Name: Ashley Spence
Title: Graduate Student Research Assistant
Place of Work or School: University of Illinois at Urbana– Champaign
Research Area: The unique cold tolerance of Miscanthus x giganteus and its use as a biofuel feedstock
Member since: Fall 2007

1. Why has being a member of ASPB been important to you?
Most recently, my membership in ASPB allowed me to attend the Pan American Congress on Plants and BioEnergy in Mérida, Mexico. This was an amazing opportunity to meet scientists from around the globe who are conducting research in similar areas. I think this has been so important in changing my perspective on my own research and determining how I fit into the scientific community.

2. Was someone instrumental in getting you to join ASPB?
A fellow lab member, as well as my adviser, Dr. Steve Long, were both avid supporters of the importance of joining ASPB.

3. What would you tell colleagues to encourage them to join?
I would emphasize the importance of being part of a prestigious organization where you can share your research and learn about that of others. Communication and community are necessary and useful.

4. Have you enhanced your career using ASPB job postings or through networking at an ASPB function?
At the conference in Mexico, I was able to network with quite a few scientists whom I would never have met otherwise.

5. Do you read print journals? If so, where do you usually read them?
Our lab has subscriptions to quite a few journals that we keep in a common area where people can sit and browse.

6. What do you think is the next “big thing” in plant biology?
I think the next big thing will be another “green revolution,” so to speak. We are getting close to directly altering the photosynthetic capacity of plants so that they can reach maximum quantum efficiency. For plant biologists, this is exciting, but I think globally this would mean extremely productive food crops.

7. What person, living or deceased, do you most admire?
I admire my dad the most. He is a successful engineer and always gives me great advice and a more logical perception of life at times. “It’s not the end of the world!” he would say.

8. What are you reading these days?
Besides journal articles? Well, I’m the type of person who likes to reread (many times over) books that she loves, so right now I’m rereading The Awakening.

9. What are your hobbies?
I enjoy playing soccer, exercising, and being outdoors in general. I don’t get the chance much in Illinois, since it’s so flat, but I love to hike.

10. What is your most treasured possession?
My multipoo, named Noel. He is infinitely adorable and amusing.

11. What do you still have left to learn?
Probably more than I’m aware.