Dr. Paula McSteen studies how ears and tassels grow and develop in corn. Unlike humans, plants can continually grow new organs. Special cells called meristems (analogous to stem cells in animals) are produced along the main stem where the buds or shoots develop. In corn, axillary meristem cells give rise to tassels and ears, the most crucial organs for yield. Which genes control initiation of the axillary meristems and how this process is governed by the hormone auxin have been fundamental questions guiding McSteen’s research. In 2017, she was selected for the Mid-Career Excellence in Maize Genetics Award, a national award that recognizes scientists with an outstanding record of discovery research.  Dr. McSteen loves to share her passion for genetics with students in the classroom and in the lab. In both arenas, she believes “genetics is learned by doing,” so she places a strong emphasis on solving genetic problems using real world examples. Last year, Dr. McSteen’s was named Research Mentor of the Year by MU’s Office of Undergraduate Research. According to her students, it’s the personal touch that sets Dr. McSteen apart. As one student shared, she is not only an incredible mentor about how to do science but about life in general. 

Dr. Ruthie Angelovici is helping to make the world’s seed crops more nutritious. A significant number of people, particularly those in developing countries, suffer from protein-energy malnutrition, which results when diets lack sufficient protein. Populations with diets comprised primarily of cereal grains such as corn, wheat and rice are especially vulnerable, as seeds from these plants are deficient in one or more of the nine essential amino acids required for growth and proper development. Angelovici is working to combat this malnutrition. The composition of amino acids in seeds can vary between types of plants, as well as among cultivars of the same plant. How is the amount and composition of amino acids in seeds determined? Angelovici is leveraging this natural variation in amino acid content, as well as advanced quantitative genetics and bioinformatic approaches, to answer this question in her lab. Many world organizations recognize the importance of biofortification of staple crops — the breeding and genetic modification of plants to boost their nutritional quality — as an important means of alleviating this world health problem. Angelovici’s research is expected to yield new genetic targets for future biofortification efforts.

This award was established by an endowment from Professor Philip and Mrs. Betty Jen in honor of their parents. Prof. Jen is a Professor Emeritus in the Division of Biological Sciences and was a member of the faculty from 1975 to 2013. In addition to honoring their parents, the Jens wished for the endowment to promote the research achievements and support the independent careers of junior faculty in the Division.

As Associate Director of the Division of Biological Sciences, Dr. Gerry Summers leads and coordinates nearly all aspects of our undergraduate curricula.  This includes handling all the assignments for the teaching assistantships, organizing all the staff that run the undergraduate teaching labs, organizing and scheduling the courses that all our faculty teach, training and evaluating the teaching assistants, coordinating the annual teaching evaluations of the faculty, and also mediating issues, conflicts between students and instructors. Additionally, Dr. Summers has been heavily engaged in and a long-time supporter of several campus-wide programs, including the Campus Writing Program; the Summer Transition Program; the Chancellor’s Committee on Student Conduct; the Academic Retention Services Advisory Board; and the College of Arts and Science Curriculum, Instruction and Advising Committee. He reviews manuscripts for the Journal of College Science Teaching and American Biology Teacher and has served the 4-Year College Section of the National Association of Biology Teachers as Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President, and President.

The Richard F. and Sharon A. Keister Faculty Enhancement Award in Biological Sciences was established by Richard Keister, BA ’61 Mathematics, and Sharon Austin Keister, BA ’61 Zoology.