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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear graduate students,<br><br>My name is Betsy Arnold, and I'm writing in my capacity as the new Director of Graduate Studies for the PLS and PLP graduate programs. Many of us know one another, but for those whom I've not yet met, you can learn more about my work and interests here: <a href="http://arnoldlab.net" target="_blank">arnoldlab.net</a>, <a href="http://tropicalseeds.org" target="_blank">tropicalseeds.org</a>, <a href="http://endobiodiversity.org" target="_blank">endobiodiversity.org</a>. Since joining the faculty in 2005 I have mentored two Ph.D. students who have now graduated and gone on to postdoc positions (Michele Hoffman, Jana U'Ren), and I currently serve as mentor for four graduate students (two in PLP and two in EEB, where I am jointly appointed). I look forward to welcoming two new students to my lab through PLP in fall 2012.<br><br>At the moment, I am writing to introduce myself, and to let you all know about a change in our <span class=il>seminar</span> series for the School.<br><br>As you know, for the last few years we have had two seminars (Tuesday and Friday). However, starting in fall 2012 we will convert to one series. It will feature talks by students, faculty, local visitors, visitors from other institutions on an opportunistic basis, and graduate-invited speakers. Seminars will be held on Tuesdays in Marley 230, 4-5pm.<br><br>Current students should enroll in the <span class=il>seminar</span> course (PLS 596A, Department of Plant Sciences <span class=il>Seminar</span>). If you cannot, please let me know and provide a statement explaining why this is an intractable conflict with your academic schedule.<br><br>The <span class=il>seminar</span> course will not function like a journal club; instead, we encourage all students to enroll in journal-club courses (more on this next week). For PLS 596A, credit will be given for attendance. The course director may also institute additional assessments but these will not be excessive given the one-credit nature of the course.<br><br>Thank you for participating in the <span class=il>seminar</span> series -- it's an important aspect of graduate training and it enriches our shared intellectual experience as a community of scholars. I'm looking forward to the fall series and hope you are too.<br><br>Best wishes,<br>Betsy<br clear=all><br><br><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Georgina Lambert<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Senior Student Affairs Coordinator<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>School of Plant Sciences<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>University of Arizona<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tucson, AZ 85721<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Office 520-621-1219<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cell 520-404-2856<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>FAX 520-621-7186<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>