CONN AND VANDERHOEF RECEIVE FELLOW OF ASPB AWARDS

August 2009

Established in 2007, the Fellow of ASPB Award may be granted in recognition of distinguished and long-term contributions to plant biology and service to the Society by current members in areas that include research, education, mentoring, outreach, and professional and public service. Current members of ASPB who have contributed to the Society for at least 10 years are eligible for nomination. Recipients of the Fellow of ASPB honor, which may be granted to no more than 0.2% of the current membership each year, receive a certificate of distinction and a lapel pin.

From the ASPB Web site:

Eric Conn (1951)
University of California

Eric is recognized for his seminal work in secondary plant metabolism. His discovery of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase laid the foundation for our current understanding of the phenylpropenoid pathway. In addition, his research on the metabolism and localization of cyanogenic glycosides is internationally recognized. Along with Paul Stumpf, Eric wrote the textbook Outlines in Biochemistry and edited 16 volumes of The Biochemistry of Plants, a comprehensive treatise, from 1980 to 1990. Eric has been a member of ASPB since 1951 and served as assistant editor of Plant Physiology® from 1968 to 1972, as an editorial board member of Plant Physiology® from 1980 to 1983, and as president 1987.

Larry N. Vanderhoef (1966)
University of California

Larry built his reputation in plant physiology on his work on auxin biology and its regulation of plant growth and development. He eventually moved into academic leadership, culminating in an appointment as the chancellor of UC Davis, where he served for 15 years. Despite his absence from the laboratory, Larry maintained an active interest in plant biology throughout his leadership service and remained involved in ASPB, including serving as secretary/treasurer of the Midwest Section (1979–1980) and as ASPB treasurer (1982–1987). His service was manifold, but his greatest impact came during his leadership on the Board of Trustees, where he was instrumental in launching The Plant Cell and securing its success.