Carolyn Rasmussen, UCR associate professor and plant cell biologist, has been named one of 25 notable women who have shaped the field of plant biology by the American Society of Plant Biologists, or ASPB. 

Research in her lab focuses on how cell division and shape impact plant development and has the potential to increase crop plant performance. Rasmussen is also committed to mentoring and providing research opportunities to students historically excluded from STEM. She directs the undergraduate REU summer program at UCR and has contributed to the plant biology community through service on several committees and membership in external scientific societies. Rasmussen received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Chicago and doctorate in microbiology from the University of California, Berkeley. 

“Dr. Rasmussen is an excellent researcher and highly deserves recognition for inspiring others,” stated the ASPB Women in Plant Biology Committee.