Professor Alessandra Devoto honoured as a Pioneer Member by the American Society of Plant Biology for her outstanding mentorship and lasting impact on the next generation of plant scientists.

Professor Alessandra Devoto is honoured as a Pioneer Member by the American Society of Plant Biology.

Professor Alessandra Devoto has received a Pioneer Member recognition by the American Society of Plant Biology (ASPB) for providing excellent mentorship and research training, contributing to building the next generation of plant scientists.

Professor Devoto was recognised by the ASPB as a Pioneer ‘from former graduate students, postdocs, colleagues, family members, and friends who collectively contributed $5,000 or more to honour them.’

Professor Devoto, from the Department of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, said: “For someone working in plant biology and especially in mentorship and training of scientists, being named a Pioneer Member by ASPB is a real honour.

“It signals that one has made a sustained, positive impact on the community through mentorship and service, and has earned the recognition of one’s peers/trainees.”

The nomination testimonial to Professor Devoto stated: ‘Professor Devoto’s tireless dedication to advancing plant stress biology research and her unwavering commitment to nurturing the growth of young scientists have left an indelible mark.

‘Like a sturdy oak, she stands tall, providing shade and shelter to those under her mentorship.

‘Her legacy is not merely in research papers or accolades, but in the flourishing minds she has cultivated.’