Dear Danforth Center Community,

This week’s message is being written while attending the Danforth Center’s 22nd REU Internship Symposium, the capstone event for the summer undergraduate research program. Students are presenting their findings from the last 11 weeks and why their work matters. These students are spectacular! Not only are their results are on par with those of seasoned scientists, but their presentations are being communicated with clarity and precision, as well as humor, purpose and life.

The more I listen, the more I recall my questionable maturity and limited skills when I was their age. How could I possibly have competed with them? The differences between what we’re hearing from the REU students today and my early scientific presentations are boundless, given that mine were certified disasters. This included my first lab meeting presentation, during which I froze after just a few minutes and could not continue. This was due to overly casual and careless preparation, and to the blunt realization that I had no idea what I was talking about! An early scientific seminar presentation I delivered was cut short by the convenor because I went 10 minutes over time, meaning that I could not deliver the other half of my material. These were brutal, embarrassing lessons in the immeasurable value of preparation that our current REU student have learned far earlier than I did.

And it’s not only the summer REU cohort developing these talents at an early age. A day earlier, an amazing group of high school students working with mentors at the Danforth Center and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation presented posters on their recent projects in food, agriculture and nutrition. One young man, who articulately described to me his impressive work on different varieties of maize, could easily have been mistaken to be a high-achieving graduate student.

As the REU symposium wraps up, I feel optimistic about science and the scientists who are at the dawn of their careers. It is an honor to work with these exceptional young scholars and to witness their early contributions. It’s also a relief knowing I do not have to compete with them!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

It is worthwhile informing the Danforth Center community about the workings of our Board of Directors, which serves vital governance functions to ensure we are operating in accord with our mission, with high business standards, and with good stewardship of our resources. Directors are limited to two consecutive terms (8 years), and the staggered election schedule means that a few new Directors join the Board each year. This past week, we welcomed Dr. Pat Brown to his first Board meeting since becoming a Director earlier in 2022. 

Scientists in molecular biology and genome science fields know Pat for his seminal discoveries and contributions, like the revolutionary invention of microarray technology in the 1990s. This enabled researchers to simultaneously query the activities of thousands of genes in any kind of organism. Scientists from all fields know Pat because he and a few visionary colleagues pioneered open-source scientific publishing through founding of Public Library of Science (PLoS) in 2001, giving everyone access to papers published in PLoS-family journals without needing a costly subscription. And in the “What Have You Done for Me Lately?” department, we all know Pat as the founder of Impossible Foods Inc. in 2011 and his mission to replace consumption of animal meat with more environmentally rational plant-based meat. The Impossible Burger is not only a tasty tool in the arsenal to combat climate change, but also a platform that has raised awareness around the world of the ecological cost of animal farming

Pat brings scientific leadership, entrepreneurship and vision for a healthier planet to our Board. Those attributes and outlook co-align well with what the Danforth Center is all about. It was satisfying this week for Pat and the Board to hear about the big scientific and environmental challenges that the SINC team is tackling, and the new company we just spun out through the Start-Up Initiative. If you run into Pat at the Danforth Center during a future Board meeting, introduce yourself and share what you do. He will be interested!

Finally, this is the first Weekly Message to post to our new intranet, Workvivo. Many thanks to the large cast of community members who organized, tested and implemented this interactive resource. Have a great weekend!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

If you’re not in one of the teams that needs field research facilities, or you have a strong aversion to Missouri summer heat, you might not know much about our Field Research Site (FRS) at Planthaven Farms, 26 miles northwest of the Danforth Center. Planthaven owners Pauline and John Cella have generously provided access to productive farmland and associated facilities, and we cannot thank them enough. The FRS operation has supported research in at least a dozen labs, the Institute for International Crop Improvement (IICI), and the SINC Center over the past few years.

The site is managed expertly by Terry Beeler, who came on board just before the current growing season. Nelson Curren and Jenna Wood round out an exceptional FRS team that works fearlessly with each research group to meet their diverse needs. The team manages heavy equipment, planting operations, irrigation systems, weed and pest control, and much more. Terry, Nelson and Jenna, thank you for your hard work and invaluable contributions!

This season, Danforth Center teams have research on about 14 FRS acres. This includes performance testing of dwarf versions of the small grain, teff, developed by Getu Duguma and IICI collaborators for small holder farmers. Scientists in the SINC Center are testing hypotheses about the beneficial interactions of microbes and crop plants, with an eye on those that reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. Multi-year projects on the soil-regenerating effects of cover crops and perennial crops are underway by SINC, Topp and Miller teams, and Eveland and Mockler teams have new projects involving maize, sunflower and hemp. With nearly 4.5 acres, Nadia Shakoor’s team working on the impact of sorghum genetics on carbon sequestration in soil takes the prize for “Most Acreage in Use.”

But growth of Danforth Center research requiring FRS facilities has created a new challenge: Our needs are overrunning capacity and capabilities at the current site. We have some ambitious scientists addressing global challenges with a vision that requires a more expansive FRS, customized systems for field phenotyping, and dedicated support facilities. Developing such a site will propel research from Danforth Center teams and collaborators, elevate our competitiveness for funding, and advance research towards impactful outcomes in agriculture. This is a strategic priority. Look for some exciting news in the weeks ahead!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Ben Mansfeld, a very talented postdoctoral scientist in the Bart Lab, described a big problem at a social gathering this week. This is a scientist who 1) is doing spectacular research, publishing outstanding papers, and exemplifying our values, and 2) understands the vast importance of communicating his and others’ scientific work to the broad public, including Danforth Center stakeholders and supporters. The problem, however, is the fact that communicating with non-scientific audiences involves a distinct skill set for which Ben was never trained. Doesn’t this require dedicated specialists who know what they’re doing?

Ben is not alone. Universities and scientific training paradigms almost exclusively train for technical needs to function within specialized fields. An informal survey of seven Center scientists during lunch recently revealed none had any public communications training during their undergraduate or graduate education. Further, given the demands of being a scientist at a research institute, adding “Public Communicator” to already stressed workloads is a daunting prospect.

But building skills to effectively communicate with non-scientists may not be as onerous as one might imagine. Here are three simple things we can do to build a deeper inventory of tools to interact better with public audiences: 

• Scientists, start with reasons to care. You are already writing papers and speaking in seminars about your research. Instead of starting these with tedious scientific background information, try beginning with the “Big Why,” or the compelling impact you hope will ultimately result from your work. Developing the habit of starting with a meaningful purpose will pay off with more interested and inspired audiences!
  
• Non-scientists, ask your Danforth Center scientist colleagues about their work. There are two good reasons for our administrative and non-scientist community members to do this. The scientists will get practice explaining their work in relatable and impact-driven ways, and the non-scientists will learn a lot of interesting things that they can relate to friends, colleagues and groups with which they interact. 
• Everyone, participate in events involving the public. The Danforth Center hosts numerous in-person events, like Conversations or Center tours, with opportunities to interact with visitors and supporters. Guests always appreciate hearing about our mission, vision and achievements from community members doing the work. Flexing those communication muscles strengthens your skills and gives our visitors a gift that they will remember.

I look forward to hearing your experiences, and sharing more about what I’ve learned.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I had the opportunity to meet with the 22 current Summer REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) students earlier this week. It’s a meeting I look forward to having annually with each REU class. There is much to learn about these talented scientists and the work they’re doing in Center labs, but also about their outlook and concerns for the future. This year, I asked the group two questions, which elicited some interesting and illuminating responses.

What are your concerns about the future of science? They had quite a few.

• Misinformation and pseudoscience.
• Ethics in science, including unethical behavior for profit making.
• Whether or not science can make a big enough impact on environmental sustainability and stewardship.
• Whether or not scientists can make an impact with the current state of the world.
• Concerns about doing enough as scientists, and doing the right things that will have impact.

Their responses indicated that they’re highly cognizant of major global issues and challenges. They are concerned that science and scientists are being undermined by misinformation campaigns from anti-science factions. And they are aware that science is a unique endeavor done by imperfect people who must make judgements, some of which may be in error.

What are you learning at the Danforth Center this Summer?

• The importance of collaboration in science.
• Effective communication skills.
• The importance of technology, and how helpful it is to understand broad aspects of plant science.
• Actual understanding of what big data and bioinformatics mean.
• Effective time and resource management skills.

It was great to hear that the students identified broadly applicable skills that will pay dividends throughout any career path they may take. What they’re learning will help equip them to address some of their expressed concerns about the future. Their experiences are going far beyond plant science and preparing them for the next big steps. Many thanks to the 2022 REU students for investing so much in their professional growth, and for their valuable contributions to the Danforth Center community. 

Have a great weekend!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

There has been much talk recently at the Danforth Center and around town about the Center spinning out start-up companies based on our science and technologies. The creation of Peptyde Bio, a new start-up co-founded by Dilip Shah and Kirk Czymmek, has only intensified the chatter. Let’s answer a few questions I’ve been getting about the start-up activity.

What is the Danforth Center Start-Up Initiative? This is a strategic priority to accelerate movement of Center discoveries into the marketplace to address global challenges in agriculture, food and the environment. The Initiative will:

• Help PIs and teams recognize opportunities for marketable applications of their research and secure intellectual property.
• Fund proof-of-concept research to further develop ideas and technologies with marketable potential.
• Provide entrepreneurial talent and guidance to assess new start-up ideas and technologies.
• Fund lift-off and early stages of start-up companies through Danforth Technology Company (DTC), our subsidiary designed to enhance start-up success.
• Release start-up companies into the St. Louis AgTech ecosystem to raise additional capital, grow and compete in the marketplace.

What are we doing differently? Quite a lot! We established an integrated pathway to more intentionally identify and support scientific teams developing technologies with commercial potential. A Proof-of-Concept program was created to fund and cultivate those technologies and solidify intellectual property. In-house entrepreneurial talent now enables early assessment of start-up ideas. And DTC was formed as a new for-profit vehicle to get start-up companies funded and off the ground. DTC investment also serves to nucleate additional early stage capital from external investors. Peptyde Bio is the first company to emerge through the Start-Up Initiative.

Why is this important? Solutions to big challenges on which Center scientists work require that innovative products and services ultimately make it to the marketplace. Think of the science-to-marketplace progression like a relay race – Danforth Center scientists run the first few legs, but then hand the baton to private sector companies that run the remaining legs and reach the finish line. In the case of Peptyde Bio, what started as fundamental science at the Center will lead to companies selling more environmentally friendly products to reduce crop diseases. If we do this Start-Up Initiative right, we will deliver on our mission and realize our vision at the local, national and international levels in many more impactful ways.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I do my best to navigate around most polarizing political topics when in my official capacity at the Danforth Center, including in these weekly messages. When I have commented on political or politicized issues, like immigration policy or human rights, it’s because the issue directly impacts our diverse community members or our ability to deliver on our mission. But today, many within the Danforth Center community were deeply affected and distraught by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and I believe a few words are in order.

I do not feel compelled to give my personal opinion on the Supreme Court’s action, though like most everyone else I have my views. But I am compelled to speak in support of those who are hurting in our community. Just from those who have reached out since noon today, many are feeling that women have been demoted to a less-than-equal position, and that a longstanding and hard-fought right to self-determination or self-empowerment has been reversed. There are concerns that access to quality healthcare options will diminish for tens of millions of women. Some are deeply concerned that this decision foreshadows future Supreme Court decision to rescind other hard-fought women’s rights and those of historically marginalized communities. Many in our community are feeling vulnerable.

With this message, I encourage all of us to better understand and support our colleagues who are in pain, and who feel discouraged about the prospects for future generations of women. Though it seems a difficult ask in today’s polarized environment, I hope that those with opposing views on this issue can seek better understanding of one another and greater mutual respect. I also hope those who need help at this time will take advantage of healthcare, including mental health resources, through our health insurance plans, or through the Center’s Employee Assistance Program.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

On June 19, 1865, two months after the Civil War ended and two and one-half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops led by General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, where Granger read General Order No. 3. In part, that order read, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United states, all slaves are free.” Texas was the last Confederate state in which the Union army established a controlling presence and enforced the ban on slavery. Many of those who were freed joined together in celebrations, which began the traditions now associated with Juneteenth, or Freedom Day. Prohibition of slavery was formalized in the U.S. Constitution about six months later with ratification of the 13th Amendment.

Although the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution between 1868 and 1870 gave citizenship rights, equal protection under the law, and other rights, the struggles of Black people and communities after emancipation through racial discrimination, segregation, and violence were not over. Among many consequences, this continuing adversity drove two waves of a vast migration of millions of Black Americans from the South to Northern cities, including St. Louis, and West Coast cities during the early and mid-20th century.

I encourage everyone to spend some time during the long Juneteenth holiday weekend to learn more about the history leading up to June 19, 1865, as well as the aftermath of emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. You may be interested in attending Juneteenth celebrations and programs at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Grand Center, Missouri History Museum or any of several street fairs and festivals around the region. Have a safe, enjoyable and fruitful Juneteenth!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Last week, I made a passing reference to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training at the recent Scientific Retreat. The Danforth Center’s RCR program aims to develop understanding of issues bearing on all aspects of responsible research conduct, from ethical best practices to research misconduct, among all scientific staff through four hours of required training per year. It is also intended to strengthen a culture of research integrity at the Danforth Center. Over the past several weeks, I’ve had several valuable conversations with various PIs about the RCR program and ways in which we can strengthen our research culture.

It is every scientists’ obligation to be educated and informed about RCR issues, and to incorporate that learning into the conduct of their work. Principal Investigators have unique obligations to ensure their lab members complete RCR training annually, to keep RCR issues in view and discussed during mentoring and professional development, and to model behaviors that reinforce ethical and conduct standards. The RCR program (link accessed through W3 intranet) offers numerous opportunities for training, including:

• Group discussions of ethical or conduct scenarios at the Scientific Retreat;
• Attending presentations by the RCR Committee members (Kirk Czymmek, Toby Kellogg, Keith Slotkin, Ru Zhang and Terri Burton) or invited speakers;
• Reading, listening to, or viewing relevant books, podcasts or videos;
• Ethics courses at universities;
• Discussion of any RCR-relevant topic in individual lab group meetings.

Topical discussions in lab team meetings are a particularly useful and easy way to gain RCR training. There are numerous RCR topics in which PIs and lab members have knowledge or expertise (usually more than they realize!), like accurate and accessible record-keeping, avoiding authorship disputes, examples of scientific misconduct, confidentiality during peer review, and many more. In other words, we all have experiences and insights that are worth sharing, and we all benefit from diverse perspectives on how to recognize and avoid tenuous or damaging situations.

Several Center community members believe that re-dedication to RCR training and careful attention to research culture are particularly important now, given the stresses and disruptions over the past two years. I agree. And come to think of it, that might be a valuable RCR discussion topic! Many thanks to everyone who has been considering, and working to reinforce, research integrity at the Danforth Center.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Spring is a revitalizing time around the Danforth Center. Plants in the prairie are back with new vegetative growth and early season flower displays. Springtime at the Center also brings to life two perennial scientific programs – Research Experience for Undergraduates and the Scientific Retreat.

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) – Since 2003, the NSF-funded REU program has provided a rich, 11-week immersion in scientific research for undergraduate students. This year, 21 talented students have joined with mentors to do original research projects in collaboration with host labs across the Center. The intensive program aims to cultivate a passion for science, provide real-life experiences on which to base a STEM career, and showcase St. Louis as a hub for plant science. And it has been wildly successful in training over 300 students since inception, with 94% of participants obtaining degrees or careers in STEM fields. It is common to run into graduate students, scientists and STEM professionals who say, “I was in the Danforth Center REU program several years ago and it changed my entire career direction!” Thanks go to Sona Pandey and Tessa Burch-Smith for leading the 2022 REU program, Judy Mitchell and Monica Alsup for strong administrative support, and all of the mentors working with REU students. This is Sona’s 12th year leading the program!

Scientific Retreat – One of the first events in which REU students participate is the Scientific Retreat, held each year around the beginning of June. Normally an overnight offsite event, the Retreat was held in-person (with online option) this week over two days at the Danforth Center for COVID-19 mitigation reasons. There is another reason to hold the Retreat a little closer to home – inclusive participation. Center scientists who are caregivers, or who have obligations that restrict overnight travel, are able to participate if the event is in town. I was so impressed with the quality of research presented by 36 Center scientists and external plenary speakers, and by the thoughtfulness of those engaged in the Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) training session. Not only was the science outstanding, but we had much needed face time with one another during the first in-person Retreat since 2019. Thanks go to all of the Retreat organizers, speakers, RCR organizers, Events and Catering teams, and Facilities and AV teams.

I wish all the best to the 2022 REU students and hope the Scientific Retreat provided some Spring rejuvenation for all who attended.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

At each Spring meeting of our Board of Directors, I present data on several important Danforth Center outputs, including publications, grants, intellectual property, and other measurable results of our work from the prior year. There were many highlights from the 2021 metrics presented to the Board this past week. Here are just a few.

The Network. With many thanks to Darine Kube, Melissa Kerckhoff, Karla Elliott and Noah Fahlgren, the metrics start with a current network diagram of Danforth Center interacting scientists, illustrating the fact that we function as an interconnected, collaborative team of teams. I appreciate that this year’s network includes administrative assistants, grant specialists, and core facility collaborators, who are all so critical to each team’s success!

Publications. We published 133 scientific papers last year, bringing our total to nearly 1700 since inception. The 2021 number was just shy of last year’s blowout number, but our trajectory over time continues to rise. With 24 papers, the Meyers team were publication champs for the year!

Grants. With new grant awards totaling $24.9M in 2021, we had our best year ever for competitive funding. That was nearly $9M more than the average from the prior four years, the result of great ideas, talent, collaboration, hard work! Federal agencies account for about 72% of current grant funding, with National Science Foundation and Department of Energy being the top two sources. Private foundations (23%) and companies (7%) comprise the remaining sources.

Intellectual Property (IP). We reached our highest annual totals ever in 2021 for invention disclosures filed (13), provisional patents filed (9) and non-provisional patents pending (11), all good indicators that our teams are recognizing useful applications from their work. This also reflects outstanding efforts by Erica Agnew, IP Portfolio Manager, who works closely with PIs, scientific team members and others on the Innovation Team.

Graduate Students. We reached the high mark of 40 graduate students from partner universities doing their thesis work in Danforth Center labs last year. Growth of the graduate student population at the Center has been a priority over the past decade, and we’re a far stronger organization because of their contributions. I thank everyone for making the past year a most productive period, despite the many challenges. I’m proud to be associated with you!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I’ve received a lot of feedback recently on the Danforth Center’s approach to dealing with COVID-19 and specific COVID-19 policy updates that were implemented in recent weeks. Let me state up front that the feedback, including criticism, is welcomed. The aim of our COVID-19 policy is to promote a working environment that minimizes risk of exposure and transmission onsite while also enabling us to do our work. Critical feedback tends to concentrate around requirements for masking in certain indoor spaces and restrictions on eating indoors in groups. There is both understandable irritation that the Center is more restrictive than many other places in town, but also the fact that some of the rules interfere with doing certain kinds of work, such as hosting external groups that need lunch. I receive feedback indicating our policies are too confusing, too frequently changed on the two-week review cycle, and too open to interpretation. And, there is also the occasional positive feedback and thanks for the efforts to balance safety and getting things done.

Setting the Center ground rules against a continuously changing COVID-19 landscape is neither easy nor enjoyable. In fact, it’s a miserable task that considers current pandemic conditions, the rate of cases among our community members, guidance from public health experts, our needs to function, our needs to plan ahead, and our rather unremarkable abilities to predict the future. Over the past month, community members reported 15 COVID-19 cases, including a cluster of five that very likely resulted from onsite transmission; 23 individuals were exposed through close contact to the 15 infected individuals. For a one-month pandemic period, these are the highest numbers we’ve recorded, by far. In addition to illness, these cases are highly disruptive to the infected individuals and partners/families, those who were exposed, and the Human Resources team that does contact tracing, tracking and follow-up. On the other hand and importantly, the current COVID-19 wave is causing only low numbers of severe cases and hospitalizations to date. Consideration of all factors for the current two-week window led to maintaining indoor masking and group eating restrictions, but allowing larger Center events and gatherings that adhere to the rules. Eating at many of those gatherings over the next six weeks is being accommodated outside under a temporary tent covering on the Miller Terrace.

Reasonable, well-intentioned people disagree on what’s logical, where to draw lines, and how to fulfill our responsibilities to the Center community. Our updated COVID-19 policy is imperfect to me and to everyone else, because all options have significant downsides. But we are open to feedback, suggestions, and creative ways to continue moving forward. Thank you to everyone who is providing critical and helpful feedback and solutions. Stay safe this weekend!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

P.S. Why don’t we simply follow CDC “guidance” for indoor masking and eating in groups? The CDC migrated to a regional, risk-based system designed to assist personal, individual decision-making about masking and interacting with others. CDC provides no guidance, and is glaringly inadequate for, decision-making at the Center-wide level where responsibility for providing for well-being of the community resides.

Dear Danforth Center Community,

When Blake Meyers was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) earlier this week, it was cause for celebration. It also triggered a lot of questions from several Danforth Center community members. Let’s answer the three most common questions I’ve received.

What is the NAS? The NAS is a non-profit organization of a few thousand elected member scientists. It was created in 1863 by Congress and approved by Abraham Lincoln to provide independent, objective advice to the nation on matters of science and technology. It was formed at a time when the U.S. government recognized the need for science to underpin agriculture, transportation, and other needs of a growing nation, despite being in the midst of the Civil War. Considering its purpose, it might seem surprising that NAS receives no government funding. As an institution providing science-based information and guidance, the functions of NAS are just as relevant today as they were 159 years ago.

How does one get elected? Only current members can nominate new candidates for NAS membership. Any group of members can formally nominate any active scientist who has made pioneering discoveries over a career, and who has contributed to the scientific enterprise in broader ways. Nominated individuals are presented and discussed in meetings of NAS Sections representing different fields (e.g. Chemistry, Plant Biology), and then Sections conduct a series of votes over the course of a year to narrow down the list to a small handful that get presented to the entire Academy for a final vote. For Blake and the 2022 class, that vote was last Tuesday. The process has several mechanisms to ensure that diverse scientists are identified and supported, and the election process is confidential, even for nominees. So getting the call that you’ve been elected is a thrill for each new member.

What does the NAS do? The NAS provides an authoritative voice for science and science-based policy. Through consultation with Executive and Legislative branches of government, the NAS issues numerous reports each year identifying and analyzing pressing issues, like vaccine safety, climate change, or agricultural sustainability. Authored by both NAS members and non-member experts, these reports contain recommendations on which policymakers can rely. Among many other functions, NAS publishes journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), organizes symposia, and runs several programs to promote public understanding of science.

Feel free to send any more questions my way, and have an enjoyable, safe weekend!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Did you attend the restart of Tea Time last Wednesday morning on the Café Terrace? This was a more significant event than it might initially sound. First, it marked the return of recurring, in-person Tea Time social gatherings, the first since early 2020. Second, Tea Time was re-thought and re-formatted to be more appealing and community-appreciative, and with a compelling elevation of food and drink. Many thanks go to Café and Catering team members Ehrin Barry, Mike Shelton, Amanda Hickman and Angie Shelton! And third, the new Tea Time was combined with the weekly scientific seminar reception to provide a more inclusive, more Center-wide foundation to get together regularly. Judging by the attendance, the vibe and the feedback, it was a success!

Our work also requires that we resume gathering with external partners and stakeholder groups at the Danforth Center. Education and Outreach, donor-based fundraising, scientific seminars and symposia, and many other activities are most effective when done in-person. With further relaxation of Phase 2 policies, I expect we will soon see more gatherings of external groups or invited guests, though with restrictions or requirements that promote safety.

Our community needs the regular face-to-face interaction time for both social and professional reasons, despite the fact that COVID-19 continues to wax and wane. At this point, the pandemic in the U.S. appears to be transitioning to a long-term endemic phase, where high levels of combined vaccination and prior infection provide residual immunity against severe disease and hospitalization for most people. Like with the flu viruses, the endemic phase does not mean that SARS-CoV-2 will disappear, or that cases involving hospitalization or death will cease. But it does mean that severe cases will be a much lower proportion of overall cases compared to those earlier in the pandemic. I believe we can gather if we minimize risk by acting sensibly and responsibly, which for now includes:

• Gathering outside whenever possible.
• Continuing to use high-quality masks for indoor gatherings.
• Staying home if you feel poorly or ill, testing regularly with at-home COVID-19 detection kits, and reporting positive tests or exposures to HR.
• Continuing with vaccination boosters as per CDC recommendations.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and active roles in navigating through this phase of COVID-19, and I look forward to seeing you again at Tea Time!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I want to highlight two recent, noteworthy advances that are well-worth our attention. One involves reaching an important discovery destination following a remarkable journey by Danforth Center scientists. The other represents the beginning of a new journey that will have great impact on the St. Louis region.

Identification of the CMD2 gene. One of the most significant genes for small holder farmers in Africa is the cassava CMD2 gene, which confers natural resistance to Cassava mosaic virus in certain varieties. Cassava mosaic disease is one of two devastating virus diseases affecting cassava in East Africa, but the disease is of little concern if the CMD2 gene is introduced through traditional breeding. A near decade-long, collaborative quest to determine the identity of CMD2 reached a major milestone last week with posting of the publication preprint, “Mutations in DNA polymerase δ subunit 1 mediate CMD2-type resistance to Cassava Mosaic Geminiviruses” by Y.W. Lim,B.N. Mansfeld, P. Schläpfer, K.B. Gilbert, N.N. Narayanan, W. Qi, Q. Wang, Z. Zhong, A. Boyher, J. Gehan, G. Beyene, Z.D. Lin,W. Esuma, S. Feng, C. Chanez, N. Eggenberger, G. Adiga, T. Alicai, S.E. Jacobsen, N.J Taylor, W. Gruissem, and R.S. Bart (Danforth Center scientists underlined.) The CMD2 gene was identified as a mutant version of an essential gene encoding part of the machinery that replicates plant DNA and the Cassava mosaic virus genome. This discovery paves the way to understand why plants are virus-resistant, and opens up vast new possibilities to breed virus resistance into other crops that succumb to viruses like Cassava mosaic virus.

Establishment of the Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI). After months of planning, the TGI was announced earlier this week. Founded by a significant gift from the Taylor family, the TGI is a geospatial science research collaborative involving eight regional institutions, including the Danforth Center. The goal is for the region to ascend as the epicenter of geospatial science and technology, including geospatial research at the nexus of agriculture, food and the environment. Is this a new area for the Danforth Center? Certainly not, as the Center has established leadership positions in geospatial-relevant science, like high-resolution plant phenotyping. But the TGI offers new collaborative resources and funding to accelerate progress, which for the Danforth Center could lead to more sustainable technologies on the farm, faster breeding cycles, and better understanding of native plant ecosystems.

Meaningful progress appears in many forms, and I congratulate and celebrate all who contributed to these landmark developments.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I do not like the fact that this weekly message recasts a spotlight on COVID-19. But the pandemic headwinds are blowing again, and they’re affecting us at the Danforth Center. At least five Center community members, some of whom were in close contact with one another onsite, tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week. The spike in our reported cases, the emergence of highly infectious subvariants, and the unreliable case reporting in Missouri combine to create concerns that we have not had since the Omicron wave several months ago.

There are several new versions of SARS-CoV-2 circulating around the U.S., including some Omicron offshoots (subvariants BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1) causing rapidly increasing cases in the Northeast and elsewhere. Early data suggest that these generally do not cause more severe disease, but severe cases occur far more frequently in unvaccinated individuals. And the new subvariants are progressively more transmissible, meaning that the chances of becoming infected after exposure are higher than after exposure to earlier variants, like Delta or Omicron. The extent to which these or other variants are affecting the St. Louis region, however, is unclear because of slow, low quality reporting by the state of Missouri, which recently went from daily to weekly data releases. To me, this is like driving down a busy highway in a thick fog with little visibility. But we should assume that highly transmissible new variants have arrived and are affecting us today, and we need to act on that assumption.

In response to the changing situation and our concern for the health and well-being of the Danforth Center community, Anna Dibble will be communicating soon about readjusting some of our Phase 2 rules and guidelines, which we substantially relaxed over the past month. If you are onsite in the meantime, please ensure that you remain masked, and refrain from gathering or eating in groups in small enclosed spaces (like conference rooms). Please remain aware of the possibility that anyone with whom you interact could be infected, and take reasonable steps to protect yourself and others. Thank you for your continued contributions to maintain a safe community!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

This week, I’m highlighting several invaluable contributions from five individuals working to make the Danforth Center better, safer and more responsive to community member needs. These efforts and achievements involve dedication and talent behind the scenes, and they’re critical for the Center to deliver on its mission

Let’s hear it for the team of Andrew Witthaus and Bill Stutz, who devise and run our rapidly evolving audiovisual systems for events like seminars and retreats. Before the pandemic, Andrew and Bill built reputations for upbeat responsiveness and dependability. Through the pandemic, they have over-achieved in handling virtual systems, and now they are implementing creative hybrid event capabilities. Their goal is to make hybrid events equally engaging for both in-person and online participants.

A few rounds of applause, please, for Jim Cox and Mindy Darnell, who lead compliance programs around safety. Jim Cox works hard to ensure we have proper training so that workplace hazards do not turn into workplace injuries. Jim manages in-person and online safety training, supplies of PPE, hazardous chemical protocols, and more. Recently, Jim spearheaded the program to eliminate use of radioactive research materials, which will have both safety and financial stewardship benefits. Mindy has worked tirelessly over the past few years to revamp and reimplement our biosafety program, which has both safety and federal compliance ramifications. For example, through collaboration and continuous improvement, Mindy has managed the development and refinement of new Institutional Biosafety Committee protocols for approvals to work with regulated biological materials.

And three cheers for Stephanie Regagnon, who has worked tenaciously to bring additional childcare capacity to community members. Stephanie quietly explored potential sites and partners to develop a facility to serve the growing needs of those living around, and working in, 39North. These efforts were rewarded with the announcement that the YWCA Metro St. Louis will lead creation of a new early childhood education facility just a few blocks from the Center, with partners at the Miriam School and Learning Center, the City of Olivette, the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the Danforth Center. Ultimately serving 170 children, the new facility will open in 2023.

Thank you Andrew, Bill, Jim, Mindy and Stephanie for helping to build a better Danforth Center and community. We appreciate you!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Publication of scientific discoveries at the Danforth Center is off to a fast start in 2022! Let’s get everyone caught up on a few new articles from the past few weeks. A common theme through each is the critical importance of careful measurements to understand both big and small distinctions that make different plants unique.

Zhu, C., Box, M.S., Thiruppathi, D., Hu, H., Yu, Y., Martin, C., Doust, A.N., McSteen, P., Kellogg, E.A.Pleiotropic and non-redundant effects of an auxin importer in Setaria and Maize. (2022) Plant Physiol. doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiac115.

The latest from the Kellogg lab and collaborators show how the control of the hormone auxin has unique effects in different plant species. Auxin is important for a broad range of plant functions during growth and development, and we’ve learned a lot about it using the model plant Thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). How much of that knowledge applies to other plants? Here, the team shows that genetic disruption of genes necessary for auxin influx into cells in two well-studied grasses, green millet (Setaria viridis) and maize (Zea mays), have distinct effects on vegetative and reproductive development, including flower formation and fertility.

Zhang ,N., Pazouki, L., Nguyen, H., Jacobshagen, S., Bigge, B.M., Xia, M., Mattoon, E.M., Klebanovych, A., Sorkin, M., Nusinow, D.A., Avasthi, P., Czymmek, K.J., Zhang, R. Comparative phenotyping of two commonly used Chlamydomonas reinhardtii background strains: CC-1690 (21gr) and CC-5325 (The CLiP Mutant Library Background). (2022). Plants doi: 10.3390/plants11050585.

The Zhang lab, along with the Nusinow, Czymmek and collaborating groups, did a careful study of two commonly studied strains of Chlamydomonas, a single-celled green plant that swims. Chlamydomonas is a terrific model to study processes like photosynthesis. But the two strains under study have unique characteristics, and these differences can potentially affect the results of experiments. The team carefully measured a wide range of features, from circadian rhythms to cell wall morphology, in both strains under controlled conditions. This work will help guide more meaningful experimentation, and help explain potential discrepancies in results that might occur when using different strains.

Duncan, K.E., Czymmek, K.J., Jiang, N., Thies, A.C., Topp, C.N. X-ray microscopy enables multiscale high-resolution 3D imaging of plant cells, tissues, and organs. (2022)
Plant Physiol. doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiab405.

The Topp and Czymmek teams continue to press the technological boundaries of plant imaging. Here, they develop and demonstrate new methods that combine x-ray microscopy, computed tomography and advanced scanning electron microscopy to generate unprecedented, multiscale views of cells, organs and whole plants in the same sample. The beauty of their approach is seen in the computationally reconstructed “volumes” of developing flowers, roots, and other parts that can be viewed in 3-D down to the subcellular level. And besides new knowledge, it yields some of the most impressive scientific art I’ve ever seen!

To all of our scientific teams with new papers, congratulations!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

The impact of the Russian invasion on the Ukrainian people, including family and friends of Ukrainian scientists at the Danforth Center, is unimaginable and condemned in the strongest terms. We stand with Ukrainians who are suffering, have lost loved ones, and have lost their homes. As an institution committed to international collaboration, we offer our support to members of the Ukrainian scientific community who are under enormous stress or may be dislocated.

The invasion of Ukraine will have consequences far beyond Eastern Europe in ways that most have yet to grasp. Let’s start with the fact that Ukraine, with 32 million cultivated hectares and some of the world’s largest farms, is a vital agricultural producer that ranks as the #5 exporter of wheat, the #4 exporter of corn, and the #1 exporter of sunflower oil. Combined, Ukraine and Russia contribute around 25% of the world’s traded wheat. Production and export of grain from Ukraine are now uncertain due to disruption of labor, blocks to shipping, and occupation of key territory. Exports to much of the world from Russia are now blocked due to sanctions and exclusion from major financial systems. What happens when Ukrainian and Russian grain drops off the market?

First, the price of wheat, corn and other affected commodities shoot up for everyone. The invasion has pushed wheat and corn prices to, or near, all-time highs. And second, at a time when global supplies are squeezed, countries with established histories of wheat purchases from Ukraine and Russia need to find alternative sources and/or rapidly increase domestic production. Consider Egypt, one of the largest importers of wheat; about 80% of Egypt’s wheat imports come from Ukraine and Russia (roughly 60% of wheat consumed in Egypt is imported). In response, Egypt is seeking both alternative suppliers and attempting to increasing farm acreage for domestic production. But increasing production is limited by quality of farmland, technology, and skyrocketing costs of energy (oil and gas) and fertilizer, both of which are vastly more expensive due to the invasion. Even if domestic production increases and alternative import sources are found, the cost of critical food staples, like bread, will be significantly higher. This will surely impose food scarcity upon Egypt’s population through shortages and financial hardship, with the poorest people affected the most.

Turkey, Nigeria, Bangladesh and many other developing countries that import grain are in situations similar to that of Egypt. And history teaches us that such situations often lead to social and political upheaval with worldwide consequences.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Just prior to introducing Tessa Burch-Smith at a virtual event this week, I asked her, “What’s the most interesting thing about St. Lucia?” Knowing that Tessa originates from the tiny Caribbean nation, I expected an interesting answer. “With only 180,000 citizens, St. Lucia has produced more Nobel laureates per capita than any other sovereign nation,” Tessa replied without pause. “We’ve had two Nobel Prize winners – one for Economics (William Arthur Lewis) and one for Literature (Derek Walcott). And remarkably, they have the same birthday!” Not only was this great content for a more interesting introduction, but our conversation gave me a little better understanding of Tessa.

One of the best ways to learn about people you meet, like new Danforth Center community members, is to talk about the places we’re from. Many of you may recall being asked about that during our first encounter. I’ve been thinking a lot about where we’re from over the last four weeks, as I’ve been working remotely from my boyhood home on the edge of Torrance and Redondo Beach, outside of Los Angeles. With her health in decline, my mom needs some help in the house that’s been her home for the past 65 years. This is the most time I’ve spent here continuously since leaving for college in 1978.

This place I’m from is obviously different today. The bedroom that was mine is only a fraction of its original size. Someone definitely shrunk the house. The LA traffic has become a nightmare. And when did all these people start complaining about Winter temperatures in the mid-60s being “just plain cold?” Miraculously, a spectacular view of the entire Santa Monica Bay was somehow installed at the beach I grew up on at Avenue A, just a mile from the house. When did all these changes happen? Of course, none of them happened! Only my perception has changed, which got me thinking about just how much autobiographical editing in our minds contributes to our concept of “home” as we go through life.

So, if you ask me today about where I came from, the answer might be a little different than it was before. But I hope it will be interesting nonetheless and help us to understand each other better.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Celebrations at the Danforth Center serve a few different purposes. High achievement, promotions, a great discovery, or a paper accepted for publication are all good reasons to celebrate by doing something special. We also celebrate role models, people we admire, those who sacrificed, and cultures and communities that contribute and lead in unique ways. That’s why we celebrate Black History Month.

Thank you to everyone who is participating and contributing in Black History Month events, like the recent discussion of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” This document, as relevant today as when written in 1963, brilliantly exposed the calamitous effect of apathy and bystanding during the struggle for civil rights and racial equality. King wrote, “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.”King’s letter compels us today to ask: Are we satisfied with our efforts to understand each other and actively support diverse community members at the Danforth Center?

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to learn more about Black plant scientists, including three who made unique contributions to science and society. In learning more about George Washington Carver, Marie Clark Taylor and Robert Jones (currently a Director on our Board), I was particular struck by the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the careers of each. This underscores both the importance and the opportunity of our collaborations involving students and faculty at HBCUs, such as Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis.

Taking the time to celebrate Black history and Black scientists is an investment in our community with far-reaching benefits. As Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “We are caught in an unescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

During a virtual lunchtime event with Danforth Center supporters and guests this week, I had the good fortune to talk briefly about the research of Katie Murphy, a postdoctoral fellow in the Gehan lab. Katie was in attendance and followed up with how she is using TikTok (@real_time_science) to communicate about scientific research, the Danforth Center, and much more. With entertaining short videos featuring science factoids, what an experiment entails, why plant science is important, and the quirky life in the lab, Katie is stealthy injecting a little humanity and humor about what we do into the scrolling habits of TikTok users. Well done, Katie!

This got me thinking again about the tremendous contributions our community members make to reach public audiences in creative and important ways. Several scientists, including Shrikaar Kambhampati, Elisa Morales, and Becky Bart on the Center for Subterranean Influences on Nitrogen and Carbon (SINC) team devoted on-camera time to explain the SINC Center’s purpose and work in a fantastic new video. Tom Laurita spent time recently communicating with journalists about how and why the Danforth Center is creating new start-up companies. Ivan Baxter and colleague Liz Haswell host The Taproot, a podcast that focuses on the people and stories behind scientific publications. Many of these and other efforts to reach out beyond our doors are facilitated by the good work of the public relations team (Karla Roeber and Monica Zawicki) and individuals in the Development team (Patrick Bowey and Elizabeth McNulty).

And then there is the remarkable story-telling done informally by so many of you. On numerous occasions while touring the Center with visitors, we’ve stopped spontaneously in a greenhouse to speak with a Plant Growth Facility (PGF) team member or a lab member encountered along the way. “Please tell us what you do,” I’ll say. Invariably, the visitors hear about the purpose of our work and the impact we seek, like what Stephen Kraeuter from the PGF recently communicated: “We know that caring for the plants is just one way that we are part of a more global effort of feeding those around the world.” There is no better way than hearing directly from community members to spotlight the Center’s mission and vision. Thank you to everyone who, in big and small ways, communicate with and inspire the public.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

With the rapid, welcome drop in daily COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, let’s address the possibility of relaxing Phase 2 restrictions that were tightened when the Delta and Omicron variants swept through the region. We have been reassessing, and then either renewing or updating, Phase 2 rules and guidelines every two weeks, taking into account both the conditions at the time and the outlook. Looking ahead, you can confidently assume that we will begin relaxing some of the rules and guidelines at the next two-week cycle beginning February 15. Assuming that case numbers keep trending in the right direction, we should expect further relaxation at subsequent two-week cycles.

What about the return of in-person events, like social gatherings, seminars, and other events? We can anticipate this happening in a staged, incremental way with subsequent reassessments. We had prepared for hybrid scientific seminars with limited in-person attendance at the beginning of 2022. While we postponed implementation due to Omicron, we should be able to reconsider timing of the hybrid plans relatively soon. While smaller gatherings are already allowed with restrictions, the timing for larger events (dozens to hundreds of attendees) is a little more difficult to predict, though the flicker ahead might be light at the end of the tunnel. Daily COVID case trends give me optimism about, for example, holding some outdoor Center community celebrations in the Spring. And we have quite a backlog of reasons to celebrate!

Thank you all for doing your part and more to maintain a safe community and working environment. Our first consideration is always safety and well-being, and the optimistic lean of this message is my way of saying that we’re seeing a clearer path to some of the normalcy we need. We won’t traverse that path overnight, but we can take significant steps in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

In sharing results of the recent “check in” survey of Danforth Center community members’ well-being, we encouraged everyone to stay connected with their colleagues, offer understanding to colleagues who are parents of school-age kids and caretakers, and prioritize mental and physical health, including making time to exercise. About that exercise. Admittedly, this has been more difficult at the Center since we closed the gym at the start of the pandemic, and understandably, the closure has caused concern or irritation that we’ve heard about through feedback from users. But the positive news is that we’ve used the down-time to envision and plan a completely renovated, upgraded exercise facility that will be larger, modern and more accommodating. Here is what we can expect when construction finishes and the facility reopens in the Summer.

• A larger facility. The Danforth Center gym is being redesigned to be bigger, brighter and more useable. The increased size will come from conversion of adjacent storage and office space into the facility. Our friends at Christner Architects designed the new footprint, finishes and layout for what will be a more productive and appealing facility. Many thanks go to Christian Lastarria and Todd Hornburg for managing the project.
• New machines, equipment and technology. All of the existing exercise machines, which are 10-15 years old, are being upgraded with modern replacements. The new machines will have newer technologies with capabilities to connect with fitness apps on users phones. Free weights and other strength equipment will be upgraded to be in line with current needs and trends. The new facility will have three 85” TV screens with audio fetch devices that allow users to listen privately through apps on their phones.
• More showers, lockers and bigger restrooms. The two current, single-user restrooms with showers will be replaced by two larger restrooms with twice the amount of space. Each will contain lockers and two showers with individual changing areas.

Developing an expanded, improved exercise facility is part of our commitment to do more for the overall well-being of Danforth Center community members. For those planning to use the renovated gym, I ask for a little more patience until the facility is finished and ready to open. I also look forward to hearing your feedback!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Impact from the Danforth Center frequently starts with scientific discovery, and most of those discoveries are published in peer-reviewed journal articles. Our teams published over 130 such articles in the past year, showcasing both scientific advances and thought leadership. With brief descriptions geared for non-specialists, let’s highlight a few notable, recent papers.

Choudhury, S.R. and Pandey, S. SymRK-dependent phosphorylation of Gα protein and its role in signaling during soybean (Glycine max) nodulation. (2022) Plant J.  doi: 10.1111/tpj.15672

The latest paper from the Pandey lab on G-protein signaling might sound a little inaccessible to the non-specialist. But simply put, G-proteins help plants process information from the environment (e.g. drought) and from within the plant. They help plants to adjust their functions accordingly. The new research reveals more about the biochemical machinery needed for G-protein function, and the importance of that machinery in forming associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soybean roots. This work is revealing more and more ways in which crops can be improved in sustainable ways.

Griffiths, M., Delory, B.M., Jawahir, V., Wong, K.M., Bagnall, G.C., Dowd, T.G., Nusinow, D.A., Miller, A.J. and Topp, C.N. Optimisation of root traits to provide enhanced ecosystem services in agricultural systems: A focus on cover crops. (2021) Plant Cell Environ. doi.org/10.1111/pce.14247

This paper from several Center collaborators zeros in on beneficial ecosystem services provided by cover crops. Cover crops are planted between crop cycles, such as over winter, to help reduce soil erosion, add soil organic matter, retain and replenish nutrients in soil, and confer other benefits. Can we develop and breed better cover crops? Absolutely! This article highlights the below-ground or rhizosphere traits can be measured through advanced technologies and improved through breeding.

Nan, G.L., Teng, C., Fernandes, J., O’Conner, L., Meyers, B.C. and Walbot, V. A cascade of bHLH-regulated pathways program maize anther development. (2022). Plant Cell  doi: 10.1093/plcell/koac007

This longstanding collaboration between the Walbot (Stanford Univ.) and Meyers labs has yielded numerous insights into how plants make pollen. The research here identified the intricate series or cascade of gene expression programs that are activated to enable pollen production, and showed where regulatory RNAs (phasiRNAs) function in that sequence. Despite the paper’s title, which leans toward the esoteric, this work has practical importance for increasing yield and producing new hybrid crops.

Many thanks and congratulations to all of our scientists who are pressing the frontiers of science through publishing their important work.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Would you be better off without disruptive crises that happen from time to time? Most would answer, “Heck, yeah! Sign me up.” Whether it’s a chronic worldwide pandemic or an acute disruption to our federal grant submission capability, the disturbances and hardship during a crisis are unbearable. But during those times, remarkable things happen that showcase our values, our capabilities and our support for others.

The 3-day grant submission interruption this week occurred at the worst time, with several proposals due. The crisis deepened as the nightmare scenario of missed deadlines started happening, despite all out efforts to find remedies. By Wednesday evening, the week’s final proposal, a $3M+ NSF project to support post-baccalaureate training, was looking doubtful to meet the Thursday afternoon deadline. Enter Missy Rung-Blue, the Grant Coordinator working with Kris Callis-Duehl and collaborators on the proposal. Missy, Kris and team devised a longshot plan to transfer the proposal to a collaborating institution (Univ. of  Kansas) as lead.

With less than a day, and the needs for proposal reconfiguration, coordination with KU and more, if this was even possible was doubtful. Missy began the heavy lifting required to move the proposal at 6:00 am on Thursday. Remarkably, the proposal was fully transferred by late-afternoon and successfully uploaded to NSF through KU with Danforth Center as a subrecipient. Then at 4:00 pm, with Melissa Kerckhoff working furiously with NSF and Karla Roeber pressing other federal routes, we learned the Center’s block to submitting proposals was finally cleared.

What happened next was simply a heroic display of dedication. With only 45 minutes available and the slimmest odds of success, Missy put the call out to her amazing colleagues Michelle Richards, Dana Benedicktus, and Holly Costello to help move the proposal back to the Danforth Center as lead. The team divided the work to re-upload the entire proposal in an all-out dash like we’ve never seen. In the end, the work was too much for a time too short to meet the deadline, but the collaborative teamwork and motivation to get as far as they did was phenomenal. Thank you Missy, Michelle, Dana and Holly for your fearless effort!

We have work remaining to recover from the past week. This work will be guided by our values, judged by how we act, and inspired by some remarkable members of our community.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Each morning, I spend five or 10 minutes reviewing local and national COVID-19 numbers. I’m looking at, for example, how cases and hospitalizations are trending in the St. Louis metropolitan region and beyond, and how cases distribute between vaccinated and non-vaccinated people. These data have been critical for decision-making at the Danforth Center. But the data that really have my attention this week concern how COVID-19 cases are impacting healthcare system capabilities, like availability of emergency room and intensive care services.

COVID-related hospitalizations in the region are 40% higher today than they were at the previous high point in Nov/Dec 2020. This is placing excessive stress on hospitals and intensive care units, which are operating at or near full capacity in the region and across the country. The surge is happening while we have a deficit of frontline healthcare professionals, like nurses, that is widening due to departures from burnout, early retirement, and leave time due to COVID-19 itself. This means that the entire in-patient healthcare system is in crisis, and as a result, all of us are at risk.

Some of you are experiencing this crisis first hand, as in the case of a family member who suffered a stroke recently and was taken to a hospital emergency room (ER) by a daughter. It was understaffed with overflow ER patients in the hallway. The daughter was refused entry into the hospital due to elimination of all hospital visitors because of elevated COVID-19 restrictions. This meant none of the ER patients had anyone to speak for them in their moment of dire need. The patient was admitted overnight, but only after 10 hours because rooms were unavailable. This is typical today in our hospitals during the current COVID-19 surge.

Many of you have told me how you are advocating in your home communities and school districts to promote higher vaccination rates and proven COVID-mitigation measures, like masking. Thank you are working hard to protect people in your communities, even those who might disagree with you. You are helping to lessen the load on the region’s hospitals and healthcare providers. And that helps all of us.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

In between spending time with some family, catching up on a little work, and scrupulously avoiding crowds, I spent a fair amount of time reading over the recent holidays. My preferences generally span non-fiction genres, from biographies to anything funny. I’m particularly interested in books with relevance to the Danforth Center and how organizations function. I crossed three such works off the reading list this season.

1. “What You Do is Who You Are” by Ben Horowitz. I enjoyed Horowitz’ first book, “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” several years ago, appreciating his irreverent insights into navigating decisions that have only bad choices. “What You Do is Who You Are” is about building the culture you really want in your organization. Drawing from four unlikely examples of culture-builders, including Genghis Kahn and an enlightened prison gang leader, Horowitz builds a strong case that cultures within organizations are driven less by simply declaring values, and far more by consistent, visible and often-difficult decisions and actions (virtues) taken to resolve everyday problems.
2. “Humor, Seriously” by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas. This book makes the case for more levity and humor in the workplace. More lightheartedness and laughs on the job? Yes, please! Aaker and Bagdonas, who teach Stanford University Business School students how to lighten up, show how humor enhances others’ perceptions of us, elevates trust, increases creativity, and reduces stress. They reveal the many important ways humor can be integrated productively at work, and dissect the obvious fact that a little levity simply makes our jobs more fun! Just remember what many of us learned the hard way: keep the humor appropriate!
3. Doctoral Dissertation by Sarah Jennings. I’ll bet no one else read a research dissertation over the holidays, but this one has high relevance to the Danforth Center. Just prior to joining our Development team in mid-2021, Sarah received her Doctor of Public Administration from the University of Illinois, Springfield, with dissertation research focused on factors contributing to productive fundraising environments in nonprofit organizations. Her work underscores the importance of an organization’s leader in understanding, supporting and building a culture of philanthropy, to which all community members can contribute. Such a culture is critical to our future!

I hope everyone found time for some end-of-year relaxation. And if you read some interesting books, I’d love to hear about them! Stay safe.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

From my position, this year was filled with high achievement across the Danforth Center, significant impact in the region and beyond, and ambitious planning for the future. I admire what you’ve accomplished, and I’m grateful for your hard work, creativity and resilience, especially in the second year of an exhausting pandemic. But rather than more from my perspective in this last weekly message of 2021, I asked six community members a question: “What are you most proud to have seen the Danforth Center do or achieve in 2021? I received six inspiring responses!

"I am most proud of our REU students this year - the progress they made as young scientists despite being remote reminded me the future of science is in good hands. It was an honor to work with them" - a Postdoctoral Scientist.

“I’m proud that the Danforth Center demonstrated that we are a science-based institution. We all got vaccinated and are wearing masks, keeping each other safe” – a Principal Investigator.

“We celebrated our first Danforth Center Spirit Week…the best event was the visit from the Red and Black Brass Band. The dancing, singing, and brief time of just being in that moment made me so proud to be a part of a resilient and cool community” – a Manager.

“I am most proud of the number of grants that the Danforth Center proposed this year and our incredible win rate. It’s really a testament to the science being accomplished here and funders’ confidence in our success” – a Grants Specialist.

“Definitely the work in our community building - DEI, connecting with people in creative ways during COVID, and continued work with values adaptation” – a Vice President.

I’m struck that these statements of pride about the Center’s achievements relate primarily to building up our community, serving one another, and living our values. In fact, these were all encapsulated by the sixth response, with which I’ll conclude. Thank you all, and Happy Holidays!

"The Danforth Center continues to emphasize and live up to its strong values. The support provided by the community to the community at every level is unparalleled. Be it financial support by the Danforth Cares program, admin support towards grant submission, or encouragement of mental health discussion by the Human Resources group; one does not need to look far for reasons to be proud of this community” – a Postdoctoral Scientist.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

We often refer to the Danforth Center as a team of teams that work together to get things done. With teams organized around 30 principal investigators and many facilities and administrative departments, we have a lot of team leaders. How do we gather feedback on team leader performance, identify areas for leadership growth, and help team leaders develop?

One important tool we use is called 360 Dimensional Feedback, which collects systematic information from team members (anonymous), peers (other leaders), and the supervisor. The tool aggregates input within each group, and helps build awareness of how others and the leader perceive behaviors, performance, strengths and opportunities for growth. Results focus around 12 leadership competency areas, such as Empowers Others, or Handles Challenges. Many thanks to our friends at Psychological Associates, who not only administer the 360 reviews but help interpret results and provide coaching. All of our leaders have either undergone, or will soon undergo, a 360 review. I have undergone two 360 reviews in recent years.

The supervisor’s participation is non-anonymous, meaning that the reviewed individual knows exactly how the boss evaluates them. For me, this has helped develop more effective ways to deliver direct, straightforward feedback. Input from team members is often the most illuminating part of the review, sometimes revealing gaps between the leader’s and team member’s perceptions. Team member reviews sometimes expose needs to provide additional individual and team coaching, more clarity on expectations, and opportunities for delegation of responsibilities. Feedback from peers provides valuable perspective on leadership contributions to the Danforth Center, and how the individual is perceived as a co-leader or collaborator.

I have been thoroughly impressed with how each reviewed leader has received, processed and moved forward with the 360 results. I am grateful that each has participated with an open mind. I am also thankful to all of the reviewers – 10 to 15 for each 360 review - and the Human Resources team for the investment of time and energy each one requires. Coupled with other training and a willingness to learn, the 360 process is helping our leaders become better, which will pay dividends well into the future.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community

We have many reasons for optimism about moving beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, including the fact that the Danforth Center community is now 98.2% vaccinated. That’s remarkable! Boosters with exceptional efficacy are now available to all adults, and a COVID-19 pill (Paxlovid) with a reported 90% efficacy at preventing severe disease is on the horizon. Testing and variant tracking have never been better, with 1 of every 7 COVID-positive samples in the U.S. now undergoing complete virus genome sequencing. As such, we are planning for more in-person and hybrid activities in 2022. But that optimism is challenged by the disturbing upswing in COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant, and by serious concerns about the new Omicron variant. Let’s discuss what we know today about Omicron.

Will current mRNA vaccines protect against the Omicron variant? It is too soon to tell. The best guess among experts is that there will be at least partial protection, especially following a booster. The basic problem is the 30 mutations or differences between the Spike gene used to make current vaccines and the Spike gene of Omicron. That means antibodies from vaccination (or infection by Delta and previous variants) might be less effective against Omicron. A better sense of vaccine-mediated protection will require another few weeks, though more accurate quantitative data will require several months.

Is Omicron more transmissible or virulent? Information is limited, but a recent report indicates that Omicron quickly became the dominant variant in South Africa and is better able to cause reinfection of individuals who were infected by prior variants. Omicron reached nearly 40 countries and at least seven U.S. states, including Missouri, since initial detection in November.

How did the Omicron variant arise? Omicron is most closely related to a minor variant that was detected in mid-2020. But Omicron contains a large number of mutations that seem to have appeared suddenly in COVID-positive samples in South Africa and neighboring countries last month. Intermediate strains that progressively acquired these Omicron mutations, however, are like missing links and have never been seen. SARS-CoV-2 is known to mutate extensively during long-term infections in immunocompromised individuals, so some virologists suspect that Omicron evolved over a long period of time in one chronically infected person with a weakened immune system.

The Danforth Center community has been proactive with, and adherent to, vaccination and anti-COVID-19 measures. These are the best tools we have to deal with Omicron and to maintain optimism about 2022.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community

With the Thanksgiving Holiday approaching, we are presented the opportunity to reflect on those things for which we are thankful. ‘Opportunity’ may be the wrong word; ‘gift’ might be more appropriate. Spending time to ponder who enables our success, what good comes from our efforts, or what brings happiness to our lives ought to make us a little more empathetic, appreciative and balanced, wouldn’t you think? Here are three reasons I am thankful today.

Our impact in the real world. Many of us contributed recently to a video (thank you, Elizabeth McNulty!) showcasing some of the Danforth Center’s successes and achievements in 2021. It was so satisfying to consider that we helped deliver more resilient crops to smallholder farmers abroad. We made discoveries and developed technologies intended to slow down or lessen the impact of climate change. We contributed significantly to economic growth in the region, to greater opportunity in overlooked and neglected communities, and much more. I am so thankful for your relentless dedication to deliver on our mission and realize our vision in the world.

COVID-19 vaccine boosters have arrived. The science is in, and COVID-19 vaccine booster shots work really well! In a large-scale, peer-reviewed study on the effect of third-dose boosters of mRNA vaccines administered at least six months beyond the initial two doses, people who received a booster shot were over 11-times less likely to experience severe COVID-19 compared to those who received no booster. As breakthrough cases of COVID-19 in vaccinated individuals are known to increase over time, I am thankful that effective booster shots are now available to all adults. This is an important development that will help us find post-pandemic stability.

Friends and family. Being with friends and family has taken on new significance for most of us over the past 20 months. While I will not be able to see all of our family in person, I am thankful that we’ll at least see a few who can fly in or be visited over Thanksgiving. I am also thankful that so many of you will welcome into your homes community members who cannot be with their own families over the holidays. These acts of kindness and friendship will not be forgotten.

I trust you will find time to ponder your reasons to be thankful. I hope you will share a few with your colleagues!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

“We must seek out opportunities for continuous learning. We must become a learning organization, because learning opens our minds to change and new ways of doing things.” – John F. McDonnell (from 90 Days Number 2, 1989)

Six or seven years ago as Chairman of the Danforth Center Board of Directors, John McDonnell asked me a question in one of our twice-monthly meetings: “How would you characterize your leadership style?” I recall rambling through a dull, unremarkable answer. He never said exactly why he asked, but clearly he saw great benefit in the Center president gaining a deeper understanding of how to become a better leader. He described his own journey from an introverted strength engineer on Project Gemini in the early 1960s to CEO and Chairman of McDonnell Douglas. Using himself as an example, John focused on the idea that effectively leading people is a learned skill, often requiring leaders to work against their own natural tendencies. That and countless other conversations with John had profound impact on me and the Danforth Center.

John’s mentoring led to new formal training for me and our leadership team, PIs, and directors. It led to implementing 360 reviews, in which Center leaders get extensive feedback from team members, peers and supervisor. It eventually led to the hard work of improving our culture and changing the ways in which we relate to one another within our community. A program we are creating called Developing Plant Science Leaders traces back to John. The learning and changes that John triggered are even more important today as our community approaches 400 members in size.

With his family, John has also contributed greatly to the Center’s science through generous donations, including one to establish the Institute for International Crop Improvement (IICI) in 2012. The McDonnell International Gallery displaying dozens of national flags reflects John’s commitment to international understanding, cooperation and progress, which align seamlessly with our mission, vision and values. And John has been remarkably effective at promoting the Danforth Center, helping build the innovation community around the Center, engaging other donors, and helping us grow.

After 21 years of service as a Director, Vice Chairman and Chairman on the Danforth Center Board, John McDonnell will step down at the end of 2021. Thank you, John, for your patient leadership, invaluable mentorship and broad-ranging contributions that have meant so much to so many of us. Your example inspires us to continue learning, discovering, and growing.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

This year is shaping up to be our most successful year in winning competitive research grants, the fuel that powers most projects at the Danforth Center. Recently, I asked several PIs: What are some of the most important reasons for your grant-getting success? They had plenty of answers!

A culture of collaboration. Malia Gehan says, “I’m fortunate to work with PIs and scientists at the Center that value a collaborative environment that is key for getting funding; these are people that I want to work with.” Keith Slotkin adds, “We want to collaborate with each other, we support each other, we cheer each other on, yet there is a healthy amount of competition.”

Important discoveries prior to proposal submission. Blake Meyers says, “The review panels want to see that you’ve already made substantial progress and discoveries, rather than just have a neat idea. I’m fortunate to have a highly productive team, publishing a lot of work with which to support the next round of proposals.”

Great facilities and support teams. Malia Gehan says, “One of the most important reasons for our grant getting success is the grants administrative support. The level of support at the Danforth Center is unique and allows us as PIs to focus on the science. The facilities and support staff are key...we have the expertise and facilities that outside collaborators seek out.” Keith Slotkin states, “The Center has been able to maintain a supportive environment throughout the pandemic chaos.”

Our proposals have purpose. Allison Miller says, “The general public is becoming more interested in how to adapt our agricultural systems to changing climate, and with how we might adjust agriculture such that it provides ecosystem services as well as agricultural products.” Dilip Shah adds, “Support for proof of concept studies has made it possible to move several new small antifungal peptides toward practical applications in Ag and medicine.”

We write thoughtful proposals. Nadia Shakoor states, “I’ve tried my best to spend the time to really understand what the granting agency is looking for. I try to consider agency program officers as if they were an intellectual part of my team...and then try to design a project that would advance scientific goals as well as...the granting program.”

Allison Miller sums it up well with, “The greenhouses and field research site, phenotyping and other facilities, the collaborative culture, the incredible grants and support staff, the strong mission and values - all of this makes it possible to develop competitive proposals.” I enthusiastically agree, and it’s why supporting and strengthening the foundational core of the Danforth Center is so, so important.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I heard someone question recently why the Danforth Center gets involved in education and science-based outreach. Aren’t there enough schools with focus in these areas? We’re a research organization, right? The answer to why get involved is simple: there is an enormous need and the Danforth Center has a unique contribution to make. I’ll give you a great example.

For a few years, Kris Callis-Duehl, Lisa Walsh, Ruth Kaggwa and (recently) Darius Pikes in Education Research and Outreach have been working with University of Illinois Extension and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee (JJK) Center in East St. Louis to develop and implement an ambitious program around food and nutrition innovation (JJK FAN) for school-age kids. The JJK Center is a remarkable place, and I was fortunate to visit this week. It is a beaming, bright light in one of the most disadvantaged urban areas of the country, providing Kindergarten through first grade school and after-school academics and athletics programs to youth through high school ages.

The JJK FAN program will benefit from our keen interest in bringing plant science and agriculture into underserved communities through collaborative development and delivery of culturally relevant curriculum. Our teams will engage with JJK FAN students in urban agriculture, research, and demonstrations through programming at the JJK Center and internships at the Danforth Center. The University of Illinois Extension will collaborate with us in cross-regional programming that connects rural and urban students. They also bring unique expertise in food preparation and nutrition, and eventually a scholarship-based pathway for East St. Louis students to attend the University of Illinois. A new master plan for the JJK Center site calls for a plant growth complex and other dedicated facilities to support JJK FAN. It’s a big plan that will impact a lot of lives.

The opportunity for the Danforth Center to connect with those lives, in a regional community that has been overlooked for generations, is possible because of the remarkable commitment of one woman, Jackie Joyner-Kersee. If there is anyone who is more personally invested in helping kids succeed against seemingly long odds, I’ve not met them. One of the greatest athletes of all time spends nearly all of her time working with and inspiring kids, and growing the JJK Center as a brighter light in East St. Louis. And that includes her personal involvement in the JJK FAN endeavor. We are more than lucky to be a partner with Jackie!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Each year around this time, I get to sit in on a video call to introduce the newest William H. Danforth Plant Science Fellow awardee to P. Roy Vagelos. On the occasion of Bill Danforth’s retirement as Chairman of the Danforth Center Board, Roy and his wife Diana made a financial gift to endow this fellowship to support an outstanding graduate student doing their dissertation research at the Center. In fact, Roy and Diana are among the most generous U.S. philanthropists, particularly in support of scientific research and education. You will hear more about the 2022 Fellow in an upcoming announcement. This message is about Roy.

From humble beginnings during the Great Depression as the son of Greek immigrants, Roy became an M.D. (cardiology) and research biochemist. He chaired the Biochemistry Department at Washington University Medical School, where he developed a life-long friendship with Bill Danforth. In 1975, Roy was attracted to Merck and Co. as head of research, adapting better biochemistry principles to develop numerous new medicines, like statins to lower cholesterol and the first Hepatitis B vaccine. By the mid-1980s, he was CEO and Chairman of the company.

The humanity and impact of his leadership at Merck is best illustrated by what he did with the drug ivermectin, a highly effective treatment for parasitic diseases (no, not COVID-19!) like River Blindness and Elephantiasis. He led Merck to give the drug away for free in under-developed countries, resulting in treatment of over 250 million people who otherwise could not afford the drug. This eliminated River Blindness as a major disease in the savannah areas of West Africa. After retirement from Merck in the mid-1990s, he joined a little-known biotech company, Regeneron, as Board Chairman, a position he still holds. Today, Regeneron is a powerhouse that delivers novel therapeutics based on monoclonal antibodies.

The Danforth Center benefitted from Roy’s service as a Director on our Board for 16 years, until 2014. My introduction to Roy happened in 2010, prior to coming to the Center, when he phoned my Oregon State University office and said, “Jim, this is Roy Vagelos. I’m chairing the search for a new president of the Danforth Plant Science Center, and I’d like to talk with you about it.” Since then, Roy has been a friend, a valued advisor, and a role model that I greatly admire. As a leader, Roy is always focused on how he can help others be better and achieve big things; not surprisingly, this is precisely the quality that Roy admired in Bill Danforth.

I am so thankful to see this kind of generous leadership impacting the careers and lives of students at the Danforth Center today.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

You can regularly see groups touring the Danforth Center with community members and volunteers. These groups are often from companies that want to learn more about us. Companies are active Center supporters, a fact reinforced when tour groups walk by signage recognizing some major contributors. While connections to companies are made through many points in our network, special thanks go to Isabel Acevedo and Sarah Jennings in Development for building relationships with key individuals in companies and foundations that are, or could be, Center supporters. Isabel, Sarah and the Development team then work with many of you to craft proposals for grants, gifts and sponsorships. Financial support reflects co-alignment of Center and company interests, goals or values, and provides key funding for strategic priorities.

Companies support the Center in many ways, including with grants to fund research projects and education programs. In fact, companies provide several million dollars of research and education funding each year. Valent Biosciences and Sumitomo Corporation support research in the Topp lab focused, in part, on understanding beneficial interactions of roots and microbes in soil. Bayer Crop Science has funded part of the VIRCA-Plus project led by the Taylor group, and research to accelerate precision breeding in the Slotkin lab. Vesteron supports anti-fungal peptide research in the Shah and Czymmek groups, and Wells Fargo has funded nearly a dozen teams working closely with innovative start-up and small AgTech companies through the IN2 program. Boeing has been a vital supporter of several education and outreach programs through the years.

Companies also provide support for events through sponsorships, and for the Center to grow as a dynamic institution. Partners like AON and KWS sponsor events like AgTech Next, BioBash, and many others. Bank of America has supported the Danforth Center because they view us as a catalyst for positive growth in the St. Louis region. Edward Jones identifies with our mission and vision, and they want to be a part of what we’re doing. Bunge and Millipore Sigma have been consistent supporters through annual giving, which enables hiring of new PIs, purchase of equipment, and so much more. And Enterprise Holdings and the Taylor family have made major gifts to develop our plant growth facilities, establish a research institute, and expand the Center.

All of this support matters greatly to our success! Thank you to all who work with our partners in the private sector, and to all of the companies that invest in the Danforth Center.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Have you have noticed more Danforth Center community members working onsite in recent months? Nearly 45% more people are coming in today compared to six months ago (thank you, Joy Knuckles, for tracking). We’re up to around 70% of the number of community members working onsite, at least partly, compared to pre-pandemic numbers. But many of you are asking when we’ll transition to Phase 3, in which we operate freely without COVID-19-driven restrictions and resume large in-person meetings, seminars in the Theater, and face-to-face onsite events. The answer is: We have not yet set a date for this transition. The pandemic has been too unpredictable to confidently mark a Phase 3 date around which we can plan. Despite some encouraging recent trends, note that numbers of COVID-19 cases in St. Louis County are over 5-fold higher today than when we transitioned to Phase 2 in June.

Some of you are also asking when everyone will be required to return onsite. The answer here is: We do not anticipate setting such an across-the-board requirement. We expect to maintain a policy that gives team leaders reasonable discretion to assess and allow hybrid/remote work arrangements for team members. In a recent survey (thanks to Jennifer McDonnell, Maria Higa and Anna Dibble), the vast majority of team leaders said they are comfortable with team members working a hybrid or remote schedule.

The survey data also reveal needs to better enable a productive hybrid community over the long-term. Three needs stand out:

• New kind of workspace – Providing workspaces to accommodate dynamic or infrequent onsite activity for some community members on a hybrid schedule will require that we implement flexible “hotelling” spaces. We envision piloting the use of large, multi-user tables in place of assigned desks or cubicles in some areas.
• Technology – Tools must be expanded to enable hybrid meetings, seminars and events in which everyone feels more connected and present. Technologies like Meeting Owl in the Schnuck’s Conference Room need to be implemented in more creative, robust, and ubiquitous ways in meeting spaces, lecture rooms, and gathering places throughout the Center.
• Training – Training and tools to help hybrid team leaders, and to convey best practices between teams, were also identified as needs.

I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts about the future Center work environment in the weeks and months ahead. Have a safe weekend!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I communicated last week about Danforth Center research with relevance to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and lowering of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. This week, let’s look at Center research focused on adaptation of crops to future climate conditions. Adaptation is defined as learning how to adjust to, or live with, climate change that has already been set in motion. Agriculture must offer significant solutions to climate change through both mitigation and adaptation, but both will require major investments in scientific research and technology development.

Understanding Plant Responses to Environmental Challenges. This NSF-funded, $3M “Rules of Life” project involves teams led by Keith Slotkin (Lead PI), Malia Gehan, Blake Meyers, Sona Pandey, Chris Topp and collaborators, and seeks to understand how plants will respond to environmental challenges when carbon dioxide levels are higher. The project will build models of how elevated carbon dioxide and stress affect growth of diverse plant species, and how those changes may be inherited (epigenetically) in subsequent generations. As the team points out, “Understanding plant responses to environmental stress is important to secure our future...interest in maintaining agricultural productivity and preserving the environment.”

Mechanisms Underlying Abiotic Stress Resilience in Sorghum. Andrea Eveland (Lead PI) and Todd Mockler teams and collaborators are exploring the genetic basis of drought tolerance in sorghum in this Department of Energy-funded, $2.7M project. It involves phenotyping experiments in the Arizona desert to measure effects of drought in genetically distinct varieties of sorghum. In many agricultural regions of the world, future climates will be both hotter and drier, with more frequent extreme conditions like prolonged drought. This work will enable crop breeders to deliver varieties that better tolerate these conditions.

Climate Adaptation Research Across the Center. This is a consistent theme around the Center. Ru Zhang’s team works hard to understand how photosynthesis is affected by elevated temperatures. Ivan Baxter’s group is figuring out how plant genome composition affects growth and nutritional status in different environments. Sona Pandey’s and Dmitri Nusinow’s groups aim to discern how plants biochemically sense and respond to environmental changes and stress, while Malia Gehan’s and Noah Fahlgren’s teams are delivering better, more useful ways to measure effects of stress. And Toby Kellogg’s group is analyzing natural variation in wild species for traits with relevance to climate adaptation.

I hope these last few messages convey both the importance we’re placing on climate change and the urgency with which we need to act.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I’ve had more conversations and meetings around the topic of climate change than just about any other topic recently. Agriculture around the world is a major contributor to greenhouse gas accumulation, the cause of anthropogenic climate change. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, the most significant greenhouse gasses, are emitted by various agricultural practices. Science and technology to address challenges at the nexus of agriculture and the environment have never been more important, and that’s where the Danforth Center comes in. Let’s highlight three major research initiatives with greenhouse gas reduction objectives at the Danforth Center.

New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute (NRR-BII). This $12.5M, multi-institutional initiative led by Allison Miller seeks to understand plant traits, plant communities, and the soil ecosphere to restore natural and agricultural ecosystems. A major driver of NRR-BII is development of effective, scalable ways to better capture carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas, and sequester it in soil. Consider that a tall grass prairie can sequester 0.3 to 1.7 metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere each year. It’s time to apply what we can learn from natural systems to move towards climate resiliency!

Harnessing Plants Initiative (HPI). Led by plant biologists at the Salk Institute, this initiative now includes a $6.2M program led by Nadia Shakoor at the Danforth Center to develop sorghum with more carbon sequestration potential. Sorghum has high appeal for capturing and storing atmospheric carbon underground because it’s also relatively drought tolerant. Nadia’s team is investigating the genetics and phenotypes of sorghum needed for improved varieties with potential to sequester more carbon.

Subterranean Influences on Nitrogen Cycling (SINC) Center. The SINC Center, currently composed of teams from four Danforth Center labs and Data Science, is about using microbes and plant genetics to lower the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. A major motivation is the need to lower emissions of nitrous oxide gas, which has roughly 275-times more heat-trapping potential than an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. Seventy-five percent of total nitrous oxide emissions is due to nitrogen fertilizer and other agricultural practices. With initial seed funding from a $1M gift, the SINC Center seeks to develop technology that lowers the need for synthetic fertilizer by 12%.

So, the next time you’re asked about research we’re doing at the Danforth Center to address climate change, you now have three good examples to share! Have a safe weekend.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Here are a few facts you may not know about Danforth Center research grants:

• Roughly 50% (over $17M) of Center revenue in 2020 came from research grants
• 68 grant proposals were submitted in 2020; 57 proposals were submitted in the first seven months of 2021
• 34.1% of competitive grant proposals submitted in 2020 were funded
• 199 grant-funded projects and fellowships are under management at the Danforth Center

From these numbers, we can discern the importance of grants to our overall funding, the increasing volume of proposals submitted annually, and the large number of funded research projects for which we successfully compete. This week, I want to shine a light on the tremendous contributions of the five Grant Specialists – Dana Benedicktus, Holly Costello, Terri Green, Michelle Richards and Missy Rung-Blue - whose talents and hard work enable all this to happen. Each Grant Specialist works in close partnership with a group of PIs and their teams, a terrific Administrative Assistant (Terri Burton, Shannon Gabbert, Justino Gordon, Judy Mitchell, or Angie Wright), Cathy Kromer as coordinator, and Melissa Kerckhoff and members of the Finance and Accounting team.

Among their critical roles in preparation of a competitive proposal, the Grant Specialists gather information about grant programs, determine requirements for submission, organize content for the multiple proposal sections (project description, personnel, and much more), and help develop a budget that complies with both granting agency and Danforth Center requirements. Grant Specialists work under immovable submission deadlines, and often with multiple proposals at the same time. They navigate around obstacles when they appear, interface with collaborating partners who are late, and serve on the front lines when systems and requirements change. Currently, they are in the process of learning, testing and adapting to a new proposal and grants management system that will affect every aspect of their work. Then if a proposal is funded, they work with the PIs and Finance to manage budgets, meet deadlines and otherwise ensure that the project runs smoothly. Terri Green also serves a special function as the authorized individual who submits all Center proposals online to the funding agencies. Terri serves in this role with efficiency, patience and willingness to work at all hours when problems occur at submission deadlines.

I admire and appreciate the work and professionalism of Dana, Holly, Terri, Michelle and Missy. They are the gears that make the research machine run at the Danforth Center, and they deserve our frequent acknowledgement and thanks!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

With the Labor Day Holiday on Monday, I want to thank everyone for your hard work and countless contributions to the Danforth Center. As most of you enjoy the extended weekend, I ask that everyone celebrate the results of your dedicated efforts. I also ask that everyone recognize with gratitude and celebrate those Center community members whose work makes it possible for us to do our jobs or who contribute to our success.

I want to give special thanks to all those who, despite the Labor Day Holiday, will be working onsite over the weekend or on Monday to care for plants, ensure security, tend to ongoing experiments that need attention, and respond to any emergencies that arise. These individuals are serving unique roles with sacrifice, but with immense benefit to the community.

I hope you enjoy the weekend with family or friends, and please stay safe!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

From time to time, I find myself reading articles in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the disease epidemiology digest published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) since 1930. Now, I understand if MMWR is not in your regular reading rotation. First of all, we can agree that the journal title is quite a downer. The journal originally had a more uplifting name, Weekly Health Index, but it was changed inexplicably to the bleak-sounding Weekly Mortality Index in 1941. In a full-gloom-and-doom move, the word Morbidity was added in 1952 after what must have been a spirited editorial board meeting. With deep dives into the clinical and statistical weeds, MMWR rarely caters to the casual reader. But, if you want the best, most recent scientific data on spread of infectious diseases and vaccines, MMWR is for you!

This week, MMWR published several studies showing real-world effectiveness of vaccines (mostly Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 severe disease, hospitalization and worse. For example, in a 35-week detailed study of 4217 U.S. healthcare professionals, vaccines were 91% effective at preventing any infection prior to emergence of the Delta variant in early 2021. That is, vaccination lowered the likelihood of becoming infected by 10-fold when earlier strains were circulating. Later in 2021, vaccines were 61% effective at preventing infection in places where the Delta variant dominated, though interpreting the decline from 91% is complicated (see below). However, other studies showed that vaccines were over 90% effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalizations, regardless of the variant. The new data are clear: the risks of severe disease and death reside overwhelmingly with non-vaccinated people, even with the growing number of vaccinated individuals who are carriers.

Some questions arise from these studies. Importantly, although they are still relatively low, why are the numbers of vaccinated individuals with carrier or breakthrough infections rising? Does immunity after vaccination simply wane over time, or is the Delta variant overcoming immunity in a higher proportion of vaccinated people? There are data supporting both ideas. Importantly, early studies show that booster shots dramatically re-elevate protective antibodies.

What do the new findings mean for the Danforth Center? First, the studies clearly validate the notion that everyone who is able should get fully vaccinated. Second, even with the Center’s high vaccination rate, they underscore the importance of masking, distancing, indoor meeting and gathering limits, and other anti-COVID-19 measures, as anyone can potentially acquire and carry the virus. And third, we intend to follow CDC recommendations regarding booster shots, including encouraging those with compromised or weakened immune systems to consult with their healthcare providers soon about the advisability of a booster.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Many of us spend a lot of time communicating with the public about the Danforth Center and our work. Most would agree that effective, purposeful communication through written, verbal, online or other means involves really hard work! Effectively speaking to audiences is particularly difficult for many because it’s often complicated by fear of public speaking (glossophobia), which affects nearly 50% of people. That’s about the same as the percentage of people with a fear of stumbling into a nest of hissing snakes (ophidiophobia)! Most of us were never trained in the art of public communication, especially public speaking. In fact, most scientists develop skills to communicate in highly technical ways that are geared toward specialized audiences; such an approach rarely works well with non-scientific groups.

Through lots of learning from mistakes, feedback, and continuous practice, I’ve concluded that effective communication about the Center and our work hinges on two essential concepts – accessibility and authenticity. Accessibility is about connecting with an audience on their terms, regardless of their scientific knowledge or understanding about us. That means getting a grip on the audience’s background, using the audience’s vocabulary, and learning what they care about. Authenticity is about staying true to and accurate about what we do and discover, no matter who comprises the audience. Authenticity contributes to credibility. Accessibility combined with authenticity yields communication that is simple, clear, and accurate. Being simultaneously accessible and authentic requires work and practice, but I’ve seen many of you learn and apply these concepts at Conversations events, Big Ideas presentations, donor gatherings, and in other public settings. And I’ve seen audiences inspired and moved to action as a result!

I am thrilled to see other ways in which community members are working to improve communication skills. Postdoctoral associates Dhineshkumar Thiruppathi, Saima Shahid, Junpeng Zhan and Kevin Cox (and Yunqing Yu and Alex Harkess in the recent past) are serving as Assistant Feature Editors for Plant Physiology or The Plant Cell (TPC), where they publish brief articles that summarize recent research papers for the broad journal audiences. Their articles should bring awareness of scientific advances to plant scientists who are far afield from the topic of the original article. That is, they need to be accessible for non-specialists and scientifically authentic. I’m proud that these talented young scientists have taken on this important job, and I’m glad they are developing and honing skills that can also be applied while communicating with non-scientific audiences.

Have a good weekend, and please stay safe out there.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

How do we more equitably and inclusively grow the St. Louis economy and develop a workforce with full participation from all communities in the region? That was the topic of a panel in which I participated this week during presentation of the State of the St. Louis Workforce report, which is prepared annually by the St. Louis Community College (STLCC) and partners. The panel, which was moderated by Jeff Pittman (STLCC Chancellor) and live streamed from the Nine PBS studios, was interesting for two reasons. First, the discussion centered squarely on challenges that the Danforth Center is committed to address. And second, the other panelists – Marilyn Bush (President, Bank of America, St. Louis), Art McCoy (Leader of STL.Works), and Valerie Patton (Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Greater St. Louis, Inc) – were fascinating. Each is a strong community leader working hard to achieve inclusive growth in unique ways. I was honored to be seated alongside them.

This panel was an opportunity to talk about what we are doing to build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Danforth Center, and how we are helping to grow opportunities in underserved communities outside of our doors. These are, after all, integral parts of our Strategic Plan. I talked about our People Initiative in which we are re-developing DEI training and education, re-imagining our hiring and retention processes, and re-engaging our community around key diversity goals. And I talked about how we are reaching into communities to engage students of color in authentic research experiences, where students who are underrepresented in science and other STEM fields can start identifying as scientists. Such identity is critical for retention of these students in STEM education pipelines. While these Danforth Center efforts do not address every challenge in building a diverse and inclusive workforce, they are ways in which WE can uniquely contribute.

The panel also provided an opportunity to talk about industries that can have an outsized impact on economic growth in St. Louis. I made the case that we can grow and strengthen the economy with private sector companies that are solving global challenges, like food insecurity and climate change. I was proud to point to the expanding AgTech ecosystem on and around our campus in 39North, enabled in part by the Danforth Center. But while we are seeing entrepreneurial success and investment in exciting companies in our neighborhood, are we doing enough to ensure that all communities are prepared, and feel welcome, to participate? I look forward to continuing the work with our partners, like the St. Louis Community College, to make sure that happens.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

P.S. Many thanks to Kris Callis-Duehl and Stephanie Regagnon for providing thoughts and ideas in advance of the panel discussion!

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Each time we bring new scientific teams to the Danforth Center, I am thankful we have had the capacity and resources to grow. With construction of the WHD Wing, collaboration with partner universities, and successful fundraising efforts, we planned for growth to accommodate around 30 PI-led research teams. I am thrilled we will reach that target with the addition of two new PIs, Dr. Tessa Burch-Smith and Dr. Armando Bravo, in the near future.

Tessa Burch-Smith joins the Center as Associate Member and PI on Monday, August 2 when she arrives from the University of Tennessee with a team of three graduate students - Amie Sankoh, Mohammad Azim and Samantha Nuzzi. Tessa and team work to understand how plant cells communicate with each other through intercellular channels called plasmodesmata (PD). Plants are actually a vast network of interconnected cells that exchange essential molecules like sugars, proteins and RNA through PD during growth and development. And viruses exploit PD channels to move from cell to cell as they spread through plants. Tessa and team are shedding light on two important plant biology topics - how different parts of a plant exchange signaling molecules and metabolites, and how viruses interact with their hosts to cause disease. Tessa has already made valuable contributions through collaboration with Kirk Czymmek to test and acquire the new transmission electron microscopy system being installed now in the Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory. Tessa, Amie, Mohammad and Samantha - we are excited to welcome you next week!

Armando Bravo accepted our offer just this week to join as Assistant Member and PI, starting later in 2021. Armando is coming from the Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University, and will initiate a program focused on plant-microbe symbiosis. Armando works on interactions between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which live underground in tight association with plant roots. AMF help plants to take up nutrients like phosphorous from soil, and to tolerate environmental stress. In exchange, plants offer up essential carbon-containing compounds necessary for AMF to grow. We care about this because AMF and other symbiotic microbes offer enormous potential to sustainably reduce the use of synthetic fertilizer, water and other inputs in agriculture. Armando, we look forward to welcoming you in the Fall!

Thank you to all who have worked so hard to identify, recruit and onboard these talented scientists. And many thanks in advance to Tessa, Amie, Mohammad, Samantha and Armando for your future contributions to the Danforth Center community!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I had an interesting call this week with Brett Begemann, a Director on our Board and the recently retired Chief Operating Officer of Bayer Crop Science US. Brett has been a strong supporter of the Danforth Center since the beginning, and an encouraging source of wisdom for me over the past several years. We were talking about how the Center community might change in the post-COVID world (assuming we get there!). This is occupying a fair bit of planning time given the changing expectations and attitudes about flexible and remote work arrangements among current and prospective community members. The potential impact that such changes will have on our culture, for example, presents uncertainty that most organizations with a knowledge-based workforce are facing.

While discussing the difficulty of predicting how decisions we could make might affect our community, Brett articulated clearly the sensible approach that smart organizations will take. It starts with the simple acknowledgement that we don’t know how decisions we make today will fully play out tomorrow! Acknowledging that fact clears the path to find ways to measure the effects of changes, and then to adjust course if the data point in a different direction. Smart organizations don’t need perfect plans to navigate an uncertain future, but they do need ways to assess how things are going and a willingness to change course based on what they learn. Brett effectively defined what it means to be a reasonable and rational organization in the face of uncertainty.

With our Strategic Plan, the community is developing and implementing a number of new initiatives. None of the planning anticipates every wrinkle or challenging scenario that will be encountered. The new Field Research Site has involved a lot of course adjustment to date, and will require more adjustment in the future as we learn from the experience of building a new facility. The Innovation Initiative has involved piloting of programs and iterative learning to figure out better, more productive ways to catalyze startup companies around Danforth Center technologies. We’re figuring out how our education, outreach and training programs can be scaled in new ways, despite the fact that clear blueprints for doing so do not exist. In fact, every new initiative underway has some unpredictability and, therefore, risk. The question for me is not, “Do our plans anticipate every challenge and eliminate all risk?” but rather, “How well can we recognize and understand problems as they arise and adjust our course of action appropriately?”

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting in on a progress update for a new Danforth Center research initiative – theSubterranean Influences on the Nitrogen Cycle Center of Excellence (SINC Center) - focused on developing solutions to the “nitrogen problem,” which arose through the widespread adoption of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture. The ability to efficiently manufacture nitrogen fertilizer in chemical factories helped grow yields of Green Revolution crops starting in the mid-20^th century, but it came with enormous environmental costs through pollution of waterways and oceans, destabilized soils and significant greenhouse gas emissions. Just how much synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is used to produce our food? Consider the fact that 50% of the total nitrogen in our bodies was chemically processed in a factory!

The SINC Center currently involves members of the Allen, Bart, Baxter, and Topp labs, the Data Science team, and critical support from the Field Research Site and Plant Growth Facility teams. They’re working in cross-lab collaborative teams to identify and understand native microbes that can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer; to understand the role of host plant genetics in promoting beneficial interactions with microbes; to understand how variation in root functions affect nitrogen-promoting interactions; and to understand the metabolism affecting exchange of nitrogen between plants and microbes. That was a mouthful because the SINC Center has an ambitious research agenda. But the work all focuses toward a single goal – to develop new technologies that reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer while maintaining high yields. The SINC Center features prominently in achieving the goals of Outcome 3 – Sustainable Crops and Systems – in our Strategic Plan.

While each of the SINC Center labs has been working for years to understand how plants relate to nitrogen, the new effort is different. It intertwines team members in novel focus areas; it has actual outcome targets with great practical value; and it was initiated because of the far-sighted vision and generosity of Phil and Sima Needleman, who provided the initial funding to get the SINC Center off the ground. Thank you, Phil and Sima!

Let’s go back to the update given by SINC Center co-directors Becky Bart, Doug Allen, Ivan Baxter and Chris Topp to Phil and three advisors. The overwhelming sense of pride I felt was due to the display of creativity and rapid progress from the first five months of work. It also came from the fact that this initiative is possible because of our exceptional scientific leaders and teams, our collaborative ethic, our unique and adaptable facilities teams, and our amazing supporters. Thank you to everyone who is contributing!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I’ve received several good questions recently with relevance to the community, so let’s share them along with responses in this week’s message.

Are you happy with the Center-wide full vaccination rate? YES! As of Friday morning, July 9, we were at 93.4% fully vaccinated. Prior to vaccine distribution, we surveyed the Center community and calculated that 95% would get vaccinated. I’m guessing we will hit that mark once all cards are filed with HR. I am proud that we not only reached a high mark, but that we did so at a pace that far exceeded the pace of local, state and national vaccination. We are a safer community as a result!

Are you concerned about the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2? Definitely. The Delta variant is now the dominant strain circulating in Missouri and responsible for the disturbing upward reversal in infection rates. Daily infection rates in Missouri are 2.5-fold higher today than they were one month ago. The Delta variant, which is causing disease, hospitalization and death almost exclusively in non-vaccinated individuals, spreads about twice as easily as strains that circulated during the first year of the pandemic. It accumulates to higher levels in infected individuals and is likely more easily transmitted to non-vaccinated children. I am not so concerned about our near-fully vaccinated Danforth Center community, but I am concerned about non-vaccinated family members. I’m also concerned about the fact that low vaccination rates in large parts of the country provide large reservoirs of people in which new variants, like Delta, can evolve, take hold and prolong the pandemic. That negatively affects all of us.

Are we just about ready to return to “normal” operations (Phase 3)? Not quite. Phase 3 will have no COVID-related restrictions or protocols, but expect some modified policies that affect our work environment. There are a few things in the way of advancing to Phase 3. First and foremost, the pandemic is still with us...see prior paragraph. And second, we need to collect more information (ongoing now) on expectations and needs within our community concerning how the work environment could or should change in the future. To what extent should work-from-home options be normalized? To what extent will more flexible work arrangements be a recruiting or retention advantage? And how will any changes affect our culture? While we know the workplace of the future will be different from the workplace of the past, we need to be mindful of all parts of our community before a course is set.

Have a great weekend! And as always, please stay safe.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Many are traveling out of town, planning local trips and celebrating with family and friends over the Fourth of July holiday, so I’ll give you a break with a very brief message this week. With hope that you find ways to reward yourselves for the outstanding work you’ve done this year, enjoy the long weekend!

And remember, we are not out of the woods yet with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Delta variant has significantly and dangerously increased the threat to non-vaccinated individuals, including kids, in Missouri. Please stay safe out there!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Did you see the news this week about approval of virus-resistant cassava in Kenya? Nigel Taylor has been leading the Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa (VIRCA) project for most of the past decade. Nigel’s team, the IICI team and collaborators at several African national agricultural organizations developed cassava varieties that resist two destructive virus diseases, Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and Cassava mosaic disease (CMD), which threaten food security and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers in east and central Africa. Resistance against CBSD was generated using RNA interference (RNAi). Through a long, determined VIRCA project journey, the Kenyan National Biosafety Authority approved for environmental release cassava with the new CBSD resistance trait, which the team combined with naturally occurring CMD resistance. This is the first approval of a product using modern biotechnology in east Africa.

Because cassava is such an unusual and often difficult crop, the VIRCA project has been a roller coaster of ups, downs and rescues from near disaster. It’s exciting to witness such an impactful application of RNAi, an area of science that is close to home for me. It was thrilling to see the “proof-of-concept” cassava plants resisting CBSD in early field trials during a trip to Uganda in 2012. It was then devastating to see the farmer-preferred varieties that the team subsequently developed completely succumb to disease during a trip in 2014. The RNAi-mediated resistance to CBSD was fine, but the plants inexplicably lost the natural resistance to CMD. Why the plants were suddenly susceptible to CMD was entirely baffling, but it gave the project funders and collaborators serious reason to doubt the viability of the project.

What happened next was a tour de force of scientific creativity and energy. The team crafted three approaches to regain CMD resistance, but without knowing the cause, the risk of failure for each was very real. Long story short, they hypothesized that CMD resistance could be restored through genetic crosses with specific other cassava varieties, and they succeeded spectacularly in doing so. With a big pivot, they pulled the project back from the brink. By the way, this all led to a significant collaboration with Becky Bart’s team and others to understand natural CMD resistance and why it unexpectedly disappeared.

The recent approval paves the way for final stages of testing, registration of new varieties and release to smallholder farmers in Kenya. I am so appreciative of Nigel’s team members and how they have persevered; they’ve lived our values of Innovation and Collaboration. I am thankful to Don MacKenzie, Getu Duguma and the IICI team for masterfully navigating the regulatory landscape in Kenya. And I am so thankful to have exceptional partners, like our Kenyan colleague Catherine Taracha, on this important project.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Juneteenth occurs on the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas were finally freed by Union soldiers after the Civil War ended. The date marks the actual emancipation of slaves nearly two and one-half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to legally free slaves in rebel states. The first celebrations of June 19 began as Jubilee Day within Black communities in Texas in 1866, despite barriers and ordinances that restricted assemblies of Black people in many public spaces. The name “Juneteenth” was established in the late 1890s, though celebrations were suppressed as Jim Crow laws were passed to discriminate against and disenfranchise Black people in the early 1900s. Despite the significance and symbolism of Juneteenth in U.S. history, broad recognition and awareness of Juneteenth in this country has required over 150 years.

Many individuals and organizations have campaigned over the years for Juneteenth to be recognized as an official federal holiday, but no one has done as much as 94-year old Opal Lee, a retired teacher from Texas who is known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth. In 2016 and 2017, she organized and marched in dozens of 2.5-mile walks – corresponding to the 2.5 years between the Emancipation Proclamation date (issued Jan. 1, 1863) and June 19, 1865 – across the country to raise awareness of Juneteenth and advocate for federal holiday recognition. She was present this week at the White House for the signing of legislation that finally established Juneteenth as a national holiday.

We observed Juneteenth as a Danforth Center holiday on Friday, June 18. I hope everyone will have an opportunity this weekend to reflect, to read, to view or to learn about the history leading to Juneteenth and the struggle that Black communities have faced ever since.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

For several months, teams have been developing action plans to make our Strategic Plan come to life. If the Strategic Plan is about the outcomes and goals we want to achieve, then the action plans are about the steps and resources needed to get from here to there. Thank you to each team member for your creativity and good work!

The good news is that we have an abundance of great plans to implement, ideas to try and aspirations to ponder. The other news is that we lack the money to pay for much of what the plans call for. Facilities development and new fellowships, for example, are important to achieve our goals, but funds are not in hand for these and other necessary items. But note I did not call this “bad news.” That’s because we have excellent fundraising professionals in the Development team, led by Tom Bander (VP of Development), dedicated to raising money for these purposes from philanthropic sources.

Let’s talk about how we pay to operate the Danforth Center, with funds (over $34M in 2021) arising largely from two sources. Half of the money comes from competitive grants that our PIs and teams secure from sources like the National Science Foundation. These grants pay for supplies, team member salaries, and other project expenses, and for some major equipment. Most of the other half (around $16M) originates from philanthropic gifts from generous donors, foundations, and companies that believe in the Center’s work and our mission. As per donors’ wishes, some gifts are used soon after receipt, and others go into our endowment that we draw from using a formula (over $13M this year). Donor-derived funds pay for mission-critical people, programs, and facilities that scientific grants do not or cannot support, and for large capital projects like new buildings or greenhouses. This is why our donors - our investors - are absolutely essential partners with us at the Danforth Center. We could neither function nor exist without them. Importantly, most of the new initiatives, facilities and programs specified through the recent planning process will require new donor-based support.

The Development team identifies and stewards donors through relationship-building, network-building, organizing events and volunteer groups, and communicating with the public. And they have a secret weapon...the Danforth Center Community! Our donors want and need to hear about our motivation, our discoveries and our impact from those who are doing the work. I am proud each time I hear you communicate such at an event or on a tour. And for us to achieve our strategic goals and desired outcomes, we need your continued engagement with the Development team and donors. We can do it, but it will require a Center-wide effort.

Thank you to each member of the Development team, and to all who contribute time and talent to work with our philanthropic partners. Our success depends on you!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

This week was a significant step forward for the Danforth Center with transition to Phase 2 operations. It was also a big step forward for me and my family, as Teri and I hosted our two sons - Ross from Seattle and Jason from New York - for a week-long, post-vaccination vacation of sorts. This was our first time seeing Ross in person since early January, 2020, which was also the last time we saw anyone else from the family’s West Coast contingent that includes mom, two daughters, son-in-law and four grandkids. I took time off from work for most of the week, the first time that’s happened since, well, January 2020.

The week was filled with music and laughs, card games and Scrabble, favorite foods and beverages, long walks, and our first Cardinals game in two seasons. No big adventures, and nothing particularly story-worthy (though there’s still two days to go). Really, the big step forward this week was the gain of some recognizable normalcy with at least part of the family, and a renewed appreciation of what most of us have missed while finding our way through the pandemic. This week highlighted for me the remarkable value of vaccination in not only reducing pain, suffering and worse from COVID-19, but in regaining the little things bring happiness to our lives.

That’s all I have to say. Enjoy the weekend!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Wednesday, June 2. That’s when we transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 operations at the Danforth Center! Phase 2 will relax certain limits to onsite access and open up of some job-related activities. Two criteria were met to trigger the transition. First, the Center community reached our target of 75% full vaccination, a milestone achieved far ahead of the region and the state. And second, though COVID-19 persists, cases in the region have remained at relatively modest levels for several months. We have sought to apply scientific knowledge about the protection afforded by the vaccines while also considering the health and safety of those who are not fully vaccinated or have declined vaccination.

Please read carefully the Safer You, Safer Us: Phase 2 document, which contains the new operating rules and guidelines relating to onsite access, daily wellness certification, business travel, masking, meetings and gatherings, short- and long-term visitors, and other items. There are changes that affect everyone. For example, while work-from-home will still be supported, Phase 2 now allows all community members to access onsite facilities. But only those who have not sent completed vaccine card copies (or who have sent declination forms) to Human Resources will be required to submit daily wellness certifications prior to coming onsite. In some circumstances, voluntary disclosure of fully- or not-fully-vaccinated status among coworkers will guide an appropriate course of action, but under no circumstances will anyone be required to disclose vaccination status outside of HR or be judged for choosing not to voluntarily disclose.

I strongly encourage all labs, departments and teams to discuss the Phase 2 document soon to ensure understanding of changes we’re implementing. The document does not ponder all imaginable scenarios, but we think the principles outlined will serve to guide in most situations when coupled with reasonable judgement. Further, some core facilities (e.g. PGF) will implement Phase 2 changes that affect user access or operations; details regarding such changes will be coming from the relevant facility directors.

Thank you to all who worked hard to develop, and provide feedback on, Phase 2 plans. While it does not get us back to “normal,” Phase 2 is a step in that direction.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

During the “Alternative Scientific Careers” panel at BioBash this week, moderator Stephanie Regagnon asked, “What was the scariest transition you ever made in your career?” This reminded me of a move I made as a postdoc when my advisor, Bill Dougherty, moved from North Carolina State University to Oregon State University. At 5:00 a.m. on moving day, our two-vehicle caravan to Corvallis departed with Bill, his partner Dawn and their large dog in his van, and me in my 1978 Datsun King Cab truck with a leaky camper shell.

Several hours later on I40, my vehicle started lagging behind Bill’s on the uphill climbs through the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. The gaps seemed to widen on successive climbs, though I always caught up on the downhills. The trail of oily black spots I was leaving on the highway, however, and a funny smell signaled undeniable trouble, so we turned off at exit 287 in Cookeville, TN and found an auto service shop just as smoke from the engine started obscuring my view. A few minutes later, a mechanic was pointing to engine parts and shaking his head, then politely summed up my big problem with, “Sir, you’ve got a big problem.” I asked, “How long would it take to fix?” After more head-shaking, he said, “It could take a week or so.”

Bill, Dawn and I discussed our bad and worse options for an hour. Then I asked the mechanic, “How much would you give me for the truck, as is?” With no more hesitation than had I asked him his first name, he said, “Four hundred dollars, cash.” Done! After cramming my stuff in the van, which had only two seats (did I mention the big dog?), we were headed west toward the Nashville airport. “I’ll fly the rest of the way,” was all I could say. An hour later, a cheerful agent at the American Airlines counter told me, “The cheapest flight today is...$395.” Well, isn’t that convenient, I thought.

The point to make with this story is, moves and career changes can be stressful, chaotic, and uncertain experiences as the BioBash panel discussed. But can you imagine making a move or taking a new position during the past year, with all the disruptions and disconnections due to the pandemic? We’ve welcomed at least 68 full-time or part-time community members to the Center since March, 2020. I admire the courage shown and effort made by these individuals. Training and integration has been more difficult, and some have never met their teammates in person. Data suggest that people hired during the pandemic are at risk of being less engaged and feeling more disconnected from supervisors and coworkers. I want to raise sensitivity to, and awareness about, these issues that affect our whole community.

I look forward to meeting in person and hearing the stories of our newest community members. But until then, let’s do all we can to help those who have joined recently to build connections, grow engagement and feel a sense of belonging that we all want.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

A lot happened around the Danforth Center this week, so there’s a lot on my mind. Let’s touch on three important recent events or issues.

Plotting a Plant-Based Meat Revolution. Talk about provocative! Pat Brown communicated his vision to eliminate large-scale production of animal-based meat - all of it - by 2035 during his virtual Conversations presentation this week. Despite your reaction just then, we should listen carefully. Pat Brown is founder and CEO of Impossible Foods and the most recognized name in the plant-based meat industry, one of the fastest growing segments in food. He’s motivated by the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and loss of global biodiversity; replacement of farmed and ranched animals with high-protein, plant-based products at large scale could achieve these outcomes. Concerns about environmental impacts of animal farming are why many of us have adopted reduced-meat, vegetarian or vegan diets. The migration toward plant-based alternatives has high relevance for the Danforth Center, as Pat noted the critical need for research to improve composition, quality and uses of plant protein and other constituents to make more diverse, desirable and affordable foods that consumers choose over animal-based foods. As Pat also stated, consumer choice will determine just how close he gets to realizing his vision.

A Unicorn on Danforth Center Campus. This week’s announcement that Benson Hill will be going public as a unicorn (valuation greater than $1 billion) created a sonic boom in the AgTech world. Benson Hill, with deep roots in, and technology from, the Danforth Center is the most prominent start-up success story on campus. They’re growing rapidly in the EDGE@BRDG building and delivering products that include high-protein crops and ingredients for the plant-based meat and animal-alternative markets. Benson Hill’s success sends a loud, positive signal to other companies, start-ups, investors and talented people who are considering 39North as a home. It also inspires the question: What will the next unicorn from the Danforth Center look like?

Shedding the Mask? The updated CDC guidelines for mask-wearing and distancing by vaccinated individuals are intended to be a significant step toward normalcy. The guidelines are grounded in the high efficacy of current COVID-19 vaccines in protecting against illness. How will the new CDC guidance affect operations at the Danforth Center? This will take a little more time to answer, because our current situation is complicated by having both vaccinated (62% reported as of May 14) and non-vaccinated individuals onsite. While we are targeting 75% fully vaccinated before transitioning to Phase 2 and relaxation of several restrictions, details about masking requirements and a few other workplace arrangements have yet to be fully defined.

Take care and have a good weekend.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Last year, our scientists and teams published 137 scientific papers, more than in any prior year in our history. That’s great news! But even for someone really motivated, it’s difficult to keep up with the advances reported in all of these papers. I’m also cognizant that many of you, especially those in non-science roles, are less than familiar with most of the Center’s discoveries and advances. To connect more of our community with recent scientific developments, I want to highlight a few recent publications and explain briefly their significance. Here are three papers from work involving seven lab groups in diverse research areas.

Wilson ME, Tzeng SC, Augustin MM, Meyer M, Jiang X, Choi JH, Rogers JC, Evans BS, Kutchan TM, Nusinow DA. Quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics support a role for Mut9-like kinases in multiple metabolic and signaling pathways in Arabidopsis. (2021) Molecular and Cellular Proteomics. doi: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100063.

Fear not the cumbersome title! This collaboration among the Nusinow, Kutchan and Evans teams focuses on molecules that control circadian rhythms in plants. Plants (like people) have an internal clock, and if you take your favorite potted plant on a flight to Nairobi, it will experience jet lag! The Nusinow team has spent years identifying key parts and roles of the circadian clock, and this new work shows how the time-keeper connects external cues (like light) to molecular responses to environmental stress. Meter and team are now working to produce plants with altered circadian rhythms as a way to breed crops suited to different environments, such as for indoor agriculture.

Wester ER, Walsh LL, Arango-Caro S, Callis-Duehl KL. Student engagement declines in STEM undergraduates during COVID-19-driven remote learning. (2021) J. Microbiology and Biology Education. doi: 10.1128/jmbe.v22i1.2385.

Do you know about research led by Kris Callis-Duehl on how students learn, and its relevance to delivery of the Center’s education and outreach programs? Here, her team asked: How has the shift to online classes during the pandemic impacted STEM student’s engagement in class? The team detected an alarming “decrease in emotional engagement, with students reporting a drastic decline in positive attitudes toward science.” This kind of research can be applied to help mitigate or address some of the problems resulting from recent disruptions in education.

Veley KM, Okwuonu I, Jensen G, Yoder M, Taylor NJ, Meyers BC, Bart RS. Gene tagging via CRISPR-mediated homology-directed repair in cassava. (2021) G3 (Bethesda). doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab028.

The Bart, Meyers and Taylor teams collaborated to develop a broadly applicable method to edit and analyze plant genomes in more precise, informative ways. The method offers better tools to study what genes do, how genes are expressed, and the biology controlled by different genes. They applied the technique here to study plant-pathogen interactions in cassava, a crop that is difficult to work with but important as a food security crop around the world.

Many thanks to everyone who makes scientific progress happen at the Danforth Center!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

The Danforth Center’s online communication efforts are important for our community, our colleagues, and our stakeholders. Our website, social media platforms and public relations channels convey who we are, what we do, and what matters to us through telling our stories, celebrating our successes, and delivering content that underscores our purpose and strategic priorities. Special thanks go to Monica Zawicki and Karla Roeber, who keep our online communications machine running productively and evolving continuously. Thanks also go to all who contribute directly or indirectly to content we deliver.

I met recently with Monica and Karla for a 1^st quarter analytics report on our online impact. We collect data on each platform, what gets viewed, and which platforms/content are prompting desirable actions (all data are anonymous). These data feed back into content development, allocation of financial resources, and adjustments to our communication strategy. Here are some highlights of what I learned for January-March, 2021:

35,317. That’s how many sessions we had on our website, with sessions averaging three pages per visit. After the homepage, the Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates application and information pages were the #1 and #3 most visited pages, respectively. The Principal Investigators page with links to each PI held the #2 spot.

You’re #1, Ivan! – The most searched-for PI was Ivan Baxter. It’s a good thing Ivan and team have an interesting story to tell!

Most read news story and blog post. Generation of cassava with both virus resistance and enhanced nutrition by the Taylor lab was the most read news story on our website. Spotlight on Women in Science, featuring Elizabeth Castillo, Taylor Harris, Sona Pandey and Ru Zhang was the most read blog post.

Making 128,762 and 57,567 impressions. That’s how many times @danforthcenter content was viewed on Twitter and LinkedIn, respectively. Among our four social media platforms, Twitter reached the most people, but had the least number of engagements (shares, likes, etc.) per post; Instagram had the highest engagement per post, but reached the least number of people.

What’s engaging? Not surprisingly, it’s the diverse people in our community generating the most engagement! The most engaged posts from across the four platforms featured Kevin Cox, Early Career Award-winners Andrea Eveland and Malia Gehan, Tira Jones, Allison Miller, Diego Cuerda-Gil, the four “Spotlight” scientists (see above), Nadia Shakoor, Veena Veena, Toni Kutchan and the new Directors on our Board.

Please keep the contributions coming to our online and social media efforts, and thanks for following!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

In the weeks ahead, a strategic program to encourage, incentivize and support new start-up company formation from Danforth Center scientists and technologies will be rolled out. Already, the strategic planning process has led to new research directions, facilities development, and progress in diversity, equity and inclusion at the Danforth Center. Elevating start-up company creation and success is a strategic priority (see Outcome 5 – Economic Impact – in the strategic plan) intended to grow our impact in the region and the world. Without innovative companies delivering products to solve real problems, our Center scientific research will not reach its full potential to make the world a better place.

The program to achieve this goal will focus effort and resources in several key areas:

Increase the effectiveness of intellectual property (IP). IP, such as a patent, is often a vital piece around which on new companies form. The Innovation Team (Stephanie Regagnon, Tom Laurita and Claire Kinlaw) has been rethinking how we go about securing IP from our research, how to make IP easier to file, and how to make investments in IP more strategically.

Enable critical proof-of-concept research. While competitive grants for fundamental research are available from many sources, funding for proof-of-concept (PoC) research to test an idea that might be marketable is almost non-existent. This kind of research, however, is critical to determining if a technology has commercial viability. To partially bridge this gap, we are committing resources over the next several years to fund promising PoC projects at the Center.

Provide in-house entrepreneurial leadership and training. As co-founder and former CEO of NewLeaf Symbiotics, Tom Laurita (Dir. of Entrepreneurship) brings extensive experience as an entrepreneur in AgTech. Tom provides in-house knowledge for how to start and run companies, and can potentially serve as an initial CEO for new Danforth Center start-ups. We see this benefitting prospective scientist-founders of companies, as well as students and researchers with career interests in entrepreneurial businesses.

Create better mechanisms to start and initially fund companies. The Danforth Center is putting corporate structures in place to enable start-up companies form more efficiently and with initial funds to operate. We do not envision running companies beyond early stages, but we believe this will catalyze more company creation and help to better attract investment capital, talented entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

If you want to see our research lead to solutions to global challenges, this is an exciting time to be at the Danforth Center! Have a good weekend, and stay safe.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Working in interactive teams makes obvious and intuitive sense. None of us possess the skills, energy or time to achieve big things by ourselves. But true collaboration - people and teams working together as co-equal contributors to new ideas, problem solving and ultimately achieving worthwhile goals - has effects that go far beyond just getting a project done. Research shows that productive collaboration fuels motivation, elevates persistence during challenging work, increases interest and satisfaction in the work, improves performance, and drives willingness to engage in subsequent projects. Among Center scientists, collaboration has additional emergent benefits, including increased competitiveness for grants, unexpected discoveries, and unique ideas for new commercial applications.

We don’t just talk about collaboration as an ideal at the Danforth Center. We actively seek a collaboration mindset when hiring new community members. We elevate collaboration (and other Center values) during professional development conversations, and we seek to reward it. We also analyze it! Each Spring, Noah Fahlgren, Melissa Kerckhoff and Karla Elliott collaborate themselves to understand who among Danforth Center scientists is collaborating. They ask the question: Who is working with who on funded projects? Using computational tools (Cytoscape and visNetwork) borrowed from systems biology, collaborative interactions are built into a Center-wide network and graphically represented with color codes for each PI’s team. The 2021 Danforth Center Network of Scientists is shown here – thank you Noah, Melissa and Karla!

It is immediately striking that all of our scientific teams are linked within a Center-wide network of interactions. These are genuine collaborations funded by a granting agency, foundation or company. The network diagram shows that the Center’s scientific enterprise is not a collection of PIs and teams working on isolated projects, but rather is an organism of sorts with multiple, interconnected parts! We’ve noticed that the network has become denser with more interactions over time, meaning we continue morphing into a more connected, interactive community. That’s really good for the Danforth Center.

Through increased communication that comes with working together, greater collaboration is also helping us stay better connected, understand each other’s needs, and empathize with others who are experiencing unique challenges during the pandemic. It is no wonder that Collaboration is a core value at the Danforth Center!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

P.S. Noah created and posted an interactive online version of the collaboration network, allowing individual teams to be highlighted. Note: the network online has the same connections as shown above, but uses a computationally less-intensive graphing tool that creates a slightly different look. Have fun visualizing how Danforth Center scientists work together! Thanks again, Noah.

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Thank you to all who are helping plan for, or giving feedback on, how and when the Danforth Center advances from Phase 1 to Phase 2 operations. Phase 2 operations will enable more community members and activity onsite, though a transition date has yet to be set. Two major factors will influence when the transition occurs – 1) the rate and extent of vaccination among community members, and 2) the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding the former, we have yet to define vaccination thresholds for Phase 2; vaccination data from the Center community will be critical for doing so. Regarding the latter, new or emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants that are more virulent or transmissible are a major concern, though it’s reassuring that current vaccines provide protection against variants circulating widely now.

The outlook for safely operating in Phase 2 was brightened with the recent release of real-world, post-vaccination data. In one large placebo-controlled study, individuals who received mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech) in the U.S. were tested weekly to determine if they nonetheless became infected by SARS-CoV-2, albeit without symptoms. The results were clear: vaccination has been 89% effective at preventing any detectable infection, meaning that the overwhelming majority of vaccinated individuals are highly unlikely to be sources of new transmission. These data underscore the logic for widespread vaccination among community members before entering Phase 2.

While not all of the details are set, some plans for Phase 2 are firming up. These include:

Onsite access – The approval process for access to facilities by community members will be eliminated, though monitoring of entries will continue. Work-from-home for those who can will continue to be supported.

Wellness certification – Self-administration of wellness checks will continue, but the requirement for daily submission of wellness certification online will be eliminated for fully vaccinated individuals. Those exhibiting symptoms of illness should still stay home.

Safety measures – Wearing of masks, distancing and sanitation practices will continue according to CDC recommendations.

Travel for business – Current restrictions will be relaxed to enable travel on public transportation, though quarantining may be required upon return for non-vaccinated individuals.

Quarantine after suspected exposure – Quarantine requirements will be in effect only for non-vaccinated community members exposed to COVID-19-positive (or suspected) individuals.

In the weeks ahead, more information about timing and other changes to implement in Phase 2 will be sent. In the meantime, please complete the survey (sent April 9) on vaccination adoption and progress. Your feedback is critical for moving forward. Take care!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Several times every week, I find myself in discussions with Danforth Center community members, partners, Directors on the Board, volunteers, and business people about new ideas for things we could do at the Center. We are fortunate in that ideas from just about anyone can be heard and considered. New ideas are essential to keeping us moving forward. New Danforth Center goals and initiatives, new faculty recruiting, and important new projects are all recent outcomes that started with good ideas.

Of course, not all ideas are feasible or aligned with what the Danforth Center is about. “Let’s increase awareness of the Center by building a theme park in the prairie, with rides built entirely from used pipette tips!” That’s a creative idea, but a little off the mark. An old friend who was particularly skilled at responding to impractical ideas from well-intentioned people would often reply with an encouraging, “That’s a very imaginative idea,” before effortlessly changing the subject. One day, long after learning how my friend did this, I presented him with a great new idea. He thought carefully, smiled appreciatively, and said “You always have such imaginative ideas!” We then changed the subject.

How are new ideas to start or build something at the Danforth Center vetted? I use a simple method that involves three questions: 1) Will it help us deliver on our mission and realize our vision? 2) Do we have the capability (people, expertise, facilities) and capacity to take it on? And 3) Is there a productive way to fund it within our financial model? If the answer to each question is “Yes,” then we may be on to something interesting and worth exploring. If any of the answers is “No” or “I don’t know,” then the new idea may need more work, a redirection or a polite explanation of why it might not fit.

This disciplined approach – seeking the intersection of our purpose, what we’re good (or best) at and able to do, and financial sustainability – to assessing new ideas is derived from the Hedgehog Concept articulated by Jim Collins 20 years ago in the book, Good to Great. It helps anchor decision-making to things that matter most and make the Center unique. Sometimes, this approach reveals the need for significant investments to bridge capability or capacity gaps that have opened due to changing needs. Such was the case with the Danforth Center field research site, and for other needs that were prioritized in our Strategic Plan.

Thank you to all who are working on ideas that move us forward. Working with you to see ideas transform into a better Danforth Center is one of the most satisfying parts of my job. Take care and stay safe.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I’m impressed by the creativity and endurance you’ve shown in securing COVID-19 vaccinations recently. I continue to hear numerous stories of road trips to vaccination sites, the longest being to Anderson, MO, 36 miles south of Joplin. But I’m also hearing of growing numbers getting vaccinated at local sites, some as a result of grueling online registration odysseys and others from random, drop-in-your-lap good luck! I’m also hearing new questions and concerns about the vaccines, two of which were sent my way this week. Let’s dispel another vaccine myth/misconception and inform about some late-breaking scientific research.

Question 1: I had COVID-19, and I read that the vaccines will erase the natural immunity I now have. Is that true? NO, that is not true. To the contrary, the data show that getting vaccinated serves to boost anti-COVID-19 immunity if you were infected previously. There is no scientific evidence or reason to think that a vaccine would erase immunity resulting from infection by SARS-CoV-2. Given the safety and efficacy of current vaccines, the CDC recommends that previously infected and recovered individuals should get vaccinated.

Question 2: Do we have any better sense for how long immunity will last after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?  There is encouraging new research (Nature family preprint) indicating that at least the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine activates a part of the immune system that controls long-term immunity. As essential background, when one receives a vaccine or is infected by viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the immune system responds within days by producing short-lived, antibody-generating plasma cells. The 2^nd vaccine dose boosts the number of plasma cells, which heightens and extends the protective antibody response. But whether or not the immune system retains memory of the vaccine or virus infection to confer immunity years later depends on whether or not a different set of cells – germinal center (GC) B cells – are produced in lymph nodes, and whether or not those cells migrate to and persist in bone marrow. The new research revealed that the mRNA vaccine triggered accumulation of GC B cells, and that these were boosted strongly after the 2^nd vaccine dose. Interestingly, evidence that the vaccine tapped into immune memory of other common cold-inducing coronaviruses was presented, meaning that the vaccine could be enlisting the help of long-term immunity against related viruses.

These data reveal that the mRNA vaccine triggers an early marker for long-term immunity, though research over several years will be needed before we know if long-term protection actually occurs. In the meantime, these results should further bolster confidence in mRNA vaccines, and give even more reason to keep scrambling to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Take care and keep safe!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

The shootings that targeted predominantly individuals with Asian ancestry in Atlanta this week, resulting in eight deaths, were horrifying beyond words. These shootings are among the latest in a deeply disturbing trend of hateful, terrorizing and deadly acts with racial, anti-Asian motivations. The appalling escalation of violence and discrimination against Asian individuals and communities across the U.S. is condemned here in the strongest terms. I want to state clearly my strong commitment, and that of the Danforth Center, to stand proudly in alliance with our Asian and Asian American colleagues at the Center and across the nation.

The rise in anti-Asian violence and discrimination is painful to see and difficult to comprehend. But we should have no difficulty understanding that the targeted communities are under tremendous stress as a result. Nearly one-quarter of the Danforth Center community identifies as Asian, or Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI). Our values, especially our commitment to diversity and inclusion and to integrity and respect, compel us to raise our voices and act in support of these vital colleagues. I reached out to some of these individuals to better understand what they are feeling today.

One said, “I think it’s fair to say that the (AAPI) community is right to be worried that anti-Asian sentiment is leading them to be violently targeted. These events are a reminder that we must be vigilant when discussing groups of people, to be mindful about...unfairly attributing certain qualities upon them in a blanket manner.”

Another said, “We came to this country for better education and better life. We have seen many cases of misled hate-violence targeting Asian faces across the country. Every time...I felt truly angry and deeply sad. The recent tragedy that happened in Atlanta may happen again somewhere else, if people keep their eyes shut and pretend to be incapable to change. Such senseless acts of violence left Asian communities devastated, and many paralyzed with fear.”

Another community member indicated that emotions are too high and feelings too raw to share now. What I am hearing and feeling from our Asian and AAPI colleagues is real frustration, anger, fear, pain and sadness. And when one part of the community suffers, we all suffer.

I ask that everyone find ways to help lift up our colleagues who might benefit from your support during these troubled times. Those could be things as simple as having conversations to learn about a co-worker’s experiences, or attending an event like the StopAsianHate vigil (March 20, 7:00 pm) with some of our Asian and AAPI colleagues. Let’s take care of one another! For those in need, our Employee Assistance Program with professional counselors is available, any time of any day.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Due to our demographics, relatively few Danforth Center community members have qualified for COVID-19 vaccination to date. For those who have qualified, I’ve been struck by how many have needed to travel long distances to smaller towns like Hannibal and Waynesville for shots. I’ve mumbled more than once, “Why are there not more vaccination sites in the St. Louis region?” Well, based on a recent tweet from the Governor, this may be changing:

@GovParsonMo: “Vaccine interest is often highest in urban populations, so starting next week, we will begin transitioning mass vaccination teams to accommodate more events in Region A (Kansas City region) and Region C (St. Louis region). We expect a full transition by April 1.”

This tweet from Gov. Parson received a fair bit of derision of the “No kidding” variety. But let’s remember that solving complex problems is difficult, and it takes no particular talent to criticize. I want to commend the Governor for recognizing a need, and then changing course accordingly. Delivering the COVID-19 vaccine has been one of the most challenging public health initiatives this country has undertaken, and it has placed unusual burdens on the states. I am encouraged by the pace of increase in vaccinations and optimistic that all adults waiting to get shots will receive them by the beginning of summer.

Finally, over the past year, I’ve focused a lot of attention in the Weekly Message on coronaviruses and vaccines. Collectively, they offer science-based information that is as relevant today as when initially posted. Here is a listing of those messages, all of which are accessible from this link:

• February 6, 2021 - Science Behind a New COVID-19 Vaccine
• January 30, 2021 - Viruses, Variants and Vaccines
• January 23, 2021 - Misinformation, Myths and Concerns About COVID-19 Vaccines
• December 5, 2020 - COVID-19 Vaccines and RNA Technology
• November 14, 2020 - COVID-19 Update
• September 12, 2020 - The Science Behind Flu Viruses and Vaccines
• July 2, 2020 - COVID-19 Cases Rise Again
• May 9, 2020 - Coronavirus Basics
• April 11, 2020 - Coronavirus, Science, and the Public

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

During our Black History Month celebration this week, I came away appreciating something that sounds rather obvious: history is the aggregate experiences of unique individuals who lived through their unique circumstances in their unique environments. If we want to know and understand the themes and lessons of history, we need to learn the stories of individuals, like the remarkable chemist Percy Julian and the fascinating great great grandmother of Ann Marr, Marie Laveau. Learning about individuals’ challenges, achievements, and influences on others helps to humanize history and make it more relatable, and shouldn’t that help bring people together?

Which brings us to over 400 enslaved and free Black children who were taught to read at the Bray School between 1760 and 1774 in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Bray School, which was located just off of the grounds of the College of William & Mary, was definitely not a philanthropic initiative to improve the lives of Black children. Rather, it was built to Christianize those of African descent, to teach students to appreciate their enslaved or subjugated status, and to increase the value of enslaved individuals who might then be able to do work requiring the ability to read. Some of what we know about the Bray School and the students who attended comes from Williamsburg historical research and the work of The Lemon Project at William & Mary. The Lemon Project was formed to help William & Mary understand, and reckon with, its past embrace of slavery and subjugation of Black people, starting from its founding in 1693.

Understanding those Black students’ stories took a big step forward with the recent discovery of the Bray schoolhouse, as reported this week in Washington Post and New York Times articles. This was due in large part to the dogged determination and curiosity of Terry L. Meyers, “retired” professor emeritus of English at William & Mary, over a 15-year period starting in 2004. Meyers’ research led to memoirs, documents, letters, archeological findings and architectural forensics that ultimately pinpointed the actual schoolhouse. The modest four-room structure was sitting on the William & Mary campus, having been moved there in the 1930s. But it was completely hidden and obscured due to extensive renovation and additions to the structure over time. Terry Meyers’ detailed work and discoveries are helping to restore the schoolhouse structure, educate about Black history in America, and understand those 400+ Bray School students and their descendants.

Which brings us to the question, who is professor emeritus Terry Meyers? Besides being a gifted educator, historian, and authority on Victorian poetry, he is none other than the father of Blake Meyers, PI at the Danforth Plant Science Center. You can learn more about Blake’s dad and his work, including that on the Bray School for Black children, at his website.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

On occasion, I attend a meeting without saying a word. I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve been in many meetings with Jim and have never been so lucky!” Well, sometimes I’m so on-board with what I hear and impressed by those speaking, it’s just obvious I have nothing more to add. So it was at a recent meeting of the Committee for Scientific Training and Mentoring (CSTM).

CSTM is a unique, self-governed Danforth Center group that brings career training and development opportunities to non-PI scientists, fosters community through scientific and social functions, and facilitates communication throughout all levels of the Center. The group is inclusive with graduate students, research scientists, postdoctoral associates, lab technicians and research assistants who seek to advance their careers. Part of CSTM’s secret sauce is the fact that new co-chairs are selected each year. Rachel Jouni (graduate student, Meyers lab), Erin Matoon (graduate student, Zhang lab), Sarah Rommelfanger (graduate student, Umen lab) and Trish Tully (postdoctoral associate, Allen lab) stepped forward to serve as co-chairs in 2021. Postdoctoral associates Yu-Hung Hung (Slotkin lab) and Hudanyun Sheng (Gehan lab) are serving as this year’s CSTM seminar coordinators. New CSTM leaders each year keeps energy levels high and perspectives fresh, and allow more opportunity for leadership experience.

CSTM provides professional development awards to attend scientific conferences, participate in workshops or gain important training. They sponsor seminars, workshops and panels with professionals in plant science-relevant fields. They organize regional career and networking events, like BioBash, and host get-togethers and social events to bring the community together. They are influential contributors to the scientific retreat, our Responsible Conduct in Research program, and the weekly seminars. And they are exceptional volunteers who engage the public through tours and outreach programs. CSTM members are building their professional skills, experience and networks that go hand-in-hand with achievements in the lab. Had I participated in CSTM as a graduate student and postdoctoral trainee, I would have been far more prepared than I was for the next steps in my career!

CSTM also provides valued advice and input to the Center leadership team. CSTM was recently consulted, for example, to help plan for next steps in the Center’s work on diversity, equity and inclusion. They are influential in creation and modification of Center policies, programs and processes.

Though I spoke not a word at the recent meeting, I left a departing note in the chat box with all that needed to be said: “CSTM is amazing!! Thank you for all of your efforts and planning for the year. I love the new ideas...Thanks for letting me listen in and learn.”

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Look up the word “celebration” in the thesaurus and you will see synonyms like festivity, observance, party, honor, and recognition. Those terms most definitely apply to the Danforth Center celebrations of International Women and Girls in Science Day on Feb. 11, and Lunar New Year on Feb. 12. I am so proud that we celebrate the diverse composition and cultural heritages represented in our community. By celebrating, we declare that our strength lies in the unique attributes and varied backgrounds of our people. These celebrations also remind us of our individual and collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has an equitable chance to contribute and succeed.

The coronavirus pandemic has driven our events online, but that has not limited the creative contributions to celebrations. Lunar New Year celebrations in East Asian countries feature themes around happiness, prosperity, good fortune, family and food, and we learned about traditional Spring Festival food from China and New Year’s food from Korea and Vietnam. Dozens of community members contributed to the “Happiness” theme with photos and video clips of moments that brought on a smile, and we tested our knowledge of Lunar New Year with Kahoot! trivia. The Year of the Ox is off to a great start!

Celebration of International Women and Girls in Science Day focused a spotlight on participation and success of women in science, math and other STEM fields. Throughout the event, it was clear that we have some wonderful role models and mentors for women in our community. I was impressed by the video montage showing the many ways in which individuals from across the Center support the success of women. These examples were juxtaposed in the video to a special young woman named Madison, age 8, whose favorite subject in second grade is math. According to the National Science Foundation, the percentage of women getting degrees in Mathematics and Statistics declined by 5% between 1995 and 2014; in computer science, the decline has been much worse at nearly 30%. These are troubling numbers. They suggest that if a woman like Madison is to succeed in these fields, she will need strong women as role models and mentors, like those we have at the Danforth Center.

Thank you to all who organized, contributed to and participated in these celebrations. The time and effort invested in these events is time and effort invested in one another, and we’re a better community as a result. I’ll see you at the celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 25!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

I believe that demystifying the science around the new COVID-19 vaccines is important for several reasons. First, for those planning to get vaccinated but who have concerns, clear information may help put minds at ease. Second, for those with vaccine-hesitant friends and family members, being informed may help to have productive conversations with them, though scientific information alone will likely be insufficient to migrate beliefs. And third, the science is really interesting, and not just for us virologists!

We’ve discussed the 2-dose mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna in past weeks. What about the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine, which should be approved soon? In a 1-dose trial with nearly 44,000 people, it was 66% effective overall (72% in U.S.) in preventing COVID-19 symptoms. In South Africa, where the problematic B.1.351 variant has spread quickly, the J&J vaccine was 57% effective. However, the vaccine was highly effective at preventing severe COVID-19 cases, including all COVID-19-related hospitalizations and death, across all geographies in the trial. It appears to be safe, though some recipients experienced temporary, moderate side effects similar to those seen with the mRNA vaccines. The data indicate this is a good vaccine.

Is the J&J vaccine more potent than the others, hence the need for only one dose? That is not known and should not be inferred. The reason a single dose will be used is because that’s what J&J tested, and providers must adhere strictly to the tested protocols. Might two doses provide better protection? Probably, but we’ll know only after the ongoing 2-dose trials are done. There are a few other differentiators with the J&J vaccine, including the fact that it can be stored in ordinary refrigerators. That means it will be less expensive to administer and can be taken to places that lack freezer capacity required for the mRNA vaccines.

The other differentiator is the vaccine technology, which was applied previously to make an effective Ebola vaccine. It uses a DNA-containing virus called Adenovirus 26 as a vector to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein gene during immunization. Adenovirus 26 is normally a nuisance that causes the occasional common cold. When adapted to deliver a vaccine payload, the Adenovirus is first inactivated by removing genes required for replication. The replication-defective Adenovirus cannot establish an infection, but it can still attach efficiently to cells and deliver the Spike gene, which leads to production of the Spike protein that triggers the COVID-19-suppressing immune response. Like mRNA vaccines, the Adenovirus-based vaccines can be updated to target new variants, which will be critical in the months and years ahead.

I hope these last three messages on the science behind the new vaccines is useful. As always, I’m interested in hearing your thoughts, and hopeful that you stay safe.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Last week, I addressed misinformation, myths and concerns (MMCs) about coronavirus vaccines, focusing on what the science says in relation to widely circulated false rumors and claims. Good debunking information is available from many credible scientific sources, but it’s worth emphasizing because high vaccination participation will be essential for return of the Danforth Center community back onsite. I’ve got one more MMC to address below, but first let’s get up-to-speed on SARS-CoV-2 variants that are emerging around the world.

How about we start by explaining why new variants of SARS-CoV-2 were always expected. The RNA genome of coronaviruses is replicated or copied in infected cells through the activity of a virus-encoded enzyme called RNA polymerase. Unlike DNA polymerases that copy DNA genomes – those of plants, people and DNA viruses (e.g., Herpes viruses, Papillomaviruses) – RNA polymerases are highly error-prone. For a typical RNA virus genome, there will be at least one error, or mutation, per copy. Nature creates vast numbers of RNA virus variants in every infected cell! Now, most of these variants are defective in some way and fail to efficiently accumulate and spread...except for very rare variants that gain an advantage. The advantage could be the ability to replicate to higher levels, to attach more efficiently to cells in newly exposed individuals, or to evade the immune system. RNA virus evolution resulting in these changes is observable and measurable over time.

The three SARS-CoV-2 variants that emerged in Britain (B.1.1.7), Brazil (P.1) and South Africa (B.1.351) appear to have gained the ability to spread more effectively from person to person. They each have multiple mutations, including some in the gene coding for the Spike protein, to which neutralizing antibodies bind. Data show that current vaccines are effective at preventing severe COVID-19 caused by all three variants, though there may be some reduction in the strength of the response. Against the original virus, the current vaccines are exceptionally effective. Against the variant strains, the current vaccines are good enough to protect the vast majority of recipients against serious illness. The Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine that may soon be available also appears, based on limited information from the company, to protect against severe disease caused by the variants. The bottom line is the current vaccines will protect against severe COVID-19 disease caused by the original virus and recent variants, but we should expect a growing need for vaccines that optimally target new variants. These are in development now.

Finally, let’s dispel a fourth MMC after three last week: MMC#4 - The Danforth Center will require ALL community members to get vaccinated. This is FALSE. Vaccination is not expected for those prone to severe allergic reactions, those with other relevant medical conditions, or those with sincere religious or other personal objections. The Center policy issued Jan. 28 strongly encourages and incentivizes vaccination by those who are able, and I am delighted that the recent survey revealed at least 90% of community members plan to participate.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Given that science revealed early on both the seriousness of the coronavirus threat and ways in which the threat could be mitigated, I’ve been taken aback by the continuous cycles of challenges we’ve faced during the pandemic. We showed how effective broad testing was in containing outbreaks, only to see it undermined by disorganization and false messaging. We proved how effective masks were in reducing spread, only to see masks shunned by large segments of the population. And several vaccines were developed and tested with remarkable speed, only to see undermining misinformation about safety, effectiveness or devious intent. It’s like the film, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” where Indiana Jones works his way out of danger, only to quickly encounter another near-impossible situation. “Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?”

Misinformation is a unifying thread through these challenges and missteps. Misinformation can be tricky, as it’s often adjoined to legitimate concerns that reasonable people might share. So, let’s devote a few Weekly Messages to discuss Misinformation, Myths, and Concerns (MMC), specifically about the current vaccines. For basic, reliable information about the vaccines, an excellent video was linked within the HR COVID-19 Community Support newsletter on Jan. 22.

MMC #1 – The vaccine will cause illness as bad as, or worse than, COVID-19. This is FALSE. The vaccines do not contain live virus, so they cause NO infection. Actual data show they do not cause miscarriages or other serious problems that are claimed and propagated on social media and dubious websites. Now, for some recipients, there will be modest but temporary side effects, like mild aches, chills, fatigue or low fever, which are like those that some will experience with other vaccines. These effects are healthy signs that the immune system is responding properly, and will disappear within a few hours or by the following day.

MMC #2 – The current vaccines are useless because the virus, SARS-CoV-2, has already mutated. This is FALSE. The current vaccines are about 95% effective at preventing COVID-19 disease. It is true that the virus is undergoing changes around the world through mutations, some of which may cause an increase in transmissibility. But scientific data indicate that the current vaccines will still be effective against them. Depending on how the virus changes over time, it’s possible or even likely that the vaccine will need to be updated on a regular basis, like the annual flu vaccine.

MMC #3 – The vaccines are part of a covert operation to implant tracking devices, mind-altering nano-bots, or the Mark of the Beast. This is FALSE, though I give style points for creativity and imagination.

I’ll have more next week, but in the meantime, remember to consider the source of vaccine information. Is it an identifiable and reputable scientific source, or a source associated with conspiracies, non-experts, the political outer limits or discredited advocacy? Stay safe!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

"It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have." - James Baldwin

On Monday, January 18, the Danforth Center celebrates and remembers a great American, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the most recognized leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Dr. King advocated for and practiced non-violent means as potent protest tactics, even while facing violent responses from police and communities in which he organized, marched, and spoke. He co-organized the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where he delivered his remarkable “I Have a Dream” speech. Dr. King was instrumental in passage of the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965). He was killed by assassination on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN.

Dr. King was influential with, and influenced by, other civil rights leaders of the time, including Medgar Evers. As an effective member of the NAACP, Evers focused on desegregating schools and public facilities in his home state of Mississippi. He helped James Meredith become the first Black individual admitted to the University of Mississippi. Evers was assassinated at his home in Jackson, MS by a racist gunman in 1963. His friend, Martin Luther King, Jr., responded by leading a peaceful march of 5000 people through the streets of Jackson.

Some civil rights leaders of King’s era rationalized use of non-peaceful tactics. In the 1950s and early 1960s, Malcom X (Malik Shabazz) argued that non-peaceful approaches might be necessary to achieve civil and human rights, though he moderated his message in later years. Dr. King met with Malcom X only one time, while both were attending the debate of Civil Rights Act legislation in the U.S. Senate in 1964. Less than a year later, Malcom X was assassinated as he prepared to speak in New York City.

Which brings us back to James Baldwin, the brilliant American novelist, essayist, playwright and activist of the mid-20^th century. Baldwin wrote about race, class, and other human struggles, and used his celebrity status to argue for understanding of the history and depth of racial injustice. When he died in 1987, Baldwin had an unfinished manuscript titled, “Remember This House,” a memoir focusing on his three good friends – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Medgar Evers and Malcom X. A few years ago, this unfinished work formed the basis for an important documentary film titled, “I Am Not Your Negro,” which you can stream. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day should be a time of service and reflection. Consider watching this film to gain a better understanding of Dr. King and his contemporaries, and a deeper appreciation of the roots of racial inequities that remain with us today.

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

P.S. Thanks go to Tom Laurita, who first recommended that I watch “I Am Not Your Negro.”

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Maybe it was the relaxation over the holidays, or the fact that 2020 was such an over-the-top difficult year, but I was very optimistic going into 2021. What more beyond a deadly pandemic, racism and brutality, economic collapse, severe stress on families and political divisiveness could possibly go bad this year? Well, how about a riotous insurrection and violent occupation at the U.S. Capitol Building?

I want to keep my thoughts here non-political. That said, most of us would agree that a major contributor to the events at the Capitol Building was persistent, incendiary misinformation from influential people, repeated and amplified through social media and other channels. Last July, I wrote about why people believe in and act upon verifiably false claims, conspiracy theories and other information that misaligns with reality. Such beliefs and actions have exacerbated and prolonged the coronavirus pandemic, and they contributed to the overrunning of the Capitol Building this week. We are experiencing epidemics of misinformation, and the resulting disease is irrational and destructive behavior.

Social media has a special role in misinformation epidemics due to ease of delivery and amplification of false content. Not only do falsehoods spread, but engaging with such content on social media platforms usually makes it worse! The Danforth Center, like many organizations, is targeted on occasion by individuals or groups spreading false or harassing content. I believe how we handle ourselves in these situations says a lot about us. We do not engage in Twitter spats; we consider doing so at odds with our values of integrity and respect. We might directly communicate with individuals who have concerns, and we might take other actions if antagonistic online behavior persists, but we do not engage in hostile social media exchanges.

There is much about our work, our results and our people that is worth communicating through the same online channels that promote and propagate misinformation. For example, Anna Dibble (VP for Human Resources) and I made a blog post this week about the many positive steps our community has taken over the past 30 months to build a stronger culture in the aftermath of a challenging event at the Danforth Center. We aim to increase the online visibility of positive and productive contributions from community members, particularly on social media. We seek your help to better communicate inspiring stories and how we are living our values. While a focus on communication about high achievement and values at the Center might not stop the epidemics of misinformation harming the world today, we can do our part to slow them down.

Take care and stay safe!

Jim Carrington, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Danforth Center Community,

When we started adjusting to pandemic realities earlier this year, I worried about a lot of things. How will we keep the Danforth Center community safe? How will we get our work done? How will we keep our community together? How long will this last? As we were reorienting in March with much uncertainty, I committed to communicating my thoughts with you in various ways, including through weekly messages. This is the 38^th such message, collectively comprising more than 20,000 words, 1800 sentences and 350 paragraphs. If you were reading “The Old Man in the Sea,” you would be about three-quarters of the way through.

At first, I thought these messages would serve as straightforward weekly updates. But I slowly realized that they serve different purposes, not the least of which is helping me stay closer to all of you. I’ve learned that different community members value different things in these communications. Some look for guidance about when we’ll return to normal, or the science behind COVID-19 and vaccines. Some want to learn how we’re responding to broader issues, who is doing great work, or what we’re planning for beyond the pandemic. Some ask questions and get them answered. Others prefer the silly stuff and observations on daily life. The reality is that these communications serve all of these purposes, because these are some of the things that keep a community like ours connected. While I cannot meet with each of you every week, I can nonetheless help you understand what I’m thinking about and give you an opportunity to respond with your thoughts. I really do welcome comments and feedback. And I am sincerely thankful that you spend time reading.

I’m going to give the weekly messages a rest in the upcoming two weeks. In this last message from 2020, I want to express my sincere gratitude for all you’ve done in a demanding year. None of us predicted or planned how the last nine months would go, but you all made major adjustments, difficult personal and professional sacrifices, and countless contributions that helped the Center community make it through. Thank you! I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Over the past few weeks, I’ve gone from reasonably encouraged to fairly excited that several safe and effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines will be available within the next six months. Enthusiasm is elevated because Pfizer and BioNTech released more Phase III trial data showing 95% effectiveness (prevention of COVID-19 disease) and a good safety profile; there is every expectation that the FDA will grant approval later this month. Equally positive results were released for a second mRNA vaccine from Moderna. We will not know for many months or years how long immunity lasts, how exactly the immunity or symptom prevention works, and if there are rare adverse effects. But this much is clear: mRNA-based vaccine technology seems to work really well and should be broadly applicable to other viruses. Let’s learn a little more about it and why science around RNA is also so important at the Danforth Center.

The appeal of mRNA vaccines is the speed and simplicity with which new, effective vaccines can be developed. Think of mRNA almost like a piece of software that codes for production of a viral protein against which the immune system acts. These mRNAs can be designed rapidly against any virus with only a few hours of work and then produced at large scale in factories. The mRNA design and manufacturing is basically the same for any prospective vaccine, meaning that lots of candidate vaccines for different viruses can be designed and tested quickly in pilot experiments. Key breakthroughs for these vaccines occurred over the past 10 or 15 years when scientists figured out how to keep the mRNA stable and functional after injection. For those craving details, this is done by manufacturing the mRNA with modified nucleotides and packaging the mRNA in tiny nanoparticles composed of fat. Yes, nano-fat particles are a thing, and they’re going to help us get past the pandemic.

RNA is also a big thing at the Danforth Center. Some of us have spent entire careers working to understand how different kinds of RNA function, including how RNA can be used to immunize plants against viruses. Nigel Taylor and team developed a form of genetic immunization through a mechanism called RNA silencing to develop cassava varieties with resistance to the destructive cassava brown streak virus. These varieties have been tested with remarkable success in many locations in east Africa and are working their way through the approval process to small holder farmers. Blake Meyers and team pioneered high-throughput sequencing to understand the wide world of “small RNAs,” which control so many aspects of plant growth, development, and antiviral defense. His team has learned how to tweak small RNA functions to produce male-sterile plants, which points the way toward new technology to breed improved hybrid crops. Keith Slotkin and team are doing great work to understand the roles of various RNAs in maintaining plant genome stability. They’re inventing new technologies to learn how RNA works with other molecules in cells, which could lead to numerous practical applications in agriculture.

Expect to hear more about RNA long after COVID-19 vaccines are available. In the meantime, please stay safe!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

The Thanksgiving Holiday experience in my family changes from year to year. Teri and I sometimes travel out-of-state to various relatives’ homes, and sometimes we gather one or a few family members here in St. Louis. I am not particularly useful to the traditional family-team effort that goes into crafting the Thanksgiving meal, especially at the homes of our more ambitious holiday hosts. This reflects both my limited culinary competence and my fear of crowded, messy kitchens. Thanksgiving food preparation doesn’t mesh well with my concept of mise en place and insistence on using the clean-up-as-you-go method. How do I ask, “Is there anything I can do to help?” when I know the answer will be, “Can you make Fried Mashed Potato Balls with Andouille? We’ll move the toaster if you want any space.” Nevertheless, with courage a few years ago, I bravely recreated Grandma Carrington’s cornbread stuffing, which was a clear highlight of my childhood. With a few unusual ingredients that I proudly recalled from a mere five decades earlier, our guests reacted with real-life frowny faces and questions like “You put WHAT in the stuffing?” My contributions now are largely confined to beverage selection.

What can I say about the meaning of Thanksgiving this year? With all of the professional disruption and personal distress, giving thanks is not necessarily our first impulse in 2020. But, can we use the upcoming holiday as a reminder to maintain hope that the difficult days we’re living through, including separation from friends and family, will pass? Can Thanksgiving help motivate us to keep dealing conscientiously with the coronavirus pandemic, if only to regain some of those things we miss this year and for which we are normally so grateful?

This year, I am sincerely thankful to have so many colleagues working hard to keep our community safe, productive and focused on our mission. I am thankful that we have a community with so many who are looking over the horizon, beyond COVID, to where we need and want to go as an organization. And I am thankful to be part of a special team with the honor of leading the Danforth Center, stewarding our resources, and lifting up our people.

I know you will find your unique way to give thanks during this unique year. Please stay safe during the holiday.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

With the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases nationally and regionally, St. Louis County just announced new restrictions on activities beyond work and school, medical needs, exercise, and essential shopping. Along with mask mandates and some closures, they are limiting gatherings to “social bubbles” of 10 or fewer people. How does this affect the Danforth Center, and are we getting close to an effective vaccine?

Does the Danforth Center have plans to further restrict onsite activities or access? As communicated on November 11, and until further notice, we’ve asked those working with Phase 1 access to 1) limit time at the Center to the absolute minimum required; 2) eliminate all non-essential interactions with others onsite; 3) work remotely, if possible; and 4) continue adhering to requirements for daily wellness certification and confidential reporting of illness to Anna Dibble. Additionally, we insist that everyone stay diligent and always wear a properly fitted mask outside the home, maintain ample social distance, avoid all crowds, and practice personal hygiene. These measures prevent transmission as well or better than a vaccine! To date, we have had no instances of Danforth Center community transmission onsite. So, as long we adhere rigorously to these practices, which satisfy the County’s requirements, we can maintain a safe environment onsite without further restrictions or limitations of activities...at least for now.

Are we more optimistic about a COVID-19 vaccine being available soon? The news this week of a commercial vaccine candidate, developed in part a few miles down Olive Blvd. from the Danforth Center, having 90% efficacy sounds very good. While I don’t want to be a Donnie Downer, there are reasons to guard against over-excitement. First, we have not yet seen the placebo-controlled results from the Phase III trial, which is still ongoing. Second, the FDA has yet to review the vaccine’s safety and efficacy, which must be done with public transparency prior to approval. And third, even under the most optimistic approval timeline, we do not expect broad availability for at least another six months.

This vaccine candidate, however, is very interesting. It’s a new kind of vaccine composed of messenger RNA (mRNA) coding for a SARS-CoV-2 feature called spike protein. After injection, the mRNA is taken up by cells and codes for production of enough spike protein to mount an antibody response that neutralizes the coronavirus. The big problem with this vaccine is the requirement for costly and cumbersome ultra-low temperature transportation and storage, which is necessitated by the fragility of mRNA at higher temperatures. The big unknown about mRNA vaccines is whether or not they will confer long-term immunity for many years. That will depend on whether or not the immune system’s memory component, including several types of T-cells, is sufficiently activated. There are reasons to think that may be possible. We know a lot more than we used to about designing vaccines that trigger memory T-cells, though doing so may require a few additional rounds of development. In the meantime, please stay safe!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Let’s add “Presidential Election” to the list of traumatic and trying experiences of 2020. I asked a few Danforth Center colleagues for their thoughts on the election, and here’s what I got.

“I'm pretty amazed by general turnout this year.” It was historically high! Based on numerous conversations, I believe participation among eligible Danforth Center community members was close to 100%. Participation is critical to a robust democracy, and an important role of the Danforth Center is to help educate and inform those participants.

“The first thing that comes to mind for me is the level of obsession. I mean, everyone usually pays attention to presidential elections, but it seems like it has just taken over the lives of everyone I know for months. And this week it has been total obsession.” Well, that explains why I feel exhausted!

“I am amazed to see the ability of self-correction in American democracy.” This was an insightful comment from a community member who is in the process of emigrating to the U.S. I took this not as partisan commentary, but as a statement about the potential of the system to maintain some sort of equilibrium.

“Democracy is the highest form of social organization...humans are one of the few species with the ability to settle their differences without fighting.” This was from former Congressman Dick Gephardt, who serves on our Board of Directors, and it elevates the election to a level I had not considered. This year, Congressman Gephardt and 39 other former U.S. officials formed the bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity to promote confidence in America’s ability to hold a free and fair election. Thank you, Congressman Gephardt, for your work! It is reflected in the last quote...

“I find it both remarkable and reassuring that the election process proceeded with so few problems.”Despite the usual minor glitches, the decentralized system of 50 state election processes worked undeniably well, even with the introduction of new mail-in and absentee processes in most states.

Finally, can we now draw at least some attention back to the COVID-19 pandemic? Numbers of cases skyrocketed during election week at the national, state and local levels. It is more important than ever to adhere rigorously to those things we know to be effective at limiting spread – wear a good mask that fits properly; avoid crowds and indoor gatherings; wash your hands often; and stay home if you feel ill or have been diagnosed recently.

Thank you to all who shared your thoughts on the election. Have a peaceful, safe weekend!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

We held our 2020 Annual Scientific Retreat virtually on October 29 and 30. The Retreat is normally done in the Spring as an off-site, overnight event with scientific presentations, training in responsible conduct of research, and social activities. This year, as community members were joining the Zoom room before the second day’s session, I saw Hayden Payne from the Slotkin Lab in full Halloween mode, dressed as a mime. Simultaneously, and of course silently, we both started touching the invisible walls of our respective Zoom boxes in which we’ve placed for too long. Thank you, Hayden, for the brief Vulcan mind meld moment.

I look forward to the Retreat every year. The scientific community-building is invaluable. The social interaction, including the yearly team karaoke competition, helps welcome new community members and reinforce collegiality. The open dialog around research ethics builds trust and promotes integrity. And the research that is presented gets better and better each year. I could highlight any of the 22 presentations from this week, but I’ll mention just a few that were given by some of our computational biologists. I was impressed by Kaushik Panda’s (Slotkin team) rigorous work to understand transposon function and the factors that either enable them to spread or be held in check within genomes. If you’ve been wondering about isotopologues, Allen Hubbard (Baxter team) shared how he is using them to understand metabolism dynamics when plants are grown in different environments. He’s developed algorithms to more accurately detect and measure important metabolites.

Mao Li (Data Science team) presented her mathematical magic to analyze the changes in genome topology or shape during growth and development. This is really important as we seek to understand how genetic information is controlled when plants grow or encounter stressful environments. Several speakers, including Jorge Gutierrez and Haley Schuhl (both jointly in Fahlgren/Gehan teams), showed advances in extracting more meaningful information from image-based phenotyping data. Their work helps us better understand plant traits and behaviors over time.

Finally, I was fascinated by Taylor AuBuchon’s (Kellogg team) work on the Andropogoneae tribe of grasses, which includes corn, sorghum and many prairie species. Her original project to analyze the genomes from a large, recent worldwide collection was upended by the pandemic. So, Taylor pivoted and used the geographical data associated with each specimen to create a unique resource to enlighten biodiversity and conservation efforts for Andropogoneae species, especially endangered species and threatened populations.

Thank you to Meter Nusinow, Allison Miller and Jim Umen for planning and moderating the program. Thank you to Jenny Nguyen, Andrew Witthaus, Bill Stutz and Tam McGuire for flawless event coordination. And thank you to all of the wonderful speakers!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

December 31, 2020 will mark the conclusion of one of the most devastating, stressful and unusual years in our lifetimes. For obvious and important reasons, the tumult this year has occupied so much of our energy and attention. But the end of 2020 also marks the conclusion of an era that has brought about much positive change and impact at the Danforth Center.

Some of you may not realize that we have been working hard over the past 10 years on a growth initiative called the “Danforth Center Expansion Plan.” By 2011, ten years after Danforth Center start-up pioneers moved into newly constructed facilities (Building A and Greenhouse Range A), the Center had grown to and stabilized at around 180 community members, 15 PIs and teams, an operating budget of $21M and an endowment just large enough to support the young enterprise. The Expansion Plan charted a course to take the Center to a higher level by adding new facilities and technology cores, additional scientists, more graduate students, and significantly more endowment and donor funds to support a larger Center. The Expansion Plan also specified meaningful outputs and outcomes of our work, and how our discoveries and outreach would translate into benefits for the region. The reasons to grow were not so complicated – to bridge scientific gaps and refocus our work, to build a more robust and stable organization, and to have more impact in delivering on our mission.

Thanks to the hard work and generosity of so many, all of the Expansion Plan growth objectives were met or exceeded by mid-2020. The Center increased research and support capacity by 50% with the William H. Danforth Wing in 2016, doubled the size of our plant growth facilities, and added Data Science and Phenotyping technology facilities. We grew the community to 350 people and PIs to 28, grew the operating budget by 62%, increased competitive grants from $11.8M in 2011 to $16.6M in 2019, and increased the endowment with new gifts totaling more than $90M. Growth in numbers of Center community members, including PIs, was done in part through collaboration with several university partners. Scientific discoveries published annually increased by 57% from 2011, with recognized strength in advanced phenotyping, plant-environment interactions, epigenetics, natural variation and metabolism, and staple crop improvement for small-holder farmers. Education research and associated outreach to the community changed and grew dramatically, and the innovation ecosystem around the Center grew into one of the strongest AgTech hubs in the world.

This all resulted from one big collaboration involving every department, lab, and facility team at the Center. It was enabled through generous donors and remarkable grant-getting, and supported strongly by our Board of Directors. Are we done growing? No, we are not, but growth will take different forms over the next five years. We will grow as a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization, we will grow some facilities, and we will continue to grow our impact. Above all, the next five years of the Danforth Center journey will be grounded in and guided by our mission, vision and values.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

During a recent Zoom meeting, as someone’s canine companion was barking in the background, I was asked, “Jim, when are you getting a dog?” We do not have a dog. We do not have a cat. Teri and I are pet-less empty nesters living an existence without boarding of animals, feeding schedules, visits to the vet, or picking up what dogs drop on grassy areas during their daily walk. The last pets we had were two hamsters, hosted sequentially around 15 years ago and both named Cappuccino. I have nothing against your pets; to the contrary, they are delightful and fun when I see them on camera or meet them in person. We have even gone to Mauhaus, the cat cafe in Maplewood with the lab – twice!

I enjoy meeting your pets and have become friendly, or at least comfortably acquainted, with dogs Shula (Hal Davies), Mr. Wiggles (Chris Topp), Lily (Myia Elliott) and Lexi (Anna Dibble), and cats Ferus (Kerri Gilbert/Noah Fahlgren), Bentley and Lexi (Dan Lin), and Howie (Myia Elliott). The name Ferus in Latin means “fierce.” According to Ferus’ mom, he was named during the height of popularity of America’s Top Model. By my calculation, Lexi is the most common pet name I’ve encountered within the Danforth Center community. Anna tried changing Lexi’s name when she was adopted at age 3, but the golden doodle had none of that. Some of your pets, like Shula, know my voice from Zoom meetings and are confused when they encounter me in person.

One of the most unusual pets in our community is a green axolotl named Maverick (Myia Elliott). Axolotls are amphibious salamanders with external, showy gills and lungs. Now, I admit, I had never heard of an axolotl before learning from Myia. My first question was, “Are we missing some vowels?” No, we are not. Maverick dines on blood worms and live minnows, and he smiles all the time. My second question was, “Where do you get an axolotl?” Of course, you get them at the axolotl store. Maverick came from Ivy’s Axolotls, which has over 41,300 followers on Instagram. The axolotl world is enthusiastic, and much bigger than I imagined.

Pets have been shown to confer psychological, emotional and physical benefits upon their human companions. These benefits are outsized during the coronavirus pandemic with meaningful human contact being less frequent. I see the benefits regularly during online meetings. When talking about or handling your pets, you always light up, tell a story and show a smile. Come to think of it, so do I, and for that I am thankful.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

This is Nobel Prize season with the 2020 winners being announced this week. To all the scientists around the world still hoping to get “the call” from Stockholm, I’m sorry. You didn’t win, again, so put the phone down and get back to work. Only a few Nobel Prizes are awarded each year, and only in a subset of fields. But Nobel Prize-winning scientists generally have impact in fields and in society far beyond the specific discoveries for which they are recognized. Let’s focus on a few of the awarded scientists, their pioneering work and the relevance to us today. Heads up: it was a great week for virology and RNA!

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three scientists – Harvey Alter, Michael Houghton and Charlie Rice - who discovered hepatitis C virus (HCV) and showed that it was a major cause of hepatitis around the world. There are currently around 70 million people who are chronically infected by the blood-borne HCV, an RNA genome-containing virus that can cause cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and death. Only around 10% of those individuals even know they’re infected. Discovery of HCV enabled development of highly accurate diagnostic tests for people and for blood supplies in blood banks. It also led to effective anti-HCV drugs that can cure chronic infections, meaning that HCV can be significantly reduced or even eradicated from the human population. Today, the HCV story should reaffirm confidence in the key role of science in overcoming the current coronavirus pandemic.

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna for discoveries on the mechanism and application of CRISPR-Cas gene editing. Few areas of life science have permeated the public consciousness like gene editing, but how was it discovered? It’s a great story that highlights the importance of collaboration and the value of paying close attention to seemingly obscure, esoteric research, which in this case involved how microscopic bacteria defend themselves against viruses. They discovered that a bacterial anti-viral mechanism, CRISPR-Cas, involves molecular scissors that are specifically instructed (by small RNAs) to attach to the virus genome, whereupon that genome is chopped and inactivated. They and others then showed that the system could be manipulated and transplanted into other organisms, like plants, to precisely edit or change genome sequences. The ability to edit genomes with CRISPR-Cas is now a vital research tool that we use every day at the Danforth Center, and it enables us to breed improved crops faster and in ways that mimic what happens in nature.

Combined with the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the U.N. World Food Programme for their work to combat hunger and improve conditions for peace, the seminal work on HCV and gene editing should inspire everyone who believes science can guide us to solutions for our most pressing challenges, like reducing human suffering from disease and malnutrition. I am proud that the Danforth Center is grounded in that idea.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

The annual Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) meeting was held over two days this week, virtually of course. I want to tell you about this for several reasons. First, despite the challenges we face during the pandemic and the intensifying swirl of chaos in the world today, it’s worth noting that we’re moving ahead with many “normal” activities at the Center. Second, like last week’s message about the Board of Directors, I want the community to better understand how we operate, how we are overseen, and how we use advice and input. And third, I want to brag on some of you.

The SAB’s purpose is defined in our Board of Directors bylaws (Section 5.1, for those keeping up!) – to advise the Board of Directors and officers of the Center on scientific matters, and to review and evaluate, at least annually, the nature and quality of scientific research being carried on or sponsored by the Center. The SAB takes into account both the merits of the research and the potential bearing on unmet needs or commercial applications. The SAB reviews a subset of our research programs during a September meeting, then submits an evaluative report that goes to the Board of Directors. Toni Kutchan and I then discuss the report with directors at a subsequent Board meeting. This is an important part of how we stand accountable for the work we do.

The SAB is composed of outstanding scientists – currently Lisa Ainsworth, Ed Buckler, Rebecca Doerge, Walter Gassmann, Craig Pikaard, Barbara Valent and Eric Ward - from fields represented at the Danforth Center. SAB members receive written reports and data about our annual achievements, listen to presentations from me and the PIs, and ask questions and offer suggestions. They also meet with CSTM to hear from our graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and lab members.

What did the SAB hear this year? Yes, they heard about interesting progress in 12 groups, some great ideas, and plans for future research. But there were also unmistakable themes that permeated the entire meeting. The extent of productive collaboration at the Danforth Center was consistently and energetically communicated. The quality of contributions from scientific and administrative team members in each group was highlighted. The importance and helpful mindset of our core facilities was underscored by nearly every PI. They heard about new technologies emerging from fundamental research, and how the Innovation Team is working with PIs and their teams to bring those technologies to the marketplace. And they heard about how environmental sustainability features prominently in almost all of our scientific work. Throughout the meeting, I was most proud of how our values came through time and time again!

Thank you to Doug Allen, Ivan Baxter, Andrea Eveland, Malia Gehan, Blake Meyers, Meter Nusinow, Sona Pandey, Stephanie Regagnon, Keith Slotkin, Chris Topp, Jim Umen, Ru Zhang, and the CSTM group for speaking to the SAB and putting our research, our community and our values on full display this week!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

This week, I’ll answer another question received recently: “What does the Danforth Center Board of Directors do?” This question may arise because their work is usually out of sight of most community members. Let’s start with the basics. As a nonprofit organization, the Danforth Center operates under laws and regulations designed to ensure we actually do what we claim to be doing. The Board of Directors is the body responsible for ensuring that we use our resources prudently, our activities are advancing our mission, and we adhere to applicable laws, regulations and rules, including those in the Board Bylaws. The Bylaws document is quite a read for fans of impenetrable statutory language. FYI, the section describing how to give “Notice of Board Meetings” is over 7-times longer than the section on “Powers of the Board and Qualifications of Directors.”

While the Center’s management team works with so many of you to run all aspects of the Danforth Center – from finances to the research enterprise – the Board provides oversight and governance functions to ensure we operate lawfully, ethically and productively. Our budget, for example, is proposed by management but approved and overseen by the Board through the work of the Finance Committee. The business of the Danforth Center is not only overseen but improved because of our directors’ talents, expertise and care. Importantly, interactions between us on the management side and the Board are productive and professional because of the outstanding work of Diane Moleski. Thank you, Diane!

But the Board does much more than its governance functions. They are some of the Center’s strongest advocates and ambassadors. They are generous donors who believe in the mission and the work you are doing. They are connectors to influential organizations and individuals who bring benefit to the Center. They bring their own experiences and enlighten us on best practices in their organizations. And they are very much interested in your results and the impact of your work. Some of the most interesting and rewarding moments for directors (and me) occur during the three full Board meetings per year when PIs and teams present their current work. The Center and its people shine in those moments!

Finally, I am accountable to the Board; the Chairperson is my boss. I’ve had the honor of working closely with three Board Chairs - Bill Danforth, John McDonnell, and currently Todd Schnuck. In unique ways for each, I’ve benefitted from their mentorship and advice on leadership, on how organizations work, and on recognizing and addressing my own deficits. Conversations recently with Todd have been particularly helpful in navigating the coronavirus pandemic, strategic planning, and issues around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). I note in particular that these DEI conversations with Todd and other directors, combined with much ongoing work within the Center, have resulted in significant changes and much more progress on the way. Look for some of this progress to be reflected in the Board itself as we move into 2021.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Bill Danforth and I once made a day-trip to Chicago in 2012 to visit several Danforth Center supporters and donors. We were in the early stages of fundraising for the Danforth Center’s expansion – a new wing, more scientific teams, new facilities. We made many such fundraising trips and visits together, and they all went the same way. Just before the meeting, perhaps during the drive from the airport, I’d ask Bill about the people on our agenda. He would usually give an interesting story or two, but never all I wanted to know. Looking for some tactical insight, I’d ask, “How do you think we should approach the meetings?” He would say, “Oh, I don’t know, just talk about the Center.” Again, that was not quite the answer I was looking for; the only plan we ever had was, he would talk first and I would talk second.

Our hosts always treated a visit from Bill as an honor. Meetings started with Bill and host reminiscing about something interesting they did together and catching up on mutual friends. Bill would ease into talking about the Danforth Center and our mission – our Big Why. The hosts would listen with deep reverence and admiration for Bill, his message and the enormity of his vision. Regardless of how much they knew about the Center, they were inspired and elevated by hearing it from Bill. As I listened and witnessed the reactions in those moments, I usually had the same thought: “I can’t match that!” When Bill handed the conversation to me, the host would turn, our eyes would lock, and they communicated without words, “Alright, kid, what have YOU got?”

On that trip to Chicago, it was the flight home to St. Louis that I remember most. We boarded our Southwest Airlines plane in the first group and sat in aisle seats across from one another near the front. When general boarding started, a passenger stopped at our aisle, introduced themself to Bill, and told him he was wonderful to have spoken at an event they attended recently. A quick moment later, someone else stopped, introduced themself to Bill, and said they were a proud Washington University student when he was chancellor. This pattern now had my attention. Another person stopped and said they admired everything Bill had done for St. Louis. Then another…and another. I watched this play out through the entire boarding process, occasionally looking behind to see Bill’s admirers telling others about their experience with him. It seemed like every other person on that flight stopped to say how their life was affected – in a big or small way - by something Bill had done. Bill spoke with each in his generous, joyful manner, expressing as much appreciation to them as they showed to Bill.

Astonished by what I witnessed, I asked Bill, “Is there anyone you haven’t influenced?” He responded with the typical Bill Danforth smile and usual self-depreciating, understated humor, “Well, I think it just means I’ve been around for a long time.”

Bill was here for 94 years, but it was the profound and remarkable use of that time that made all the difference.

Learn more and be inspired at the Center’s written and video remembrance of Bill Danforth.

Jim Carrington (a proud Friend of Bill)

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Here’s a good question from another alert reader of the Weekly Message: “Hey Jim, are you getting the flu shot this year?” YES, and I’m pleased we’re making the vaccine freely available to the Danforth Center community next month. Getting the flu shot is especially important this year while SARS-CoV-2 is co-circulating with flu viruses. We do not yet understand the consequences of co-infection, but we do know it happens. The flu vaccine will significantly lessen the load on health care systems as the coronavirus pandemic enters a critical phase in the Fall.

The science behind flu viruses and vaccines is fascinating, and was the most enjoyable topic of the Introduction to Virology course I used to teach. Flu viruses are like people - there are lots of differences between individuals, and some are not very nice. We have two main groups of flu viruses, influenza A and B, and within each are numerous subtypes and strains. We hear most about influenza A strains, like the pandemic strains of 1918 or 1968, the latter of which caused my mom to get severely ill. In most years, the flu causes tens of thousands of deaths per year in the U.S. alone.

The annual flu vaccine is developed through a rigorous, highly coordinated, international program to identify the predominant and important influenza A and B strains circulating in the worldwide population. The strains change in significant ways year after year through mutation or genetic recombination, meaning that the vaccines need to change and keep up. Major centers like CDC systematically monitor movement of influenza strains, including those that have recently jumped to humans from animals, as those represent the greatest threat for new pandemics. Early each year, a national committee decides which are the most relevant or problematic strains (four in 2020) to produce a multivalent vaccine against the mixture. Companies scale up production of the vaccine strains, usually by growing the viruses in chicken eggs, and distribute to health care providers. Your vaccine deliverer may ask if you are allergic to chicken eggs because, on occasion, vaccine preparations may contain small amounts of residual egg proteins. The flu vaccine is usually 50-60% effective at preventing the flu; in people who still become infected after receiving the shot, the severity of symptoms and need for hospitalization are often reduced.

You do yourself, your family and your friends and colleagues a favor by getting the flu shot. If you intend to get the shot at the Danforth Center, please sign up online. If all of the time slots are filled, please put your name in the Wait-List section and HR will be in touch about future offerings. Stay safe!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Labor Day is on Monday! As a small contribution to the extended weekend, I’ll make this week’s message brief. While much of the rest of the world celebrates the labor force on May 1 (May Day), the U.S. celebrates workers on the first Monday in September, and has done so for over 120 years. Labor Day marks the unofficial end of Summer. Labor Day also signifies the official end of Hot Dog Season, something our friends over at hot-dog.org want you to know. Further, they explain that ketchup on a hot dog for those over the age of 18 is an etiquette faux pas. I’m certain everyone learned at least one thing in this paragraph.

I want to use Labor Day to say “Thank you!” to all of you for devoting time and hard work, building your careers, and contributing your talents at the Danforth Center. The importance of our working community has never been greater. And in this unusual year, our values of working innovatively and collaboratively have never been more important. Thank you for being a part of this community and giving me the opportunity to work alongside you.

Please wear your masks, keep your distance and have a good, safe Labor Day weekend.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Thank you for the questions over the past few weeks - keep them coming! While this medium is not quite the same as a town hall, I find the Weekly Message valuable to address areas of concern in the community, and to give insight into what’s on my mind. This week I was asked, “What’s good and bad about the Danforth Center?” I’m going to rephrase this and consider our strengths – what we do well - and weaknesses – where we can grow. This is timely, as strategic planning depends on assessment of both. It’s also an interesting question because each of us would answer differently due to unique experiences and perceptions.

Let’s start with some of the Center’s strengths, about which I am so proud. First, we are highly united around our mission and values; surveys indicate that identity with our mission, for example, is nearly unanimous across the community! We have creative, collaborative and competitive PIs, facility directors and research teams, and they are leaders in several critical areas of plant science. We have unique teams to move scientific discoveries into the marketplace, or into the hands of smallholder farmers, to achieve impact. We have excellent facilities and great teams to keep them running. We have administrative leaders and teams that really care about our people and our work. Finances are in good shape through competitive grants, a healthy endowment and committed donors, and our board of directors is engaged. And, in part through extensive work over the past few years, we are strongly committed to creating a culture based on our values.

How about areas needing growth, change, or a re-thinking? The strategic plan will certainly leverage our strengths, but it will also consider where we fall short. At the top of my list is the Center’s racial diversity, which does not adequately reflect the broader community. Continued work is needed to increase diversity across scientific and administrative teams, PIs, leadership team and board of directors. Not all community members have clear paths or opportunities for advancement; possibilities for promotions are often limited. Among the PIs, we are becoming under-weighted at the Assistant Member level. We lack certain key facilities, such as a field research site that the Center controls. We lack a natural constituency for new donors, and fundraising outside of St. Louis is a challenge. And though we have excellent university partners, we would like to see more students traversing the Center.

These are just a few of the Center’s internal features that have our attention during the planning process. We are considering where great opportunities pair with our strengths, and where external threats are heightened if we do not address our weaknesses. Importantly, we are using this time of analysis and reflection to shape important goals and initiatives over the next five years.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

From an alert reader of the Weekly Message: “Jim, what have you learned about leadership since being at the Danforth Center?” I’ll give just three of the many things, each of which I should have learned before the Great Family Houseboat Trip of 2010 at Lake Billy Chinoock near Bend, Oregon with my wife Teri, three of our kids, a niece, my mom and my sister. With qualifications comprised of a few houseboating days as a carefree 17-year-old, I offered to be captain.

Leadership is humbling. Our houseboat looked remarkably like a buoyant, single-wide mobile home. All training to operate this vessel was given in five minutes by Houseboat Guy at the dock: “Start ‘er up by flipping this thing here, pump this knob several times but not too many, pull this lever to the right – NEVER to the left – then turn the key. But if it’s cold, you’ll need to...” Minutes out from the dock, and a quarter-mile upwind from a rock jetty, the engine quit, leaving us adrift in a 20-mph wind. As the rocks grew larger, I repeated the “Start” procedure countless times with nothing but the “Rrrrrr...rrrrr...” of a non-starting engine. I asked the family crew, which was tightly clustered in the multipurpose captain’s cockpit/kitchen area, “Did anybody else hear the instructions?” The negative replies were mixed with reminders that I wanted to be the captain. As we fast-approached the rocks, Mom sought divine assistance through prayer, explaining to both God and family that I needed wisdom...fast! A moment later in our helpless drift, Mom said in a quiet, disappointed tone, “I’ve never heard Jim use language like this.” Finally, by luck or miracle, our floating camper restarted. We were on our way, but with a deflated captain and a skeptical crew.

Dogs bark, leaders bring people along. A few hours later, in a remote cove with a steep, brush-covered shoreline, it was time to park, or “moor” as us captains say. In heavy wind, I would maneuver our floating RV at a precise angle to the wall-like shore, whereupon Teri and son Jason would jump out with ropes and tie up to trees. “GO NOW!” I shouted as if the mooring window would close permanently within seconds. They scrambled up the slope through nasty, barbed bushes, loose rocks, and angry biting ants to trees big enough to use. “Pull the ropes TIGHTER!” I implored as we started drifting away. “We’re TRYING, and STOP YELLING,” they replied. After successfully securing the boat, they showed me their ant bites and scratched, bleeding limbs, and explained how I’d be doing it myself next time if I was going to bark like that!

Leaders need your good ideas. Finding the perfect spot to moor each night was time-consuming, but the nicest spots were worth it – beautiful, peaceful, quiet - until another houseboat with noisy partiers sought an adjacent spot. While I found this annoying, my son Ross found a solution. For reasons no one understood, he had brought his trumpet. If he saw or heard another houseboat coming our way, he would climb to the roof, run through scales and rehearse tunes he was learning. Trumpet music would reverberate between the volcanic canyon walls, and the encroaching houseboat would move on to the next spot. The idea was a bit un-neighborly, but it was one of dozens of good ideas from an amazing crew that made the Family Houseboat Trip of 2010 so memorable.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Today, I’m wondering what’s on YOUR mind. I want to address your questions about the Danforth Center, our strategic direction, or anything else that piques your curiosity - big, small, serious, offbeat or fun! How about an interesting trivia question? Please send me a question or two by email, and I’ll respond to as many as possible in upcoming weekly messages. Unless you say otherwise, I’ll keep your identity confidential. Here are a few sent recently.

When will we move to Phase 2 Operations? The short answer is, we do not know. In my May 2, 2020 message, I outlined criteria that would need to be met before ramping up onsite work beyond Phase 1 levels. Unfortunately, average daily reported cases of COVID-19 in our region today are over 6-fold higher than when we started Phase 1 (June 1). While we now know more about how to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, we’ve gone backwards with community spread and we still lack the rapid testing needed to respond quickly in the event of a case onsite. The good news is that the Danforth Center community has experienced disproportionately low numbers of cases since the pandemic started. We’ve had no spread of the coronavirus within our facilities. Thank you for your sustained efforts!

Do we anticipate work-from-home (WFH) to be a long-term feature at the Danforth Center? Count me in the camp that thinks our work environment will be different long after the pandemic is over. While a high percentage of us require Center facilities to work, these past five months have revealed that many others can work productively from remote locations. Recent studies have shown that those with jobs amenable to WFH can be just as productive, more or less, working from home. We will accommodate such arrangements when reasonable in the future. No doubt, there will be a higher percentage of talented prospective team members we seek to recruit who prefer or need to work from home. However, I also believe most of us will still work most of the time onsite post-pandemic. Working from home has its costs, including loss of “productive collisions” that result in unexpected new ideas and insights, and loss of everyday social interactions that build team cohesion and organizational identity.

How do you, Jim, keep your sanity while spending so much time on Zoom? There is a notable supposition built into that question. Nevertheless, like many of you, I spend a lot of time in video meetings. I meet more frequently with team members and groups today than I did pre-COVID-19; that’s a very good thing for me in understanding and addressing important issues across the Center. I hear a lot about “Zoom fatigue,” which has led to shorter meetings overall. In my case, Zoom fatigue is not so much a mental strain, but simply a consequence of sitting with little movement. So, I interject short breaks and lunch, and I schedule one-hour exercise sessions several times per week.

Thank you all for the tremendous work you are doing. Send me questions, and stay safe.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Presidential scholars consistently rank Abraham Lincoln as the best President in U.S. history. He took office from a failed predecessor who affirmed slavery in the South, leading to an irreconcilable fracture of the nation. Through moral conviction, very human leadership, and strategic savvy, Lincoln led the Union through the Civil War, ended slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation and ultimately the Thirteenth Amendment, and preserved the United States. Simultaneously, and despite the overwhelming burden to hold a nation together, Lincoln looked ahead of the ongoing distress and prepared for a better future.

During Lincoln’s administration - at the height of the Civil War - the Department of Agriculture and the Land Grant University system were created. Lincoln understood the importance science, technology and education to feed and support a growing country. Lincoln established the national banking system, and set the principles for reconstruction that would be needed after the war. He signed the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, enabling efficient transportation across the continent, and set up a system by which any adult citizen - including recent immigrants, Black Americans, and the poor - were granted land on which to live and farm. And, just a few months before the Battle of Gettysburg and with the outcome of the war in doubt, Lincoln established the National Academy of Sciences with a vision that future governance of the nation should be aided by science.

What Lincoln did at that time to benefit future generations is a most amazing example of far-sighted vision displayed under the most stressful of circumstances. This inspires me today.

As we experience a disastrous pandemic, a tumultuous economic downturn, and disruptions to our schools, jobs, and personal lives, the Danforth Center is undergoing a strategic planning process that will set our course from 2021 through 2025. While we navigate the current disordered and disrupted period, I ask that you also think about the future of the Danforth Center. Over the next five years, what do we want to achieve? What do we need to build? How should the Danforth Center change? How can the Center become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive place, and how can we better help elevate our region and its people? How can we have more impact? Over the next several months, Center teams will be giving input about opportunities in which we should invest and that will better enable the outcomes we’re here to bring about.

Wouldn’t this be easier if we just waited for things to return to normal? Perhaps, but our people, our place and our purpose can’t wait. We need to shape our future now despite the uncertainties of the present. As Lincoln taught us, we rarely ever have the luxury of waiting until all of the unknowns are known and risks eliminated. I look forward to where we go from here.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

It is not surprising how frequently conversations about stress are happening among Danforth Center community members. Working from home, working in isolation, and worries about health are wearing us down. Those with kids are dealing with their jobs, child care responsibilities, and difficult school scenarios. Recent studies show that female scientists’ productivity has been disproportionately affected during the pandemic compared to male scientists, indicating that burdens and stress are distributed unequally across gender. A study published in May indicated that nearly one-third of Americans now show signs of clinical anxiety or depression, up dramatically from last year.

During lab meeting yesterday with team members Kerri Gilbert, Dan Lin, Kira Veley, Myia Elliott and Xingguo Zheng, we talked about their stressors, which include meeting daycare and schooling needs, inability to renew passports, frequent interruption of work, delays in projects, racial injustice, the pandemic and political craziness. And now someone is trying to convince them to worry about space alien DNA and demons behaving badly! I asked, “What are you doing to manage the stress?” Here are some of their answers (Thanks, team!).

Exercise. Kira gets out for a run. It helps her to stay in the present and remove the sense of so many things bearing down at once. I, too, find exercise is a great way to work out the worries.

Silkworms. Xingguo and his kids raise silkworms from eggs to cocoons. Silkworms feed like inexhaustible machines on young Mulberry leaves, a process that Xingguo watches with calming fascination. He explained, “They eat, sleep and poop. Pure life!” Who knew? 

Cooking. Dan explores what he can do in the kitchen, learning new recipes like Noodles with Sesame Sauce and Teriyaki Chicken. Dan said, “It helps focus on the immediate sphere, takes your mind off the world. No Twitter.” Kerri spends time developing vegetarian dishes.

Reading. Kerri reads books that she checks out electronically from the library. She is focusing now exclusively on women authors like Martha Wells, Jasmine Guillory, Brit Bennet, Liane Moriarty and Curtis Sittenfeld. Kerri routinely reads one book per day! I know, I can’t either.

Avoiding social media. Several lab members mentioned Twitter and Facebook as stress-triggering input that over-weights troubles in the world.

Great pets. Several in the group have pets – dogs, cats, and until recently, a three-legged turtle who lived in the back yard before making a break for it. Myia’s 3-year old dog Lily, a part boxer/part lab/part who-knows mix, might be the most comfortable participant in lab meetings!

Yesterday, the HR team provide a link in the COVID-19 Community Support newsletter for an article with practical ways to help stop worrying. Like the lab team, I hope you are finding ways that work for you, and are paying close attention to both your physical and mental well-being. Take care this weekend.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Fifty-seven percent. That’s the proportion of recently surveyed Americans who said they would get a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, when available. For a virus that’s killed over 145,000 people in the U.S., caused illness or serious complications for a few million more, and wreaked havoc on all our lives, 57% might seem surprisingly low. The other 43% were split almost evenly between those who believe vaccines are intrinsically bad and those who either don’t know or don’t care. Other recent surveys revealed that 45% of Americans doubt the general safety of vaccines, for reasons ranging from distrust of the medical establishment to the debunked myth that vaccination causes autism. I am very concerned about these beliefs, because a safe, effective, and available vaccine figures into our plans for eventual return to “normal.”

Belief in dubious or debunked theories and ideas is relevant to how the U.S. population has behaved during the pandemic. Data show that re-escalation of SARS-CoV-2 spread since mid-June resulted mainly from too many people failing to wear masks, social distance, and avoid crowded spaces like packed bars. Too many people believed that their actions would not affect the pandemic or their own health. Some behaviors were based on beliefs that recommended safeguards would cause bad outcomes, like masks causing suffocation by re-breathing your own carbon dioxide. Some behaviors were based on denial beliefs like infection numbers were a hoax, young adults were not susceptible, or masks were being pushed only for political reasons.

Why people adopt beliefs that are verifiably false is the focus of renown skeptic Michael Shermer, author of Why People Believe Weird Things and The Believing Brain. He and others underscore how our brains are wired to receive and organize information that promotes beliefs that misalign with reality. Individuals tend to unite in groups around beliefs (e.g. political parties or UFO clubs), providing positive social support. In fact, we all belong to belief groups of one type or another. Ideas in belief groups are reinforced by cognitive biases, like confirmation bias, which is exacerbated by dissemination of information exclusively favorable to the group belief. Groups usually have leaders who offer articulate (OK, not always) justification and higher purpose for their beliefs. Leaders and trusted members of groups are important also because when their beliefs migrate, for better or worse, members of the group are given license to migrate. All of these influences have had effects on pandemic-promoting behaviors recently.

Understanding why we believe things matters for the Danforth Center and our community because it affects the decisions we make. We have been deeply affected by individual and group decisions during this dreadful pandemic, underscoring again the need to ensure that our decisions are based on the best evidence available. This is often difficult to do, however, as our families with school age and preschool children are experiencing today. Sometimes we do not have all the information - the data - we need to make decisions that affect our lives and our well-being. But as a science-based institution, our belief in verifiable evidence and our ability to learn gives us a few advantages.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Reversal of the federal order requiring international students to attend all classes in person was good news this week, coming after universities, research centers and individuals, including many at the Danforth Center, advocated effectively in the media and to our legislators. I want to highlight the great work of Karla Roeber, VP for Public and Government Affairs, and Monica Zawicki, Digital Marketing Manager, who build relationships, content and tools to tell our stories and express our concerns at the highest levels. Thank you, Karla and Monica, for your efforts in support of our international colleagues!

I admire inspiring communicators and science advocates who can engage the public effectively. But it doesn’t always go according to plan, which reminds me of the time I was interviewed for an episode of the Showtime cable channel program Penn & Teller: Bulls--t! in 2003. This show combined humor, science and illusion to debunk popular misconceptions, and the episode “Eat This!” focused on myths about food, including genetically modified crops. Our lab in Oregon was transformed into a video production studio for the interview with one of the show’s producers, and I did my best to sound authoritative answering dozens of on-camera questions. My advocacy for science went pretty well, I thought.

By coincidence, Teri and I were traveling through Las Vegas shortly before the episode aired, so we stay one night to see Penn and Teller’s live show at the Rio Hotel. It was fantastic, and immediately afterwards we had the opportunity to meet Teller, who was greeting attendees in the lobby. “I’m going to tell him I’ll be on his show,” I said. Teller never speaks during a performance, but as we approached him we could see he was talkative and friendly.

A moment later, we were shaking Teller’s hand and saying how much we enjoyed the show. Then I said, “I’m going to be on an upcoming Penn and Teller: Bulls—t! episode, the one about food.” As the look on Teller’s face turned from welcoming smile to puzzled frown, he communicated silently but clearly, “I know everyone in that episode, and you’re not in it. You were cut, my friend.” Teller must have been relieved that we left quickly, my subsequent walk of shame interrupted only by taunting sounds of “Boink...boink...dink dink...boink...” from countless gambling machines.

The take-home lesson is this: there are always risks when we go outside of our comfort zones and try to reach the public about what we do. But despite the occasional flops, the risks are worth taking because the public needs to hear from us. I thank everyone who is standing up in various media, on podcasts, and elsewhere to make your voice heard. And when it doesn’t go according to plan, at least you’ll have a story to tell later. Stay safe!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

If this message was a category on the game show Jeopardy!, it would be “Potpourri.” A little of this, a little of that. How about starting each thought this week in the form of a question?

Is coronavirus getting any worse in St. Louis? If last week was time to ring the alarm bell about re-acceleration of coronavirus spread, this week I’m turning on the siren! We had more new COVID-19 cases in St. Louis County over the past three days than over any other three-day period since the pandemic started. This should motivate us to re-commit to mask-wearing everywhere we go, to keeping our distance from everyone outside the home, and to assuming everything we touch is contaminated with the virus. I am most worried about exposure in public spaces, where we have less or no control of our surroundings. I am less worried about exposure at the Danforth Center because of rigorous adherence to wellness, safety precautions and personal responsibility by our community on site. Thank you!

What do xenophobic U.S. policies look like? In addition to President Trump suspending H-1B and other work visas a few weeks ago, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency announced this week that international students who are unable to attend classes in-person (as opposed to online) would have to depart. Again, we find ourselves confronted with policy moves that are inhumane, disruptive and damaging to our international colleagues, and counter to our principles and purpose at the Center. I want to reaffirm support for our colleagues who are here seeking opportunity. I have made these views known through a number of media interviews, and in a frank conversation with Senator Roy Blunt. Thank you to all who have spoken up and stood with our friends and colleagues from around the world, and thank you to Shannon Gabbert and Sally Zetzman for coordinating communication between our partnering universities, our graduate students and our community.

Who is making the Center more diverse, equitable and inclusive? Thank you to the participants on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) planning group that Anna Dibble has convened since February. The group met for the last time on Thursday, finalizing the charter for a new advisory council that will work with the leadership team, the faculty and the entire Center community to help keep a spotlight on DEI issues. Anna will be communicating about how you can get involved in the future. Thank you to those who participated in the first series of workshops on “Building Capacity for Dialogue About, and Across, Racial Identity Differences,” presented by Dr. Karla Scott from Saint Louis University. Anna, the HR team and Dr. Scott are now planning to roll out the series to all community members in the weeks ahead. Also, in connection with Black Botanists Week, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch just posted a fantastic article featuring Taylor Harris, Kiona Elliott and Kevin Cox. Reading it will make your weekend!

Is the Danforth Center in any financial trouble because of the pandemic? We all appreciate that so many organizations and businesses are suffering financially due to the pandemic. This week, we presented a preliminary assessment of current and projected financial impact to the Executive Committee of our Board. I am pleased to communicate that the Center’s finances remain in good shape, and that we do not anticipate major problems through 2020. I am thankful we have such creative PIs with high grant-getting success, generous donors, a solid endowment, and a terrific Finance team lead by Hal Davies. While the pandemic may have some financial impact on the Center over the next year, I believe we’ll get through it in relatively good condition.

Have a good weekend, and please remain diligent in keeping yourselves and your loved ones safe.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Have you ever been preparing the weekly message and found yourself reading a 1999 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report? I have. In pondering the current state of the U.S. as SARS-CoV-2 spreads and the resultant COVID-19 cases rise again, I came across a series of articles on “Ten Great Public Health Achievements in the United States: 1900-1999.” While most of us spent the end of the 20^th century preoccupied with the Y2K glitch, worrying if our smart refrigerators were going to lock us out, the good people at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were assessing the phenomenal success of public health initiatives over the prior 100 years. Did you know that life expectancy in the U.S. increased by over 30 years during the 20^th century? Twenty-five of those years were attributable to advances in public health.

Control of infectious diseases and development of vaccines were documented as two of the most important and cost-effective advances contributing to both better health and much longer life expectancy over the last century. Eradication of Smallpox virus in 1977 through systematic vaccination occurred with leadership, strong national will and significant public investment; by 1985, the cost of this entire national investment was being recouped every 26 days. Leadership, national will and public investment similarly led to elimination of all circulating paralytic poliovirus in the U.S., and reduced the annual cases of Measles from over 500,000 per year to less than 100. In addition to reduction of incalculable human suffering, these two programs returned between $6.00 and $13.50 for every dollar invested per year.

Which brings us to early July, 2020 and our current battle with COVID-19. Heading into Phase 1 operations at the beginning of June, I expressed cautious optimism that we would continue in the right direction of lowering the rate of spread. But alarmingly, COVID-19 cases have doubled since mid-June at both the U.S. and Missouri levels, due in large part to increased community spread. Data indicate that rising COVID-19 cases are correlated with lack of adherence to the basic measures we all should be taking. The rigorous spacing, sanitation and hygiene, mask-wearing, and certification of wellness done by those onsite during Phase 1 at the Danforth Center, and for which I am so impressed and appreciative, are behaviors not mirrored by much of the public, and we are witnessing the consequences.

Danforth Center community members who have suffered from COVID-19, or who have family or friends who have suffered or died, can tell you in painful detail what this pandemic is all about. Over 2.7 million known cases and 127,000 known deaths in this country alone over a four-month period are astounding, and I’m distressed that we are not seeing enough leadership, national will, investment and individual responsibility in public necessary to deal adequately with the crisis.

The lessons learned by prior generations fighting terrible diseases – from pandemic flu to HIV/AIDS - must not be forgotten, because we need to apply them today! As we go into this long holiday weekend, one in which we traditionally gather in large groups around fun activities and celebrations, I ask that we all go out of our way to model the behaviors we know are necessary at this time. Stay safe!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

In one form or another, the question I’m asked most frequently in my role is: “What has the Danforth Center done?” Most of the time, the questioner is really asking, “What kind of impact has the Danforth Center made?” A center engaged deeply in foundational research, like ours, can sometimes be difficult to explain to someone who wants to know how we’ve made the world a better place. Indeed, we have much to show from the Danforth Center’s first 22 years – over 1350 published scientific contributions, products developed for smallholder farmers, and hundreds of new scientists trained, to list but a few achievements. And despite nearly four months working under stress because of the coronavirus pandemic, our amazing community continues to achieve.

This message is about impact happening in real time right on our campus. But first, let’s understand a basic principle: Some of the Center’s impact, including more sustainable and nutritious crops, only happens if the private sector takes our research results, our technologies, or our trainees and develops beneficial products that reach the marketplace. The idea is simple – we make the foundational discoveries at the Danforth Center, and with appropriate nudging, licensing and facilitation, enable companies to build and sell products that are consistent with our mission, vision and values. This idea is one of the drivers behind the 39 North innovation district.

That’s why the Benson Hill story is so important to know. Born out of the Danforth Center in 2012, Benson Hill makes products with both agricultural and consumer benefits, has grown revenues to support around 300 employees, and is moving into new headquarters in the EDGE@BRDG building on our campus over the next several weeks. Their business is built around an accelerated breeding platform for high-value crops, like ultra-high-protein soybean, using technology (CropOS) that originated in co-founder Todd Mockler’s lab at the Danforth Center. Their products are customized to unique environments, have desirable nutritional profiles, and require less energy and water for processing. They are one of the most exciting companies in the agtech space.

Todd Mockler explained to me why companies like Benson Hill are so important for the Danforth Center. “It doesn’t matter how good or smart you are with your research, you need a company with a great team and a great CEO (Matt Crisp at Benson Hill) to turn your research into something that people can use to solve real problems,” Todd recently told me. “Benson Hill has been able to move in unexpected directions, and it’s bigger, more diverse and broader than what I had initially envisioned.”

More successes like Benson Hill mean more impact from the Danforth Center, which is why we are excited about the recent hiring of Stephanie Regagnon (Exec. Director of Innovation Partnerships) and Tom Laurita (Dir. of Entrepreneurship). Stephanie and Tom, along with Claire Kinlaw (Dir. of Innovation Commercialization), comprise a team to help develop and license more technologies, form and grow more start-up companies based on Center science, and build a stronger and more impactful innovation ecosystem in and around the Danforth Center. Stephanie, Tom and Claire are a unique team in the non-profit research world, and their critical contributions will help give us new ways to answer the question, “What has the Danforth Center done?” well into the future.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

In a message on June 1, and reinforced in several subsequent communications to you and the broader public, I challenged our community to ask difficult questions about our behaviors and biases that may impede progress toward a racially equitable Danforth Center, one that truly matches up with our values. In retrospect, the language referring to systemic racism and our responsibility to be antiracist was likely too limited in that June 1 message. Words can make a big difference, and through dialogue and learning, I hope I’m using them more effectively now.

But as important as they are, words need to be accompanied by actions that make a difference for our Black colleagues and communities. This message is an informal progress report, briefly highlighting a subset of the actions that are underway, actions we are planning, and proposed actions that need input and participation from the Center community. Thank you to all who are contributing your perspectives, ideas and concerns, which have helped shape actions in five areas.

Community building, representation and input. On June 24, we will finalize plans for a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council, which will be resourced with funding, empowered to develop programs, and represented within the leadership team. We are also supporting efforts led by Kiona Elliott and Taylor Harris to coalesce Black community members to promote dialogue, communication and engagement across the Center.

Education and professional development. Starting on Monday, June 22, the Danforth Center faculty (leadership team, PIs and Directors) will attend and participate in a series of three workshops on Building Capacity for Dialogue About and Across Race, led by Dr. Karla Scott from Saint Louis University. We will provide this workshop next to the entire Danforth Center community in a second series. We will also strengthen and prioritize our internal education and professional development capacity in the second half of 2020 by hiring into a new Organizational Development and Learning position, which will focus on professional development, leadership development, Center culture, inclusion and assessment.

Hiring, evaluation and recognition. We are recommitting to, and increasing funding for, stronger target-based efforts to identify and hire candidates to address the underrepresentation of Black individuals at the Center. Our searches will be more active. For members of our community, Danforth Center values will be embedded in performance feedback and reviews; we seek to ensure that work to actively promote and support diversity, equity and inclusion is fully recognized and valued.

Leadership development. We will provide opportunities and funding for leadership development to Black members of our community, chairs of the new DEI Advisory Council, and others willing to step into diversity, equity and inclusion leadership roles.

Racial equity in STEM. We recognize our role in ensuring every Black individual has access to, and opportunity to succeed in, STEM fields. We are prioritizing education and outreach investments directed toward Black communities, and will increase funding and fundraising efforts to support the work of Black scientists recruited to the Center.

For several weeks, many of us have been listening carefully to diverse individuals and groups across the Center, and to experts and leaders in the region. Teams across the Center have been discussing how systemic racism persists and disadvantages our Black colleagues and communities. Listening, learning, discussion, and subsequent actions need to happen continuously, and I encourage everyone to stay involved. The actions and investments in racial equity described here are some of the next, but certainly not the last, steps we are committing to take as a community.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

A few years ago, I received a message from distant relatives in Cut and Shoot, TX. That’s right, I said Cut and Shoot, TX. Look it up, it’s a real city north of Houston with around 1000 residents. Cut and Shoot holds a few members of the Terry family, from which Pauline Terry was brought forth almost 115 years ago. As a young woman in east Texas in the 1920s, Pauline, or Polly as she was known, married Ted Carrington, changed her last name, and would soon be raising two young boys. Some 35 years later, their one grandson was born.

Ted and Polly Carrington, my grandparents, lived near Nacogdoches, TX in the early 1930s as the Great Depression swept through the country. Ted worked wherever jobs could be found. He learned a little of the construction trade, but he also dug ditches. He had a practical work ethic that carried him through life. At age 17, when I told Grandpa I was accepted to college, he nodded with emotionless approval, then said in his gruff, graveled voice, “But can you build a brick wall?” I had no snappy comeback for that one.

But this message is about Grandma Carrington and one short story she told me privately during Thanksgiving when I was around 10 years old. We always celebrated Thanksgiving at their home just a few miles from ours. I asked how she learned to cook. She then told me about Texas, life during the Depression with young kids, and cooking with little on the shelf. She would cook whatever she could get that day, and some days there wasn’t much. On other days, there was nothing. I asked, “What would you do then?”

Grandma Carrington told me about their community, and how they looked out for one another. “We knew who was struggling, and we would help each other,” she explained. “We did it quietly. I would go to the back door of a neighbor’s home, and they would always know what I needed. That’s how we all got through the Depression.” Grandma told me this story with seriousness and an unmistakable message that needed no explanation: Take care of people who need help!

Grandma Carrington would be pleased with Dana Benedicktus and Noah Fahlgren, who recently spearheaded creation of the community-led Danforth Center Cares Employee Emergency Fund. Along with Terri Burton, Todd Hornburg, and Andrew Witthaus as a team, and with support from those in HR, Finance, IT, and Development, they’re raising money from you, the Danforth Center community, to help those in our midst who are experiencing economic hardship. The Danforth Center Cares team receives and reviews confidential requests from community members requiring temporary assistance to meet urgent financial needs. Today, many of those needs are brought on by the economic crisis. To date, the team has made three grants in support of our colleagues because you are responding with donations. You are generously helping neighbors appearing at the back door.

Danforth Center Cares is a true expression of our values and our humanity. Thank you to Dana, Noah and team, and to all those who have donated, for taking care of people who need help. And to those who have yet to contribute, please consider giving. One-time and monthly donations of any amount, and confidential requests for grants, can be made at https://danforthcentercares.danforthcenter.org. Stay well and take care.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

A few weeks ago, I wrote about five criteria we needed to satisfy before transitioning out of Minimum Basic Operations (MBO). Well, with contributions and planning from across the Danforth Center, we checked the box on all five criteria and will transition to Phase 1 operations on Monday, June 1. While this represents nothing near back to “normal,” Phase 1 is a measured, safety-first step toward ramping up on-site activities that are important to our teams, our research and our mission. This is an important milestone as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through MBO and planning for Phase 1, I’ve been humbled and sometimes dumbfounded to witness so many examples of selfless dedication in support of others at the Danforth Center. This message is a “thank you” to all who have gone over and above, usually out of view and without fanfare, for the past 11 weeks. I wish there was room to highlight everyone who caught my attention, but for now, here’s a few of stories of people working wonders behind the scenes.

Joy Knuckles has been quietly but effectively contributing to nearly all facets of facilities and safety. Joy has used grit and determination to identify suppliers of scarce but essential items like masks and sanitizers, and figured out how to get deliveries to the Center expedited. And every day, Joy helps prepare a report with necessary information about entries into our facilities, allowing us to affirm that only authorized members of the MBO team are working on-site. Thank you, Joy, for your invaluable contributions!

Vince Abernathy and Andrew Helbling in IT were challenged to develop quickly a reliable, simple-to-use system to certify that everyone working on-site during Phase 1 passes a daily wellness check. This is a little more complicated than one might assume. They developed both an email-triggered online system (short-term solution) and a QR code system (long-term solution) to collect and process daily wellness certifications. While most of us were relaxing on Memorial Day, Vince and Andrew spent the holiday working on and testing the systems so they would be ready to go on June 1. Thank you, Vince and Andrew, for your dedication and sacrifice!

Speaking of the daily wellness check, let me tell you about Maria Higa, Joanie Featherston and Sally Zetzman in Human Resources and what they did to obtain 350 Kinsa thermometers. Most of you received your smart thermometer over the past 10 days. Maria initially tried for weeks to communicate with Kinsa, unsuccessfully, to place a bulk order. With time getting short, they searched for conventional thermometers as a stop-gap measure, but like certain other items in short supply recently, they could not identify a sufficient source. Joanie even made half a dozen trips to stores in town, only to find thermometers were sold out or limited to one per purchase. Long story short, the team figured out that the only way to secure hundreds of Kinsa thermometers by June 1 was to place individual online orders, one at a time, for delivery to each community member at their individual home addresses. They spent days and nights placing orders, ultimately succeeding ahead of schedule. Thank you, Sally, Maria, and Joanie for your tireless work and determined effort!

I received a very nice message recently from someone who, like me, has been admiring the contributions of so many at the Danforth Center during the COVID-19 crisis: “It’s been a strange way of life and work since March and it takes great people to keep the wheel running smoothly.  I don’t know how smoothly this will all seem someday but what I do know is we have worked hard as a team to do our very best.  The entire Danforth Center is a special group of people.”

I could not possibly conclude any better than that.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

In late October of 2005, I visited the University of Calgary and University of Alberta on a Gairdner Award Symposium mini-tour with two friends and colleagues, Craig Mello and James Darnell. The Gairdner Award is a top Canadian science prize and Craig was a recipient; he would soon be awarded the Nobel Prize in 2006 for discovering key features about RNA interference. The morning after speaking in Calgary, we were picked up early, like before-coffee early, from our hotel in a spacious, high-end limousine headed to the airport. Why we couldn’t just drive the short route to Edmonton instead of enduring the hassle of airports and airplane for a 30-minute flight was the topic under discussion. We tapped the window separating us from the driver, and after it came down asked, “Would you be able to take us all the way to Edmonton?”

The driver explained no, he could not, because he had another commitment. After a brief back-and-forth to politely rephrase what we thought was a great idea, the driver said, “Hold on, let me see what I can do.” The window went back up. A few minutes later, the window came down and he said, “OK, we’re all set. We’ll be there in a couple of hours.” Our driver was our new friend!

As we settled in, our interest grew about the other “commitment” he maneuvered out of to indulge our request. We tapped on the window, which hummed as it lowered. We asked with amused curiosity, but also hope that we were not causing a problem, “What did you need to rearrange to drive us to Edmonton?” He quickly responded, “I can’t tell you,” then explained to us all about NDAs and confidentiality agreements.

Well, this transformed quickly into an urgent mystery and game-like challenge for three stubborn scientists! We didn’t let up until he finally said, “OK, I’ll tell you, but you can’t tell anybody. My partner and I are under contract as the exclusive drivers for four guys staying at Lake Louise this week. They’re the Rolling Stones. I’m responsible for Ron Wood and Charlie Watts! My partner will cover for me while I drive you.”

The rest of the ride involved one entertaining story after another about our driver’s Rolling Stones adventure, particularly with Ron Wood, who we concluded was thoroughly enjoying his week in Alberta. After we arrived and waved goodbye to our wonderful driver, I asked Craig and James, “Did we just hijack the Rolling Stones limo?” Darn right we did!

Now, why tell (or re-tell, for some of you) this anecdote in my weekly message to the Danforth Center community? The story illustrates three points that are highly relevant for us today. First, in these turbulent times, we need to get more comfortable asking the question: Why continue doing certain things the same old way? With 10 weeks of disruption now behind us, and more to come, let’s not be reluctant to ask what makes sense to change. There may never be a better time to reflect and put an idea forward, or to challenge yourself to reconsider priorities.

Second, fear not the answer, “No, it can’t be done.” Some ideas need to pair with a little persuasion. Some ideas just need a little time to sink in. Some ideas simply won’t work, but as long as we live our values of integrity and respect, they will get people thinking and that may lead in other productive directions. And third, changes often lead to unexpected benefits. I’ve heard about such benefits from so many of you and your teams during the past few months.

We have a resilient, adaptable community that impresses me every day. Thank you to all who are working to find a better way forward. What a long, strange trip it’s been! Which reminds me, I’ve also got a good Grateful Dead story.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

For the past several weeks, we have been working hard on plans for eventual exit from Minimum Basic Operations (MBO) and ramp-up of on-site activity at the Danforth Center. A few weeks ago, I described our plans for a phased ramp-up, sensibly starting with Phase 1 in which limited numbers of additional people will be allowed on-site as the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control. Five boxes need to be checked before we initiate Phase 1:

1. St. Louis Country needs to suspend Stay-at-Home orders that apply to us, and that happens on Monday, May 18. Check!
2. Daily reported cases of COVID-19 need to be on a sustained, descending trend in the region. For 11 of the past 13 days in St. Louis County, the number of new cases reported have been below the seven-day average, and that’s an encouraging trend. But we saw a spike in cases toward the end of this week, so let’s hold off on checking this box right now.
3. Plans need to be in place for each lab, facility and department to ensure that we can begin ramp-up safely. The plans specify types of limited new activity, who will be on-site during Phase 1, and how distancing, sanitation, hygiene and PPE standards will be assured. All plans have been received and are under review and refinement now. This box is not ready to check, but we anticipate doing so within the next week to 10 days.
4. A Danforth Center facility-wide plan, as well as facility modifications, are needed to promote non-intersecting foot traffic, a touchless environment, and other features to reduce the likelihood of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. The Facilities team is creating new signage, installing sterilization and sanitization stations throughout the Center, modifying restrooms and installing automatic or touch-minimal doors during the MBO period. This work will be largely completed, and this box checked, within the next few weeks.
5. And finally, a Return-to-Work Wellness Plan needs to be in place before admitting more people on-site. While health and safety has been the first priority during MBO, an enhanced sick leave policy with more relevance to our new reality will be implemented in Phase 1. Also, an active health monitoring program that reduces the prevalence of infectious disease on-site will be deployed. The Wellness Plan will be ready to go within two weeks, meaning that we should be able to have all five boxes checked by the end of May.

Does this mean we’ll be able to advance to Phase 1 on June 1? Assuming numbers of new COVID-19 cases continue to decline at a consistent pace in our region, and with many safeguards and restrictions in place – Yes! The transition to Phase 1 with limited ramp-up, like the transition to MBO, will no doubt require iterative adjustments as we move forward, but please know our first priority will remain health and wellness.

Thank you to both the on-site and at-home teams for your continued good work, and thank you all for your commitment to our community by continuing to protect both yourself and your colleagues.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

This week, how about a quick science lesson? What is this new coronavirus causing COVID-19 and where did it come from? And what are the chances that we’re going to have a vaccine in the near future? There are good reasons to learn a little virology, as most of you have over the past several months, mainly because diseases caused by viruses affect everyone’s health and well-being. Learning about this new coronavirus by the public, however, has been complicated by broadly circulated misinformation, politicized information, and conspiracy theories that appear every day. So, let’s cover a few coronavirus basics.

Coronaviruses comprise a large family of viruses that infect humans, domesticated animals and wild animals. They have been studied by scientists and clinicians for a long time. I’ve been interested in coronaviruses since the 1980s, ever since they were discovered to share a lot of features in common with most plant viruses. Four coronaviruses of humans, with exciting names like 229E or OC43, are among the common cold viruses. You’ve no doubt been infected by some of these. But three coronaviruses with the potential to cause deadly diseases suddenly appeared in the human population within the past few decades, causing severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS (virus named SARS-CoV-1), middle east respiratory syndrome or MERS (virus named MERS-CoV) and of course, coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 (virus named SARS-CoV-2) which we are dealing with today.

Was SARS-CoV-2 created in a lab, or the result of a wild experiment gone bad, as has been alleged in various conspiratorial forms? No, it was not. Because scientists have studied in depth the genomes of known human and animal-infecting coronaviruses, we understand quite a bit about where the human-infecting coronaviruses came from and how they evolved. This is not so different from being able to tell where you came from and who you’re related to if you have had your genome analyzed by 23andMe. SARS-CoV-2 is very closely related to a large sub-group of coronaviruses that infect bats, and therefore, likely originated relatively recently from bats. What is not known is whether SARS-CoV-2 jumped directly from bats to humans, or jumped first to an intermediate animal before infecting humans. Based on recent data, there are reasons to suspect the latter. There are numerous other well-studied examples of viruses, like those causing influenza, jumping from animals to humans.

What are the chances that an effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will be developed soon? I wish we had more visibility on this now, as a vaccine or other treatments will have a significant impact on how the Danforth Center operates in the future. But there are reasons to be hopeful. Effective vaccines have been developed against other coronaviruses, including the swine-infecting porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (my apologies if I just ruined Saturday brunch, but this is science). And there are massive ongoing efforts to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on a wide range of technologies. I think we should be somewhat optimistic, but realistic that a tested, scaled-up and available vaccine may not be in hand for another year or more.

I appreciate all of the time and effort our community is investing to stay informed about the pandemic, including learning about SARS-CoV-2. Stay safe and have a nice weekend!

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

On May 4, 2020, the State of Missouri will allow non-essential businesses to reopen and social gatherings to resume in a relaxation of restrictions implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there will be distancing requirements and an intention to provide more diagnostic and healthcare resources, this is a significant move to open up economic activity. It also comes with significant risk of re-accelerating coronavirus spread. Will this action affect the Danforth Center in the near-term? The answer is: No, it will not.

There are two reasons why we’ll remain with MBO and stay-at-home for at least several more weeks. First, as I’ve stressed recently, there are still too many new cases of COVID-19 being reported across the state, especially in our region. And second, St. Louis County and city will remain under stay-at-home orders with no end date yet scheduled.

The leadership team and faculty, however, are busy developing a plan to ramp-up work in a rational, safe manner whenever we do allow greater on-site access. The plan will be responsive to different levels of risks, will anticipate external factors that impact the course of the pandemic, and will be attentive to feedback from you. The draft plan has three phases. In Phase 1, the initial ramp-up, we will permit limited numbers of people beyond those on the MBO team to prepare labs, departments and facilities for expanded activity on-site. This might include, for example, seeding of new plant materials or preparations for field work. A high proportion of Danforth Center personnel will still work from home, and those on-site will adhere to distancing, sanitation and PPE requirements, and other CDC-recommended practices. Restrictions on travel, meetings and gatherings will be in effect as they are now. We expect that SARS-CoV-2 will still be circulating during Phase 1, but at a sustained low level.

In Phase 2, we will relax access to facilities for most members of the Danforth Center community, at least partly, but with significant numbers still working fully or partially from home. Distancing, sanitary practices, and other health-promoting practices will be in effect, as will revised health-related policies and on-site or at-home monitoring. Restrictions on travel, meetings and gatherings will remain, but may be loosened depending on conditions. We anticipate that some SARS-CoV-2 may still be circulating during Phase 2, but at levels that continue to lower and that are more manageable with anticipated new resources, like better and more accessible diagnostic testing. Phase 3 will look a lot like full operations, but with new long-term policies and practices that promote health of the community and our guests. This phase will be triggered when we are convinced that community health practices, vaccination and/or other interventions will be effective for long-term mitigation of COVID-19.

While I am comfortable with the principles underlying the phased plan, I am not comfortable projecting the timeline on which each phase will be triggered. There are too many external variables that we do not control. But despite the uncertainties, I hope the community gains some benefit knowing that our collective well-being is forefront in the plans.

Jim Carrington, President

Dear Danforth Center Community,

After nearly six weeks of work-from-home and minimal on-site operations, two things are constantly swirling in my head. The first is sincere appreciation for a Danforth Center community that has made sacrifices, supported one another and found creative solutions to difficult challenges. Whether you are on the MBO team or in the stay-at-home group, thank you so much! The second subject of continuous contemplation is a question: How much longer will we continue in this mode?

The straightforward answer is, I don’t know. As Neils Bohr, Mark Twain and Yogi Berra all said in one way or another, “Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” We all desire to get back to normal quickly, but the criteria to resume more normal looking operations all revolve around health and safety of our community. If a governmental authority says we can resume operations on a particular date, the Danforth Center may or may not expand on-site work on that date depending on our assessment of whether or not we can do so safely.

The big problem with bringing more people back on-site soon is the fact that there is too much SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19) still circulating in the St. Louis region. Consider the fact that there had been only a small handful of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the entire state when we first directed those who could work from home to do so on March 16. Last Thursday alone (April 23), there were over 100 new confirmed cases reported just in St. Louis County. While the rate of spread might be less today compared to the rate of spread at the peak recently, there is and will continue to be an unacceptably high risk of infection for several weeks to come.

Despite the uncertainty, we are planning for eventual return and setting expectations for the kinds of activities we will support through the remainder of 2020. We expect the post-MBO period to involve a gradual return of community members continuing to work under limits on spacing, numbers of people in common areas, and size of gatherings. We anticipate all events like seminars, symposia and gatherings involving many guests (Conversations, for example) either staying online or migrating online through the year. Business-related air travel, both to and from the Center, will be limited to only the most essential business, and in those cases, with rigorous safeguards in place. Expect the Danforth Center be a more “touchless” work environment, with restroom fixtures, some doors, dispensers and other features being enabled with less, or no, direct contact necessary. Expect additional required personal protective equipment in core facilities and commonly used areas. And we are assessing tools and policies to improve personal health, assure access to vaccines and diagnostics when available, and generally reduce our collective exposure to infectious disease.

Given the sacrifices and difficulties so many are experiencing, unease about the future is unavoidable and understandable. But through this unsettling time, please know that we are committed to decision-making based on the best available information and with health and safety as the primary consideration.

Jim Carrington
April 25, 2020

Dear Danforth Center Community,

Among other parts of my weekly schedule while working from home, I have meetings with the Danforth Center faculty, the leadership team, and those who report directly to me. I have also been meeting a lot recently with department teams, facility teams and lab groups with which I do not have regularly scheduled Zoom time. The purpose of the latter meetings is simply to learn how teams across the Center are doing, how they are communicating, and in some cases, how they are taking advantage of this unusual time. In every one of these meetings, I am learning about the creativity, the dedication, the humor, and the humanity of the Danforth Center community in ways I might never have learned in “normal” times.

The Allison Miller team is meeting every morning for coffee at 8:30. They told me how they’re using this time to analyze years-worth of data that have accumulated, write papers in a group format and learn more about others’ work. I was struck by how they have turned paper-writing into a new kind of team sport! The Keith Slotkin lab members told me about how they’re going back to school, using some of the at-home time to acquire or spread valuable skills among the team. Using online resources and talent within the group, they are elevating their collective capabilities for R, data presentation and other computational skills.

The Human Resources team showed me that, despite a heavy workload, they have doubled down on their commitment to people and helping everyone find their unique way forward. They also have the best collection of “meeting hats” at the Center. The Education Research and Outreach group showed me how enthusiasm and ambition need not be diminished by disruption from a pandemic. Since that meeting, I’m still trying to figure out how they find the time to do everything!

The Plant Growth Facility (PGF) group had to be split between multiple Zoom meetings, because some are always on-site working hard in rotating teams. If you want an image in your mind of what rolling up your sleeves and tackling a difficult job looks like, think about the PGF team members. They communicated about the importance of our work and how commitment to the Center’s mission helps them through. And my meeting with the PGF Oversight Committee showed me how much one group really cares about others in the community.

Finally, during a Tea Time with graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and lab technicians (CSTM), I learned not only about how they have adapted to dispersed working environments, but how they’re looking ahead. Which leads me to ask this: what will we take forward from our collective experience and what we’ve seen from one another when we arrive at the new normal, whatever that turns out to be?

Jim Carrington

April 18, 2020

Dear Danforth Center Community,

If you are like me, you have noticed how real science has re-emerged in the media and public discourse during the coronavirus pandemic. At a time when scientifically dubious or outright false narratives are crowding out meaningful science in so many areas that affect our lives, epidemiological models and fundamentals of virology have been every-day topics on news channels and podcasts. People are being exposed regularly to rigorous scientists like Dr. Anthony Fauci and saying, “Yeah, I’m glad they’re on the case!”

For a couple of reasons, I am sensitive to how the public perceives and values science, and how science is (or is not) informing public policy and action. I’ve been giving presentations about this, and what we can do about it, over the past few years. Close to home, how the public relates to science very much affects the Danforth Center, our work and our impact. Without science-supportive individuals and organizations that make generous donations, we would not survive as a non-profit research center. Without elected representatives, especially at the federal level, who understand and support the need for publicly funded research to meet the challenges we’re here to address, we would have very little funding for our projects. How the public perceives the importance of science directly impacts all of us and our work at the Danforth Center.

The other reason I am sensitive to public perception of science is this: it matters to everybody! The coronavirus pandemic is demonstrating in real time how hard-working scientists and science-based policies are desperately needed. We need scientists who are able to respond quickly with solutions in the midst of a pandemic. We need them to develop technologies that detect emerging threats early so pandemics are prevented in the first place. And we really do need science-guided public policy and responses that protect the public from newly emerging viruses, and that ensure systems are in place that enable scientists and healthcare professionals to do their jobs effectively and safely. How the public perceives the importance of science impacts everyone’s health and well-being!

In the weeks ahead, I’ll write about how I think the Danforth Center will be changed by this pandemic. But I also hope that the public at large changes through this unprecedented experience, at least a little, by gaining a better appreciation of how science, science-based institutions and science-based policy affect their health, their economic security and their quality of life.

And by the way, speaking as a virologist, I am proud to see Dr. Fauci stand front and center as the standard-bearer for science during this crisis. As director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, Dr. Fauci has led federal efforts to combat AIDS/HIV, SARS, pandemic flu, MERS, Ebola, and now the new coronavirus. He is an American hero for whom we should be sincerely thankful.

Jim Carrington

April 11, 2020

Dear Danforth Center Community,

We made it through another week! I normally wouldn’t say something like that when we get to the weekend, but these are not normal times. Thanks to everyone who figured out a creative solution working remotely, kept MBO on-site functioning well, or did something on behalf of others.

I want to call out Todd Hornburg and Jim Cox for organizing and delivering the donation of N-95 masks to the BJC/SSM-led consortium of healthcare organizations this week. That delivery also included N-99 masks Keith Slotkin and his lab. Thanks also go to everyone who is organizing, or participating in, other efforts to donate Danforth Center or personal supplies that can help our healthcare providers. The recipients of such donations are sincerely moved by your contributions. One wrote back to me and said, “Being on the front line of this public health crisis, not knowing whether you will have enough personal protective equipment during your shift is scary. With your package of masks, my coworkers and I know that we are able to protect ourselves while caring for our critically ill patients.”

I also thank Todd Hornburg, along with Anna Dibble, for preparing the plan for responding in the event of a COVID-19-positive diagnosis at the Danforth Center. You received this plan by email on Friday, and it is posted on danforthcenter.org and W3. Please familiarize yourself with this plan so you know what would happen after such an unfortunate, but quite possible, event. On a related note, please remember that all members of the Danforth Center community should be disclosing (confidentially) if you become ill as soon as possible to Anna Dibble. Additionally, any member of the MBO team that feels ill, has a fever, or displays ANY “under-the-weather” symptoms is prohibited from entering the building for any reason. At this time, the values of Integrity and Respect can be upheld and lived well through complying with these mandates.

Finally, let’s return to masks, and whether or not MBO team members should be wearing them. The C.D.C. on Friday issued a statement saying that homemade and cloth masks may help to reduce spread of COVID-19. How much they help is debatable, and public health officials are advising the public not to use N-95 or surgical masks (save them for healthcare workers). A well-fitted mask probably reduces somewhat your likelihood of infecting others if you are shedding a respiratory, airborne virus through coughing or sneezing. But, the benefits (if any) for preventing you from getting infected are nowhere near as high as practicing social distancing, washing your hands rigorously and often, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and sanitizing your workspace before and after use, all of which MBO team members should be doing. It won’t hurt to wear one, but they are not the primary strategy to prevent spread of COVID-19. Please note that most of the Center’s masks have been donated already, but if you have a special need, please let Jim Cox know.

Thanks again to all of you! Have a safe weekend.

Jim Carrington

Dear Danforth Center Community,

As this first week of minimum basic operations (MBO) under the stay-at-home orders draws to a close, I want to thank everyone in the Danforth Center community for your adaptability, valuable contributions, creativity, and compassion under conditions that were unimaginable just few weeks ago. I am thankful so many are willing to make sacrifices to help us get through this emergency and keep our community members safe. I am especially thankful to the on-site MBO team, which is providing essential service to so many others. The Plant Growth Facility team, the delivery and facilities teams, and the security team are just a few examples of outstanding MBO contributors.

I have been asked, “How long do you think this will last?” Neither I nor anyone else knows the answer with certainty, because too many variables are still unknown. How widespread will stay-at-home or lock-down orders be instituted across the U.S.? How quickly can rapid, early testing be applied on a large scale? But decades of virology and epidemiological science tell us this: with the current rate of increase of COVID-19 cases, and the patterns of spread across the country, the peak of the epidemic will not be reached for some time. And when we do reach the peak, it will be many weeks after that before we regain parts of our normal pre-COVID-19 lives. The best minds working on this problem indicate that we should prepare for stay-at-home restrictions through at least part of May.

One point is certain: the time needed to curb the epidemic with a minimum of human suffering depends on how well we individually and collectively maintain behaviors to reduce transmission of COVID-19. Let’s all maintain a high commitment to the health and safety of our Danforth Center colleagues, and to the broader community in which we live, by continuing to do our part.

We are also in position to help in other ways. A few days ago, I and the leadership team were surprised to learn about a stockpile of several-hundred N95 protective masks in long-term storage at the Danforth Center. These are past their manufacture’s shelf-life, but we have good reason to believe that they are still useful. While we have needs for some of these at the Center, the far greater need is within the healthcare community battling on the front lines of the epidemic. We will be donating most of the masks to the local healthcare community.

Thank you again for all of your hard work and flexibility during this uncertain time. Have a good, safe weekend.

Jim Carrington

March 28, 2020

Dear Danforth Center Community,

As we all navigate this very difficult episode in our history - as individuals, as families and as the Danforth Center – I want to reach out to each of you to express my thoughts and feelings about our community and how we can support one another.

While each of us is being affected individually by COVID-19 and the actions required to limit spread, it strikes me how much of a “We” challenge this really is. When an infectious disease emerges in a distant geography, we are all at risk. When COVID-19 circulates in the community, we all need to adopt measures to slow the spread. If a coworker in our midst becomes infected, we are all needed to respond with support and willingness to carry a heavier load. And when the week started by directing Danforth Center personnel to work from home if possible, we were subsequently physically divided and may have experienced disconnection as a community.

Maintaining our Danforth Center community during this difficult time will require all of us, regardless of whether we are working from home and on-site, to stay connected, to understand each other’s needs, and to empathize with others who are experiencing their own unique challenges. We are in this together.

Effective communication at all levels is needed more than ever, and that starts with me. Anna Dibble and I have been co-sending a weekly COVID-19 Update (last sent Friday, March 20) that lays out Danforth Center actions, mandates and guidelines in responding to the pandemic. The Leadership Team is meeting on Zoom twice per week, and the updates include new information or decisions discussed in those meetings. I will be sending additional communications, like this one, to share my thoughts and outlook. Until last Monday, my office door was almost always open; for now, my doors are digital but open on Slack, Zoom and email. Come on in whenever you want and let me know what you are thinking.

We all need to adapt quickly to the current reality with more effective communication. As discussed with the faculty yesterday, establish frequent, regular communication among teams by Zoom, phone or other means. More than ever, your colleagues need to hear from you, and you need to hear from them. More than ever, we need live our values through hearing and responding to our colleagues. We are also thinking through how best to get the entire community together in town hall meetings.

Finally, I want to express my sincere thanks to all of you for your adaptability and flexibility, your hard work through challenging circumstances, and your creativity. No, we have not figured out everything, but thank you for your patience. Keep yourself safe and keep in touch.

Jim Carrington

March 21, 2020