Careers in Plant Science

Why did you originally decide to pursue science and what got you interested particularly in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi? I was always interested in science – biology and chemistry were my favorite subjects at school and I was fascinated by microbes and parasites. Also with microscopes and the possibility…

Why did you originally decide to pursue science and what got you interested particularly in plant hormones? I have always been interested in how things work. It’s the first thing I find myself asking whenever I see something interesting. Science is a great outlet for that sort of curiosity. My…

Kono Yasui is our plant biologist highlight of the month. She was born in Japan in 1880. Throughout her life she challenged many of the cultural norms for women at that time. At her father’s encouragement, she constantly pursued education, first at schools for women in Japan, followed by studies…

This month we will be highlighting Alexander von Humboldt, who lived from 1769-1859. While he wasn't a classically trained plant scientist, he has had an enormous impact in our field, particularly in the dissemination of research to the public. Von Humboldt is most known for his expeditions to South…

Over the course of a year, Alyssa highlight posted a short biography of a different member of the plant science community, sharing some of the highlights of different disciplines of our beloved plant research. First up is Norman Borlaug, a name familiar to most people who have been around the plant…

By Mishi Vachev, Conviron Scholar Jason Cavatorta is the owner of his own plant breeding and seed distribution company, Earthworks Seeds, in Orlando, FL. His seed is mainly marketed to home-growers and is often heirloom varieties of tomatoes, peppers, melons, and many more crops. He started his own…

Science is a rewarding career, but challenges those who pursue it because the road to a permanent position is long and fragmented. Not surprisingly, many of the early-career researchers we’ve spoken to say they’d like to see more advice and resources to help them navigate their career path. With…

Many journal articles in the plant sciences – including some of mine – finish with statements like “these findings can potentially contribute to solving the challenge of feeding the world’s growing population whilst saving the planet’s limited resources”. That is a noble ambition. Sadly,…