 | FRONT AND CENTER PLANT SCIENCE |
Our Team |
Sanbon Ch. Gosa Director of Front and Center I am a postdoctoral research associate at Carl. R. Institute of Genomic Biology, working for the Center for Advance Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. My research is not just a profession but a passion that drives me. It revolves around the fascinating intersection of plant stress physiology, developmental biology, and the enhancement of crop tolerance to evolving environmental conditions and improving resource use efficiency. My current research focuses on engineering greater water use efficiency in bioenergy crops. Beyond my scientific pursuits, I find joy in playing ping-pong and soccer, and I am proud to volunteer as a coach for the Urbana Youth soccer team at Park District, Illinois. Family time is also a valued part of my life. |
| Kevin Cox Jr. @K_Bioguy_Cox Director of Adventitious Roots I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. My science involves using single-cell and spatial biology technologies to study how do plant cells use genes to communicate with each other to defend against pathogens. Outside of science, I enjoy watching/playing sports, seeing movies, playing video games, and spending time with my family! I love my career as a scientist. Unfortunately, I realized that as a Black American I must withstand forces that would prevent me from obtaining advanced degrees and answering pressing questions in plant biology. That is why I actively participate in efforts to break these barriers and help underrepresented minorities succeed in science. As Director of the Adventitious Roots Discord Server, my goal is to provide a private community for Black, Indigenous, and Latine Plant Scientists for them to connect and support each other, as well as to provide resources for career/professional development. |
Dior Kelley Assistant Professor Iowa State NAASC co-chair |
Cris Argueso Associate Professor Colorado State University ISP NAASC |
 Danielle Ignace Assistant Professor The University of British Columbia ASPB EDIC |
Brianna Griffin Graduate Student Iowa State University ASPB ECR / EDIC |
Sarah Black VP for Content and Communication ASPB Plantae |  Jayson Padilla Community Engagement Administator ASPB |
This initiative was founded through the collaborative efforts of the North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee (NAASC) and the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB); ASPB is providing ongoing support for Front and Center. |
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Our goals are for Black, Indigenous, & Latine Plant Scientists to be seen, heard, belong, and have agency within the plant science community.