Rob Duncan, University of California - Davis, explains what APS offers that can help members succeed.
“Although APS stands for 'American' I think that the Society has shown to be the voice of plant pathologists irrespective of the nation they live in. APS is by far the biggest professional society of plant pathologists. That alone is reason to be a member, because plant pathology needs an organization to emphasize its relevance. Benefits of APS membership for me include access to information through APSnet, Phytopathology News, the E-news capsules and Plant Management Network, and the always-rewarding annual meetings. APS is also actively influencing the political agenda. Broad issues like biosecurity, and also very specific ones like import permits for plant pathogens, need a professional society in order to make the voice of experts heard.”
Rudy SchefferConsultant
First-time APS annual meeting attendee Andrea Pabon shares her excitement and desire to do more for plant pathology.
“Scientists in a developing country often find themselves alienated to the fringes of innovation; the APS takes you to the cutting-edge of plant pathology research. The reality is that within the economic framework of a developing country, engendering global partnerships and interactive research in life sciences remains a challenge. While it is understood that producing quality research means little if it is not networked among related fields and researchers, few organizations emphasize one of the tenets of progressive and contemporary research — communication. APS provides a dynamic forum that facilitates the exchange of relevant and current information. Members are invited to become part of a fluid system of global information exchange, idea expansion and perhaps re-direction; that encourages and supports collaborative research initiatives among dedicated researchers.”
Sephra RampersadUniversity of the West Indies
Jean Ristaino discusses one of the most unique benefits of membership - the opportunity to meet your mentors and plant pathology legends.
“The APS has provided an important professional home for me throughout the years. The Society is very welcoming to new members and for me the sense of a professional identity as a plant pathologist has been fostered by this diverse group of scientists. The contacts I've made through APS have been valuable for developing collaborative research projects. These contacts have played a key role in my successfully landing an NSF early career development (CAREER) award."
Kurt H. Lamour The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
Mohammad Babadoost, long-time APS member, explains how as as society APS can work together to solve global problems.
"I have been a member since I was a graduate student. I have had lots of experiences and jobs because I was an APS member. I joined APS as a graduate student. After getting my M.S. in plant pathology, I found a faculty research associate position through the placement service on the APS website. After three years, I decided to go back to get my Ph.D. in plant pathology at Penn State University. I then took a post-doctoral position at the University of California, Berkeley. I also found this position advertised in the classifieds section of Phytopathology News. In essence, I owe most of my plant pathological career to APS, as I found three of my previous employment opportunities via their career placement services. Thanks APS!”
Kelly IvorsMountain Horticultrual Crops Research & Extension CenterNorth Carolina State University