Alison Smith.

Alison Smith, a Professor of Plant Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, discusses her interest in plant science and her career in research. She explains that her fascination with the productivity of gardening as a child led her to study Biochemistry in university and eventually specialize in photosynthetic organisms. Smith finds motivation in working with students and postdocs, as well as in the endless fascination of scientific discoveries. She also mentions several mentors and colleagues who have influenced her, including notable women plant scientists. Smith appreciates the variety of topics covered in the journal New Phytologist and highlights some of her favorite papers. Finally, she shares her favorite plant, the rose, for its showiness, and her favorite photosynthetic organisms, microalgae, for their diversity and potential in biotechnology. [Extracted from the article]