early Career Representative (2022-2024)
Mindy Findlater (2023-2027)
Susan Bush (2017-2025)
Jonathan Gilkerson (2019-2024)
Jaime Barros-Rios (2023-2027)
Jasmine Yu (2023-2027)
Sebastian Cocioba (2012-2026)
Jennifer D. Robison (2022-2026)
Winnie Nham, Staff Liaison
FAQ
1. Committee Name: Education Committee
2. Composition of Committee:
The Education Committee has eight members, one of whom is selected as chair. All members are selected by the President-Elect typically for a period of four years.
3. What are the main goals of the 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.
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:
1. Plant Biology Learning Objectives, Outreach Materials & Education (BLOOME) Grant- Review typically takes place in April
2. Transforming Education in Plant Biology (TEPB)- Review typically takes place in late fall
-Volunteer 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 participating in the Education booth and attending the Education Committee meeting
- As schedule allows:
-
-
-
National Science Teacher Association (NSTA)- April, annually
National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)- November, annually
USA Science and Engineering Festival (USASEF)- April, every other year
-Share and promote education resources and outreach materials through a variety of methods, including:
-
-
-
-
- Posting to Plantae.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 Information posted online or at teaching conferences
A workshop at the ASPB annual meeting
Outreach activities at national teaching meetings.
Education Booth at the annual meeting- provide information, interactions
Meeting Summaries and Activities
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 08.07.2023
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 03.09.2023
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 11.03.2022
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 06.07.2022
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 04.21.2022
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 03.16.2022
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 01.12.2022
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 11.08.2021
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 08.30.2021
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 08.03.2021
ASPB Education Committee Meeting 06.16.2021
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
Danielle Ignace, Chair (2020-2025)
Gurleen Kaur, Early Career Representative (2022-2024)
Sannidhi Menon, Early Career Representative (2023-2025)
Imara Perera (2021-2024)
Ramin Yadegari (2021-2024)
Kevin Cope (2023-2026)
Hua Lu (2023-2026)
Christos Noustos (2023-2026)
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
Patricia Leon, Chair (2021-2024)
Dinakaran Elango, Early Career Representative (2022-2024)
Veronica Ramirez, Early Career Representative (2023-2025)
Åsa Strand (2021-2024)
Gabriela Toledo-Ortiz (2021-2024)
Om Parkash Dhankher (2023-2026)
Keiko Torii (2023-2026)
Aleksandra Skirycz (2023-2026)
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
Meeting Summaries and Activities
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
Ruth Welti, Chair (2021-2025)
Karina Morales, Postdoc Member (2022-2024)
TBD, Graduate Student Member (2023-2025)
Mohamed Maldini, Early Career Representative (2023-2025)
Maria Clara Faria Chavez, Early Career Representative (2022-2024)
Stephanie Houle, (2023-2027)
Erin Sparks, (2019-2024)
Josh Gendron, Northeastern Section rep (2021-2024)
Marco Burger, Western Section rep (2023-2027)
Shunyuan Xiao, Mid-Atlantic Section rep (2022-2024)
Christopher Vincent, Environmental and Ecological Plant Physiology Section rep (2023-2026)
Kathrin Schrick, Midwestern Section rep (2021-2024)
Aruna Kilaru, Southern Section rep (2023-2026)
Karen Hicks, Primarily Undergraduate Institutions Section rep (2021-2024)
Stefan de Folter, Mexico Section rep (2021-2024)
Brianna Griffin, Early Career Plant Scientists Section rep (2023-2025)
Janeen Braynen Ambassador Alliance rep (2023-2025)
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 meeting with breakfast served, so that the committee meeting does not conflict with scientific sessions or workshops.
Conference calls: One 3-4-hour meeting in the spring, additional ones as needed, typically two additional shorter calls.
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 to Jean Rosenburg 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).
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. Conviron Scholars: help with review of applications, mentoring.
4. Membership Project study, analysis and report.
Meeting Summaries and Activities
October 29, 2021 Meeting Summary
July 6, 2021 – Meeting Summary
March 5, 2021 – Meeting Summary
February 3, 2021 – Meeting Summary
January 27, 2022 – Meeting Summary
March 1, 2022 – Meeting Summary
April 21, 2022 – Meeting Summary
November 3, 2022 – Meeting Summary
February 8, 2023 – Meeting Summary
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
Hong Ma, President-Elect; Chair, (2023-2026)
Leeann Thornton, President, (2022-2025)
Danielle Ignace EDIC Rep [elected by ASPB EDIC] (2023-2024)
Taylor Scroggs, Early Career Rep [elected by ASPB Early Career Section] (2023-2025)
Erin Friedman, Council Rep – [elected by ASPB Council] (2022-2024)
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.
7. How is the Council-elected member selected for service on the Nominations Committee by Council?
Only Council members present at the first Council meeting of the governance year will be able to vote. Votes may only be made by individuals elected or appointed to serve on Council (not guests or substitutes). The Council-elected member begins their service on the Nominations Committee 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: The following information will be made available: The names of known members of the Nominations Committee (the president, the president-elect and elected members from EDIC and Early Career Section, if known at time of vote) and the names of Council members eligible to serve. Included in both lists will be the position the member is representing on Council or on Nominations Committee, as well as URLs to each person’s website, if present. Council members are invited to review the information to identify their favorite candidate, which may include themselves. By Council consensus, members of the Board of Directors that also serve on Council are not eligible for service on the Nominations Committee (the treasurer and the 3 elected members: member-elected and council-elected members).
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 on the Nominations Committee.
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.”
Meeting Summaries and Activities
Meeting agendas coming soon
Program Committee
The Program Committee, chaired by the secretary, shall plan, arrange, and publicize the annual programs of the Society.
Committee Members
Ian Wallace, Secretary; Chair (2023-2025)
Hong Ma, President-Elect (2023-2024)
Stacey Harmer, Past Secretary; (2023-2024)
Meredith Sigman, Early Career Representative (2022-2024)
Chandan Gautam, Early Career Representative (2023-2025)
Enamul Huq (2020-2024)
Jennifer Lewis (2020-2024)
Sterling Field (2023-2027)
David Horvath (2023-2027)
Jennifer Covington, 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, shall plan, arrange, and publicize the annual programs of the Society (primarily, the large Plant Biology annual meeting).
4. How often does the committee meet?
In person: Typically, there have been three meetings. A short meeting (<2 hours) is held at lunchtime one day of the annual meeting. The other two meetings are weekend meetings, typically one full day (Saturday) and a half-day (Sunday). One of these meeting is held in the fall between Sept and Nov and the other in Feb or March. The fall meeting is typically held at the site of the next year's annual meeting. The spring meeting may be held at ASPB headquarters or at a possible future annual meeting site to evaluate the site. Logistics for Program Committee meetings are organized by Jean Rosenberg.
Conference calls: Rare. Most communication is done by email.
5. What are the main Activities of the Committee?
1. Proposes venues for annual meetings, which are formally approved by the BoD.
2. Plans the scientific program of the annual meeting. Reads submitted abstracts and organizes the concurrent symposia based on abstracts, a small subset of which are solicited by the committee.
3. Approves annual meeting workshops.
4. Works closely with Jennifer Covington, other ASPB staff and volunteers, and Conference Managers to coordinate the various activities at the annual meeting.
6. What are the main outputs of the committee?
The program of the annual meeting!
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
Steve Theg, Chair (2016-2025)
Saarah Kuzay, Early Career Representative (2022-2024)
Pengfei Bai, Early Career Representative (2023-2025)
Reuben Peters (2022-2027)
Maria Eugenia Zanetti (2022-2027)
Lisa Ainsworth (2019-2024)
Nicola Patron (2020-2025)
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
Tessa Burch-Smith, Chair (2020-2024)
Gustavo MacIntosh, Immediate Past-President (2023-2024)
Robert Stanley, Early Career Representative (2022-2024)
Victoria Swiler, Early Career Representative (2023-2025)
Georg Jander (2023-2027)
Simon Gilroy (2021-2025)
Aardra Kachroo (2022-2026)
Charles Anderson (2022-2026)
Dawn Nagel (2023-2027)
Miguel Vega-Sanchez (2023-2027)
Libo Shan (2023-2027)
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.
Meeting Summaries and Activities
Science Policy Committee Minutes August 23, 2022
Science Policy Committee Minutes May 24, 2022
Science Policy Committee Minutes March 22, 2022
Science Policy Committee Minutes January 25, 2022
Science Policy Committee Minutes December 9, 2021
Science Policy Committee Minutes October 28, 2021
Science Policy Committee Minutes September 30, 2021
Science Policy Committee Minutes June 24, 2021
Science Policy Committee Minutes May 27, 2021
Science Policy Committee Minutes April 22, 2021
Science Policy Committee Minutes March 23, 2021
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)
Burcu Alptekin, Early Career Representative (2022-2024)
Balpreet Dhat, Early Career Representative (2023-2025)
Andrew Foudree (2022-2025)
Rosana Melo (2023-2026)
Lesley Murphy (2023-2026)
Azam Noori (2023-2026)
Chin-mei Lee (2023-2026)
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 https://aspb.org/about/committees/#toggle-id-13 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.
Meeting Summaries and Activities
Resources