Plant biology researcher and MSU Foundation Professor, Beronda Montgomery, will bring her talents to the Office of Research & Innovation as interim assistant vice president. She joined the team in a half-time capacity effective September 15, 2020.
Montgomery is currently a professor in the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory and holds appointments in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics.
In recent years she has added administration to her repertoire as an assistant provost for Faculty Development. Her passion for seeing others succeed has been evident through her involvement in mentoring and developing junior faculty though the Academic Advancement Network.
“We have several ongoing and new projects including center grants, cross-college and multi-institutional research projects, and the current phase of the Global Impact Initiative to recruit new research faculty to MSU,” said Doug Gage, interim vice president for Research & Innovation. “Beronda’s expertise as a researcher and administrator, as well as her deep connections with federal funding agencies, will be a tremendous asset to help us pursue these important activities.”
Montgomery joined Michigan State in 2004 following a postdoctoral research fellowship at Indiana University. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Biology at the University of California, Davis, after completing a master’s degree at the University of Central Arkansas and a bachelor’s degree at Washington University.
Her research interests include biosynthesis and biochemical function of biliproteins in photosynthetic organisms; intercellular phytochrome signaling; light-dependent regulation of morphology; photobiology; molecular genetics; biochemical genetics; physiology; and evidence-based mentoring and leadership for promoting equity.
She was elected to the American Academy of Microbiology in 2018 and recently was named one of Cell Press CrossTalk's 100 Inspiring Black Scientists. These accolades, along with her extensive publications, make her a well-regarded leader in her field and a highly sought-after lecturer.