Welcome to the New Early Career Representatives on ASPB Committees

As part of the #ASPBForward movement, five of the ASPB committees have added an Early Career Representative (ECR) to their committee rosters: Education Committee, International Committee, Minority Affairs Committee, Publications Committee and the Women in Plant Biology committee (Membership Committee and Science Policy Committee already had ECR positions).  ASPB is happy to introduce these exceptional new committee members and to hear what they hope to achieve as committee members.


Ashley Cannon, Education Committee Early Career Representative

The opportunity to participate in an ASPB committee as an early career representative caught my eye because of the potential to gain leadership and communication experience along with networking opportunities. In particular, joining the ASPB Education Committee is ideal for me because I consider myself a lifelong learner who enjoys teaching, mentoring, and sharing my passion for plant biology. These qualities will help me develop, plan, and contribute to the plant biology education materials and activities generated by the Education Committee. In addition, due to my interest in an academic career focused on teaching and mentoring undergraduate students, serving on the Education Committee will give me exposure to opportunities and professionals that can help nurture my professional development as a future educator.


Pablo Bolaños-Villegas, International Committee Early Career Representative

I hope to promote partnerships between researchers in the US mainland and those in Latin America. I also hope to promote research initiatives that are aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.


Asia Hightower, Minority Affairs Committee Early Career Representative

By serving as a member of the Minority Affairs committee, I hope to help support and uplift underrepresented communities by working to broaden participation of underrepresented groups in not only plant biology but also in research and the greater scientific community and to give back to my community as well. I also hope to gain valuable networking opportunities  and receive guidance and support from senior and other members of ASPB.


Craig Schenck, Publications Committee Early Career Representative

Serving on the publications committee I plant to help better integrate the ASPB journals into the broader plant science community and provide fresh insight into transitions to open access publishing.


Katherine Murphy, Women in Plant Biology Early Career Representative

I hope to provide the perspective of young society members to advance women in the field of plant biology through visibility, outreach, and support as an Early Career Representative to the Women in Plant Biology Committee.

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