In this inaugural edition of what I hope becomes a regular feature on this board, we discuss the current state of botanical science, its future, and its applications (horticulture, bioremediation, biomimetic materials and medicine, etc).

Because this is the first thread of its kind (to my knowledge), I propose that those involved/interested in the field make introductions, post questions, and tell us about your research. I'm not going to put on a trip/name, but can at least tell you my credentials, so that other anons can put some degree of confidence in what I post here: I have an M.S. in botanical science and plant pathology, a B.A. in soil and fertility science, and state certificates to practice arboriculture and invasive species removal. I currently work for a research university in New England, doing hardiness zone 3/4 trials (planted at the arboretum at the University of Maine, Orono) for several Cornus species that my team has bred over the past five years. I am particularly knowledgeable about conifers of the Rocky Mountains, where I grew up, and welcome any questions about high-elevation plants. I know precious little about water plants, gymnosperms, and algae, so hopefully someone here can help with anything relating to them.

So, /sci/, what are you
>growing
>researching
>reading
?