Reuben Peters, Distinguished Professor of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology at Iowa State University, has been named a 2022 fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
Peters is one of 28 distinguished members who are being honored for their outstanding accomplishments in research, education, mentorship and service to the scientific community.
“Reuben Peters’ high-impact research, strong leadership and service in the field have been outstanding. I am so pleased, but not surprised, that he has been honored as an ASBMB fellow,” said Kristen Johansen, professor and chair of the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. “Reuben is a tireless advocate for next-generation scientists and a remarkable role model to all scientists.”
Peters’ research in the fields of molecular biology and biochemistry focuses on the study of diterpenoids, a special class of chemical compounds found in plants and microbes. His work has advanced a greater understanding of how plants produce these natural products, which often function as antibiotics. This research could someday lead to the development of new bioactive compounds that impact both agriculture and human health.
“I was delighted to hear that I had been named an ASBMB fellow and I am honored that my research, service to the Journal of Biological Chemistry editorial board and mentoring efforts are being supported in this way,” Peters said. “This work is very important to me and I look forward to continuing my research and mentoring new scientists for many years to come.”
A member of the ASBMB minority affairs committee, Peters has helped new faculty members write effective grants and secure national research funding. Peters has earned several competitive research grants through the years, and his studies are currently supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health, with previous support from the National Science Foundation. An outstanding scholar, Peters’ research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and has been cited by thousands of scientists.
The newly named fellows will be recognized at the 2022 ASBMB Annual Meeting. This event will be held in April 2022 in Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Experimental Biology conference.
About the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
The ASBMB is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization with more than 12,000 members worldwide. Founded in 1906 to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology, the society publishes three peer-reviewed journals, advocates for funding of basic research and education, supports science education at all levels and promotes the diversity of individuals entering the scientific workforce. For more information about the ASBMB, visit www.asbmb.org.