Professor Keiko Yoshioka has earned the Jeanne Manery Fisher Award from the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences in recognition of her excellence in research, teaching, mentorship and inclusiveness.
Yoshioka’s strengths are shown in two fields of research; plant immunity signaling and crop protection using natural stimulants. She is a pioneer in identifying a group of membrane calcium channels, known as cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGCs), as key regulators of plant calcium signals during stress responses. Her research on using non-pathogenic microorganisms to sustainably protect crop plants, and thereby food production, is transformative.
The Plant Genomics and Biotechnology focus at CSB was conceived and co-led by Yoshioka as part of promoting the importance of plant research to UofT undergraduate students. Yoshioka also acts as Undergraduate Associate Chair of CSB.
Over 200 undergraduate and graduate students have worked in the Yoshioka lab, and the quality of her mentorship has led past students to return for professional advice, and prompted some to become professors. Recruitment to her lab is guided by EDI principles.
Yoshioka’s support for inclusiveness led her to co-ordinate conferences in Toronto on gender equity and diversity in science, as well as supporting scientists in Africa combating plant diseases through training and research.
This remarkable career makes Yoshioka eminently deserving of the Jeanne Manery Fisher Award in honour of a ground-breaking biochemist and teacher who promoted equity throughout her career.
Congratulations, Keiko!