Thoughts from the President

August 15, 2025 - #6 – We have Great Facilities

Dear Danforth Center Community,

What does a plant science research center with a compelling mission need to become world-class?  Talented people who create a strong culture, ability to access necessary funding, and great facilities are the first three things that come to mind. Let’s zero in on the latter. You cannot do what we do in a garage, an office building, or a warehouse. We need to build, develop, maintain, and renew modern laboratories, advanced plant growth and technology facilities that serve changing needs, and people-serving spaces for numerous and diverse purposes. Sufficiently abundant and high quality facilities help the Danforth Center attract talented people and compete for funding. Investing in our facilities, therefore, is a strategic necessity.

Spaces, equipment and capabilities in our facilities do not grow on their own. Funding for new facilities, like the Field Research Site, generally comes from philanthropic donors after we present a compelling need, while maintenance and renewal of facilities requires annual commitment and prioritization of operating funds and special reserves. Deciding what to build and develop involves listening to the Danforth Center community, assessing what is needed today and tomorrow, and then figuring out how to pay for and sustain the facility. Investing in great facilities has been a long-term priority.

But there is also a secret sauce in all this – we have the BEST facilities team, period! They respond quickly, work hard, and take pride in our facilities. The helpfulness of the team is immediately noticed by, for example, all new PIs who are setting up an office and lab. I’ve heard statements like, “I’ve never seen a facilities team help me as much as the Center’s team,” every week for 15 years! In a recent conversation, Joy Knuckles, Gary File and Katie Rudolph from the Facilities team talked about feeling connected to the Danforth Center community and being a key part of delivering on our mission. Joy said it best with, “I feel can make a difference.” The team is highly knowledgeable, passionate and committed because they know they’re contributing to a higher purpose. They credit Todd Hornburg and Christian Lastarria with setting a tone of service to the community. We all feel their commitment, and we appreciate it.

The Center’s facilities are far more than places to do our jobs. They represent the investment and dedicated work of so many, and enable nearly everything we do that has positive impact. That’s why the Center’s great facilities are #6 on the Top Eight Things I Appreciate about the Danforth Center.

Jim Carrington,
President and Chief Executive Officer

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