Department of Plant and Microbial Biology

Summer Alumni Newsletter

Students laugh as they work on their project in a lab course.

Message from our Department Head

Welcome and a brief update from our department head, Terri Long.

From the Desk of Dr. Terri Long ➔

Ice Cream Social Newsletter

We wrapped up the semester with a social celebrating all of the awards and recognition our department has received over the year. As is tradition, we had ice cream and sweet treats for everyone!

The Latest from our Labs and Programs ➔

NC State’s José Alonso Elected to National Academy of Sciences

José Alonso, a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and University Faculty Scholar in Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the world’s most important and influential scientific societies.

About José’s Work ➔

6 NC State Faculty Elected AAAS Fellows

Six NC State faculty members, including Heike Sederoff, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Plant and Microbial Biology have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest scientific society and publisher of the journal Science.

Meet the AAAS Fellows ➔

2026 William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors Announced

NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences welcomes 10 new professors to the celebrated cohort of William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors. This cohort includes our very own Anna Stepanova and Ross Sozzani.

The 2026 William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professors ➔

George Tiley Joins NC State to Uncover the Secrets of Polyploidy

George Tiley joined us last fall semester. He brings expertise in grasses and polyploidy to our department.

Meet Dr. George Tiley ➔

Three NC State Students Receive Goldwater Scholarships

The NC State University Fellowships Office is pleased to announce that three third-year students have received the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship this year. The recipients include Caitlyn Elliott, who is studying plant biology and biochemistry.

Meet Caitlyn ➔

Four Students, Four Journeys

Earlier this month 44 students turned their tassels and graduated from our department. We sat down with four of them to hear about their NC State journeys and next steps after graduation.

Explore their Journeys ➔

Shedding a Light on Plant DNA Replication

Faculty in our department have unlocked the structure of maize DNA replication, paving the way for future advances in biotechnology and plant breeding.

Dive into DNA Replication ➔

A Scientist of Firsts: Alumna Lizzie Johnson Harrell

Lizzie Johnson Harrell’s trailblazing career is career is defined by an impressive series of firsts. The microbiology alumna’s scientific expertise, mentorship and service earned her a 2025 CALS Outstanding Alumni Award.

Her Journey of Firsts ➔

Become a Career Coach

Give back to the pack! CALS alumni can sign up as career coaches to guide and inspire students toward defined career goals. We will pair you with a current student, allowing you to build a one-on-one relationship and provide information, advice and encouragement to current students.

Join CALS Alumni for Student Success ➔

Join us at CALS Wolfpack Harvest

CALS Wolfpack Harvest is a new fall tradition designed to bring together alumni, students, faculty, and friends of CALS. Join us at this family friendly event Saturday, September 19th.

Save the Date for September 19th ➔

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100 Derieux Place Campus Box 7614
Raleigh, NC | 27607 US

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