2013 Call for Nominations

This Lectureship was established in 1981 by ARS to honor the memory of Sterling B. Hendricks and to recognize scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the chemical science of agriculture.

Dr. Hendricks contributed to many diverse scientific disciplines, including plant physiology, soil science, mineralogy, agronomy, geology, and chemistry. He is most frequently remembered for discovering phytochrome, the light-activated molecule that regulates many plant processes.

The 2012 Sterling B. Hendricks Lecture will be presented during the American Chemical Society National Meeting held in Philadelphia, August 21, 2012.

2012 Sterling B. Hendricks Memorial Lecturer

Eric Block, Carla Rizzo Delray Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at the University at Albany, State University of New York

Fifty Years of Smelling Sulfur: From Allium Chemistry to Olfactory Detection of Sulfur compounds

The most distinctive characteristic of garlic, onion and other genus Allium plants is the formation of strong-smelling organosulfur compounds when they are cut. These sulfur compounds are thought to protect the plants from predators. After a brief overview of the history of genus Allium plants in civilization, I will describe our research elucidating the chemical processes that occur when alliums are cut, e.g., Allium chemistry, how the characteristic properties of Allium organosulfur compounds can be exploited in environmentally friendly bird repellents and pesticides, and how my fascination with strong-smelling organosulfur compounds led to a mouse model in which copper ions play a key role in the activation of olfactory receptors highly sensitive to organosulfur compounds.

Call for Nominations

2013 Sterling B. Hendricks Memorial Lectureship

This Lectureship was established in 1981 by ARS to honor the memory of Sterling B. Hendricks and to recognize scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the chemical science of agriculture. Dr. Hendricks contributed to many diverse scientific disciplines, including soil science, mineralogy, agronomy, plant physiology, geology, and chemistry. He is most frequently remembered for discovering phytochrome, the light-activated molecule that regulates many plant processes.

The lecture should address a scientific topic, trend, or policy issue related to the chemical science of agriculture, including bioenergy, biobased products, and food processing. Nominees may be outstanding, senior scientists in industry, universities, or government positions. Current ARS employees are not eligible. (Presenting the Lecture is a requirement of the honor.) The Lecture will be held at the American Chemical Society's Fall National Meeting September 8-12, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Divisions of Agrochemicals and Agricultural & Food Chemistry co-sponsor the Lecture, which will be held in a joint session of these divisions. The lectureship is presented at an AGFD symposium in even-numbered years and in an AGRO symposium in odd-numbered years. The award includes an honorarium of $2000, a bronze medallion, and expenses to present the lecture.

Nomination Process

Nominations for the Agricultural Research Service Sterling B. Hendricks Memorial Lectureship are accepted in October. Please send:

1. A letter explaining the nominee's contributions to chemistry and agriculture
2. Nominee's current curriculum vitae

To: Kim Kaplan, Lecture Coordinator
ARS Information Staff, Room 1-2253
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705. 301-504-1637

(Using a carrier other than USPS is advisable. Nominations may not be faxed or emailed)

The deadline for nominations is November 2, 2012 (COB, EST).

Nominees may be outstanding senior contributors in industry, universities, or government positions. Current ARS employees are not eligible.

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