Plant Science Excellence IV
Overview and Charter
From world-renowned discoveries to recognition of our researchers by their election to the National Academy, plant science has a rich history at MSU. To maintain our leadership, we must regularly plan for the faculty and resources to take us to the next level. The Plant Science Excellence Committee has been reengaged to develop a long-term plan. Now on the fourth iteration since 1998, the group's charter engages them to identify goals and determine faculty, infrastructure and other support needs for the next 10 years.
The key goals of the committee include:
- Establish a strategy for the MSU plant sciences to confront 21st-century challenges, especially global climate change
- Identify key infrastructure that will be necessary for continued excellence in the MSU plant sciences
- Develop a strategy for faculty hiring in the plant sciences to improve DEI, enhance excellence, and achieve larger scientific and societal goals
The Plant Excellence Committee IV recently published a white paper outlining their recommendations. These recommendations led to advocacy work with our state legislators netting state support for greenhouse improvements and approval to move forward to plan a new plant science research facility.
The report also outlined faculty succession planning, the need for new recruitment efforts for graduate students, both incorporating suggestions for enhanced diversity, equity and inclusion.
Members of the Plant Science Excellence IV (PSEIV) Committee:
Martin Chilvers, Associate Professor, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
Jeff Conner, Professor, Department of Plant Biology, W.K. Kellogg Biological Center
Rebecca Grumet, Professor, Department of Horticulture
Polly Hsu, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Sarah Lebeis, Assistant Professor. Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Plant Resilience Institute
Tammy Long, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Biology
David Lowry, (Committee Chair), Associate Professor, Department of Plant Biology, Plant Resilience Institute
David Rothstein, Professor, Department of Forestry
Berkley Walker, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Biology, MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory