Creative young minds plus serendipity — a recipe for science

Abstract

The author highlights his 40-year academic career with emphasis on the major contributions of technicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in his research laboratory. Postdoctoral research in Canberra, Australia, on algal cell division preceded a faculty position in the Biology Department, University of Saskatchewan, that stretched from 1970 until today. Early work in Saskatoon that focused on cultured plant cells and protoplasts developed into an investigation of the structure and function of plant coated vesicles. A short sabbatical in Sweden resulted in a 15-year research program on somatic embryogenesis in conifers. A return to the study of cell division over the last 10 plus years resulted in the discovery and analysis of a family of plant cell division inhibitors. The author’s story emphasizes the importance of having motivated and creative scientists in the laboratory, but also recognizes the impact of serendipity. International collaborations are also featured.