Professor elected head of biologists' society

IU plant biologist Dr. Roger Hangarter, with his long silver hair and beard, a vibrant green shirt and sandals, seems to blend in with his office décor of plants. Hangarter does not blend into the background but is a modest leader, as the newly elected 2004 president of the American Society of Plant Biologists. \nAfter being elected in June, Hangarter, who holds a doctorate in biology, began serving his term as president-elect in October, which will continue until he becomes full president of the society on Oct. 1, 2004.\n"It's nice to be recognized by peers," Hangarter said, "but at the same time they're expecting you to do more work for them, though I find it rewarding." \nHangarter's peers view his election as a manifestation of his respected position in the Department of Biology.\n"Roger Hangarter's election as president of the American Society of Plant Biologists reflects his outstanding accomplishments as a scientist, and the high respect with which he is held in the very large field of plant scientists," said Elizabeth Raff, chairwoman of the Department of Biology. "We are absolutely delighted at his election, because it is an honor he very much deserves … IU can be proud that the biology department indeed has top leaders in biology on its faculty."\nThe duties of the ASPB president include advising the society's staff in Maryland, assisting on committees, representing the organization at functions, overseeing the budget and occasionally testifying in Congress on the importance of plant biology research funding, Hangarter said. These duties are part-time, and will not interfere with his research and teaching.\n"To some extent it's an honorary thing," Hangarter said. "I've put a lot of years into the society…edited a journal, helped organize national meetings, and served on the executive committee. I don't know if I'll ever go to Congress, but that would be interesting." \nThe ASPB works "to promote the growth and development of plant biology, to encourage and publish research in plant biology, and to promote the interests and growth of plant scientists in general," according to the group's Web site. It was established in 1924, and has members on six continents. It also publishes two academic journals: Plant Physiology and The Plant Cell. \nHangarter is not only a leader in plant biology, but he is also an artist. Hangarter has created numerous videos of plant growth and development, available on his Web site, and turned them into an artistic project titled "Slow Life."\n"Roger's exhibit, 'Slow Life', was not merely mesmerizing and fascinating as art. Each piece communicated with incredible clarity something about plants," IU media relations representative David Bricker said. "I believe the ease with which Roger effectively reaches out to the public will be of great benefit to the ASPB in the society's efforts to get normal, non-biologist-type people excited about plants."\n-- Contact staff reporter Theo Lutz at tmlutz@indiana.edu.