Kong Wong
@kongwong.bsky.social
Incoming Assistant Professor in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. Plant Holobiome Engineering & Ecosystem Dynamics (PHEED) lab🌱
USDA-NIFA Postdoc @ Danforth Center | PhD Georgia Tech | BS Carnegie Mellon (he/him) 🏳️🌈
USDA-NIFA Postdoc @ Danforth Center | PhD Georgia Tech | BS Carnegie Mellon (he/him) 🏳️🌈
Pinned
Kong Wong
@kongwong.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Interested in plant-microbe interactions and biochemical processes underlying them. Come join my lab, the Plant Holobiome Engineering & Ecosystem Dynamics (PHEED) lab, at Virginia Tech beginning Fall 2025. See images for more details about the fully funded graduate student positions!
Reposted by Kong Wong
Nearly 2000 National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine members including Danforth Center President and CEO, Jim Carrington, PhD, signed an open letter urging Congress to restore funding to federal agencies decimated by recent cuts.
loom.ly/lnjkm0o
loom.ly/lnjkm0o
(NY Times) Researchers at academic institutions nationwide say that U.S. science is being dismantled - Danforth Plant Science Center
Nearly 2000 National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine members including Danforth Center President and CEO, Jim Carrington, PhD, signed a letter urging Congress to restore funding to federa...
loom.ly
April 1, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Nearly 2000 National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine members including Danforth Center President and CEO, Jim Carrington, PhD, signed an open letter urging Congress to restore funding to federal agencies decimated by recent cuts.
loom.ly/lnjkm0o
loom.ly/lnjkm0o
Reposted by Kong Wong
The CDC has literally been gutted today.
There’s no need for “April Fools” when reality is a nightmare for every human on this planet.
Thousand of scientists fired.
Entire departments erased.
1/
There’s no need for “April Fools” when reality is a nightmare for every human on this planet.
Thousand of scientists fired.
Entire departments erased.
1/
April 1, 2025 at 4:10 PM
The CDC has literally been gutted today.
There’s no need for “April Fools” when reality is a nightmare for every human on this planet.
Thousand of scientists fired.
Entire departments erased.
1/
There’s no need for “April Fools” when reality is a nightmare for every human on this planet.
Thousand of scientists fired.
Entire departments erased.
1/
Reposted by Kong Wong
Corn is a C4 plant therefore…
March 24, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Corn is a C4 plant therefore…
Reposted by Kong Wong
🌽 A team led by Andrea Eveland, PhD, has identified key genetic factors in maize pleiotropy. The study reveals a way to decouple traits that are closely intertwined, paving the way for smarter crop breeding: loom.ly/HTtocoQ
@nature.com
@nature.com
March 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM
🌽 A team led by Andrea Eveland, PhD, has identified key genetic factors in maize pleiotropy. The study reveals a way to decouple traits that are closely intertwined, paving the way for smarter crop breeding: loom.ly/HTtocoQ
@nature.com
@nature.com
Reposted by Kong Wong
Nicola Patron, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge. Her group use synthetic biology approaches to investigate plant gene expression & metabolism. Of Trinidadian descent, Nicola was born and educated in the U.K.
Full profile: buff.ly/3EWYWKs
Full profile: buff.ly/3EWYWKs
March 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Nicola Patron, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge. Her group use synthetic biology approaches to investigate plant gene expression & metabolism. Of Trinidadian descent, Nicola was born and educated in the U.K.
Full profile: buff.ly/3EWYWKs
Full profile: buff.ly/3EWYWKs
Even though it's no longer black history month, I wanted to reamplify an effort from my colleague Dr. Kevin Cox to spotlight black plant scientists. It's great seeing some of my colleagues at @danforthcenter.bsky.social and @virginiatech.bsky.social being highlighted!
plantae.org/2025-black-h...
plantae.org/2025-black-h...
2025 Black History Month: Black Plant Scientists Spotlight | Plantae
An initiative originated by Kevin Cox Jr., PhD, Plantae carries on Kevin’s tremendous effort of bringing visibility to several exceptional scientists and their work across the science community.
plantae.org
March 5, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Even though it's no longer black history month, I wanted to reamplify an effort from my colleague Dr. Kevin Cox to spotlight black plant scientists. It's great seeing some of my colleagues at @danforthcenter.bsky.social and @virginiatech.bsky.social being highlighted!
plantae.org/2025-black-h...
plantae.org/2025-black-h...
Reposted by Kong Wong
Our latest article on biological nitrogen fixation on the aerial roots of sorghum has been published in @plosbiology.org. We thank the @energygov.bsky.social for supporting this exciting project.
journals.plos.org/plosbiology/...
journals.plos.org/plosbiology/...
March 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Our latest article on biological nitrogen fixation on the aerial roots of sorghum has been published in @plosbiology.org. We thank the @energygov.bsky.social for supporting this exciting project.
journals.plos.org/plosbiology/...
journals.plos.org/plosbiology/...
Reposted by Kong Wong
Another lawsuit challenging NIH cuts of indirect costs, this time from AAMC and groups representing medical centers, hospitals, public health schools
February 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Another lawsuit challenging NIH cuts of indirect costs, this time from AAMC and groups representing medical centers, hospitals, public health schools
Reposted by Kong Wong
Looking forward to Rhizosphere 6 this summer. But for now, time to work on everything but the abstract until February 28th. 🙃
February 10, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Looking forward to Rhizosphere 6 this summer. But for now, time to work on everything but the abstract until February 28th. 🙃
Reposted by Kong Wong
Using the top-tier imaging capabilities of the Danforth Center’s Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory, researchers have identified a new tool that could help soybean farmers protect their crops from a common costly pest.
🔬Learn more: loom.ly/E1Pxnk0
🔬Learn more: loom.ly/E1Pxnk0
Harnessing nature to defend soybean roots
The microscopic soybean cyst nematode (SCN) may be small, but it has a massive impact. This pest latches onto soybean roots, feeding on their nutrients and leaving a trail of destruction that costs fa...
loom.ly
February 6, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Using the top-tier imaging capabilities of the Danforth Center’s Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory, researchers have identified a new tool that could help soybean farmers protect their crops from a common costly pest.
🔬Learn more: loom.ly/E1Pxnk0
🔬Learn more: loom.ly/E1Pxnk0
Abstract submission portal is open for our session focused on "Technology for Next Generation Agriculture and Plant Biotechnology" at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting this November in Boston, MA.
Abstract submissions portal: aiche.confex.com/aiche/2025/p...
Abstract submissions portal: aiche.confex.com/aiche/2025/p...
15: Technology for Next Generation Agriculture and Plant Biotechnology
Innovative approaches are urgently required to alleviate the growing pressure on agriculture to meet the rising demand for food. This session will highlight work and new innovation addressing key chal...
aiche.confex.com
February 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Abstract submission portal is open for our session focused on "Technology for Next Generation Agriculture and Plant Biotechnology" at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting this November in Boston, MA.
Abstract submissions portal: aiche.confex.com/aiche/2025/p...
Abstract submissions portal: aiche.confex.com/aiche/2025/p...
Reposted by Kong Wong
Interested in computational NMR? Join us in beautiful Switzerland in June! Many slots for selected talks and great hiking opportunities.
GRC conference 1-6th of June with GRS ( @chrisdkolloff.bsky.social and Stase) on 30.05.
please share
@nmr900.bsky.social
www.grc.org/computationa...
GRC conference 1-6th of June with GRS ( @chrisdkolloff.bsky.social and Stase) on 30.05.
please share
@nmr900.bsky.social
www.grc.org/computationa...
January 17, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Interested in computational NMR? Join us in beautiful Switzerland in June! Many slots for selected talks and great hiking opportunities.
GRC conference 1-6th of June with GRS ( @chrisdkolloff.bsky.social and Stase) on 30.05.
please share
@nmr900.bsky.social
www.grc.org/computationa...
GRC conference 1-6th of June with GRS ( @chrisdkolloff.bsky.social and Stase) on 30.05.
please share
@nmr900.bsky.social
www.grc.org/computationa...
Reposted by Kong Wong
Career Advice | Trans Allyship in Academia Today
What it means to be an ally has changed, Chelsea Thompto writes. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/4amhPlA
What it means to be an ally has changed, Chelsea Thompto writes. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/4amhPlA
How to be a trans ally in academia today (opinion)
What it means to be an ally has changed, Chelsea Thompto writes.
bit.ly
January 17, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Career Advice | Trans Allyship in Academia Today
What it means to be an ally has changed, Chelsea Thompto writes. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/4amhPlA
What it means to be an ally has changed, Chelsea Thompto writes. #HigherEd #EDUSky #AcademicSky bit.ly/4amhPlA
I'll probably be an outlier as a researcher that switched from an engineering PhD to a plant biology postdoc, but it was fun to reflect on my journey into plant biology. #academicsky
A survey on why people want to study and work with plants: please participate and share <3
forms.gle/btg9GP1L3CTh...
forms.gle/btg9GP1L3CTh...
Plant Biologists and How to Find Them?
We are Dr Joanna Kacprzyk and Dr Rainer Melzer from School of Biology and Environmental Science at University College Dublin, Ireland. Our project Plant Biologists and How to Find Them? aims to invest...
forms.gle
December 3, 2024 at 7:41 PM
I'll probably be an outlier as a researcher that switched from an engineering PhD to a plant biology postdoc, but it was fun to reflect on my journey into plant biology. #academicsky
Reposted by Kong Wong
Seems like a fitting first post here: the interest form for GSA's E&I Committee is now open! Forms are due by Dec 6, 2024, and new member invites will go out before the end of the year. Spread the word! www.surveymonkey.com/r/7PDJKWN
November 20, 2024 at 2:36 PM
Seems like a fitting first post here: the interest form for GSA's E&I Committee is now open! Forms are due by Dec 6, 2024, and new member invites will go out before the end of the year. Spread the word! www.surveymonkey.com/r/7PDJKWN
Reposted by Kong Wong
New Editorial: "Alternate routes to gene functions" rdcu.be/d0IB9
The functions of many genes in model plants are unknown. Traditional methods to infer function are showing their limitations, but other approaches are emerging. #PlantScience
The functions of many genes in model plants are unknown. Traditional methods to infer function are showing their limitations, but other approaches are emerging. #PlantScience
November 19, 2024 at 9:50 AM
New Editorial: "Alternate routes to gene functions" rdcu.be/d0IB9
The functions of many genes in model plants are unknown. Traditional methods to infer function are showing their limitations, but other approaches are emerging. #PlantScience
The functions of many genes in model plants are unknown. Traditional methods to infer function are showing their limitations, but other approaches are emerging. #PlantScience
Reposted by Kong Wong
For those who are in #STL or want to interact with the St. Louis Agtech ecosystem - here is our starter pack: go.bsky.app/MxfEHdo
Message 39 North if are in the region and want to be added to the pack.
Message 39 North if are in the region and want to be added to the pack.
39 North AgTech Innovation District
Join the conversation
go.bsky.app
November 17, 2024 at 6:22 PM
For those who are in #STL or want to interact with the St. Louis Agtech ecosystem - here is our starter pack: go.bsky.app/MxfEHdo
Message 39 North if are in the region and want to be added to the pack.
Message 39 North if are in the region and want to be added to the pack.
Reposted by Kong Wong
In our latest work, we provide molecular insights into the age-dependent morphological changes occurring in the root meristem during phase change. Perseverance over many years by BaoJun Yang and Yanbiao Sun. Generous funding by ERC, FWO, VIB and UGent #plantscience
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
SPL13 controls a root apical meristem phase change by triggering oriented cell divisions
Oriented cell divisions are crucial for determining the overall morphology and size of plants, but what controls the onset and duration of this process remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a s...
www.science.org
November 15, 2024 at 8:22 AM
In our latest work, we provide molecular insights into the age-dependent morphological changes occurring in the root meristem during phase change. Perseverance over many years by BaoJun Yang and Yanbiao Sun. Generous funding by ERC, FWO, VIB and UGent #plantscience
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Kong Wong
In a couple weeks you're all going to meet the 16-year-old trans girl who's challenge to a ban on gender-affirming medical care is being heard at SCOTUS and I'm going to need you all to 1) be loud and thankful for how badass she's being and 2) fight for her like your life depends on it
November 12, 2024 at 9:42 PM
In a couple weeks you're all going to meet the 16-year-old trans girl who's challenge to a ban on gender-affirming medical care is being heard at SCOTUS and I'm going to need you all to 1) be loud and thankful for how badass she's being and 2) fight for her like your life depends on it
Reposted by Kong Wong
It's timely to highlight the life & work of computer scientist Lynn Conway.
In the late 1960s, she transitioned from male to female and was sacked by IBM as a result. For some years, she went underground and, for the rest of her career, worked as a woman - herstory unknown.
In the late 1960s, she transitioned from male to female and was sacked by IBM as a result. For some years, she went underground and, for the rest of her career, worked as a woman - herstory unknown.
November 12, 2024 at 8:01 AM
It's timely to highlight the life & work of computer scientist Lynn Conway.
In the late 1960s, she transitioned from male to female and was sacked by IBM as a result. For some years, she went underground and, for the rest of her career, worked as a woman - herstory unknown.
In the late 1960s, she transitioned from male to female and was sacked by IBM as a result. For some years, she went underground and, for the rest of her career, worked as a woman - herstory unknown.