May 12, 2009
Purdue researcher keeps pushing for deeper knowledge
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - |
Szymanski, a Purdue University associate professor in agronomy, studies the most intricate and complicated processes in plant cells. When he discovers how a process works, he feels a need to understand what triggered the process, causing him to dig ever deeper.
"I've always been fascinated with mechanisms," Szymanski said. "Now, the best part is to make a new discovery in the lab and watch the students get excited and pursue a new result."
That drive has led to Szymanski being named winner of the 2009 Agricultural Research Award.
Szymanski started his work at Purdue with a prestigious National Science Foundation grant that allowed him to build his program in plant molecular and cell biology. He focuses on how cells convert signaling information to responses and how that leads to growth or defense characteristics.
The goal is to manipulate that information to make better plants. That could lead to more food production per plant and less need for chemicals to control disease and insects.
Szymanski's colleagues have called his work "dynamic, nationally and internationally recognized."
"Dan's research is published in the highest-level journals and continues to be supported by agencies (National Science Foundation, Department of Energy) which only fund projects that are highly innovative," said Mike Hasegawa, a Purdue professor of horticulture.
Szymanski will receive the Agricultural Research Award at 3 p.m. Thursday (May 14) in the Pfendler Hall Dean's Auditorium. Szymanski will give a seminar titled "Model Plant Systems and Discovering the Linkages Between Protein Machines and Important Traits." There will be a reception at 4:15 p.m. following his talk.
The Agricultural Research Award is given each year to a faculty member in the College of Agriculture with less than 15 years of experience beyond a doctoral degree. It is for scientists who have demonstrated a high level of excellence in research and made significant contributions to agriculture, natural resources and quality of life for Indiana citizens.
The award includes a plaque, a $1,500 award from the Charles Guthrie Patterson Memorial Endowment and Matthew Morgan Hamilton Funds, and $10,000 for the recipient's research program.
Writer: Brian Wallheimer, (765) 496-2050, bwallhei@purdue.edu
Sources: Dan Szymanski, (765) 494-8092, dszyman@purdue.edu
Mike Hasegawa, (765) 494-1315, paul.m.hasegawa.1@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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