U-M biologist named to Science News magazine’s Scientists to Watch list

University of Michigan evolutionary ecologist Marjorie Weber has been named to Science News magazine's annual Scientists to Watch list, which recognizes 10 young researchers "for their potential to shape the science of the future. Weber is an assistant professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She is being recognized for "her passionate exploration of big biological mysteries, including her focus on how cooperation drives evolution and biodiversity,” according to Science News. An article about Weber in Science News highlights her work on extrafloral nectaries and their role in attracting ants that fend off attacks, and how such features promoted plant diversification. Extrafloral nectaries are nectar-secreting glands separate from a plant's flowers. The Science News article also mentions Weber's research into how well college biology textbooks represent a diverse set of scientists, and her work on Project Biodiversity, which aims to make biology education equitable and inclusive. "I am thrilled that Marjorie is being recognized in this way,” said Patricia Wittkopp, chair of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.