Congrats to Robert Paull for his recent Fellow of the American Society of Plant Biology Award!
Robert, of the Dept. of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, comprises less than 0.2% of the ASPB membership who receive this prestigious honor. He will be formally recognized June 22-26 at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center during the Annual Plant Biology Conference of the ASPB.
In his illustrious career, Robert’s research has led to improved crop growth and yield under environmental stress, and extended postharvest life of tropical ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables.
He has made numerous contributions to the areas of tropical and subtropical fruit, nut, vegetables, ornamental physiology and genetics, their postharvest physiology, handling, and storage. He has co-authored five books; edited an encyclopedia, seven volumes, and proceedings; authored 127 book chapters; and published 151 peer-reviewed journal articles and 138 conference abstracts and presentations.
Robert’s 53 Extension reports are highly valued by the agricultural industry, and his publications have led to more than 17,300 citations in his career, with about 1,000 citations per year since 2019. In fact, he is placed on Stanford University’s list of the top 2 percent of the most-cited scientists in various fields (2022-2023).
“Unique to Robert is his willingness to energetically help anyone on any project who requests his assistance,” says David Christopher of the Dept. of Molecular Biosciences and BioEngineering. “His commitment to, and enjoyment of anything related to plant physiology is such that he can immerse his mind and efforts into the endeavor at hand, multitasking as necessary. He has formed a cadre of respected and grateful national and international academic colleagues, farmers, industry scientists, and friends who value his collaborations.”
David continues, “We congratulate Robert for his lifetime of diverse, impactful, and exceptional contributions to tropical agriculture, the field of plant biology and for bringing prestige to the University of Hawaiʻi.”
The Fellow of the American Society of Plant Biology Award is bestowed upon an ASPB member in recognition of a lifetime of distinguished contributions to plant biology and to service to the Society in areas that include research, education, mentoring, collaborations, outreach, and professional and public service.