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Two IPG Members Receive Prestigious Awards from the American Society of Plant Biologists

Tom Guilfoyle and Robert Sharp


Tom Guilfoyle, Professor in the Division of Biochemistry, was recently selected to receive the 2014 Lawrence Bogorad Award for Excellence in Plant Biology Research from the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB).

The ASPB Lawrence Bogorad Award for Excellence in Plant Biology Research is made biennially to a plant scientist whose work "both illuminates the present and suggests paths to enlighten the future". One of the most prestigious awards in plant biology, is was awarded to Dr. Guilfoyle in recognition of the fundamental contributions he and his laboratory have made to understanding the regulation of gene expression by the plant hormone auxin.

Dr. Guilfoyle joined the University of Missouri in 1986. He has served as co-editor for the Plant Cell since 2003. In 2007 he was named a Fellow of both the ASPB and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Robert (Bob) Sharp, Professor in the Division of Plant Sciences and Director of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG), has been elected a Fellow of the American Society of Plant Biologists.

The Fellow of ASPB award is 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. The Fellow of ASPB honor may be granted to no more than 0.2% of the current membership each year. Dr. Sharp is recognized for his outstanding contributions to plant biology in the field of root biology as it relates to growth under water deficit conditions and his service to ASPB.

Dr. Sharp joined the University of Missouri in 1986. He served as Interim Director for the Division of Plant Sciences from 2005 - 2008 and has been the Director of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) since 2011. In 2007 he was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Dr. Sharp's recognition brings the total number of ASPB Fellows in the IPG to six. The IPG also includes nineteen Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and two members of the National Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Guilfoyle, along with IPG members Gretchen Hagen, Doug Randall, and John Boyer, has previously received the ASPB's Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award.

More information on ASPB awards and past winners can be found at: http://my.aspb.org/?page=AF_Awards