Danielle Hoffmann receives the 2024 Kende award
Danielle Hoffmann is the 2024 recipient of the Kende Award, which acknowledges the best doctoral dissertation in plant sciences at Michigan State University over the last two years.
This annual award is given by the MSU-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, or PRL, in the name of Hans Kende. Kende was a University Distinguished Professor in the PRL for forty years, serving as the department’s director from 1985-1988.
By Kara Headley
In addition to receiving a monetary award, Hoffmann was given the opportunity to present a research seminar on her postdoctoral work on December 2, 2024.
“I have attended every Hans Kende award seminar since I came to MSU in 2016 and am truly honored to be this year's recipient,” Hoffmann said. “I also had the pleasure of presenting my Hans Kende award seminar to my undergraduate, graduate and postdoc mentors who all attended in-person or over Zoom. I am very grateful to have such supportive research mentors who are just as proud of my dissertation and current work as I am.”
Hoffmann obtained her Ph.D. in Plant Biology in 2022, where she was advised by Yair Shachar-Hill. Her dissertation, for which she is being honored, is titled “Characterizing and quantifying the relationship between triacylglycerol and membrane lipids during nitrogen deprivation and resupply in Chlamydomonas using isotopic labeling.”
This work and her subsequent studies as a postdoctoral researcher in Seung Yon (Sue) Rhee’s lab have contributed to the understanding of candidate biodiesel feedstocks. Her work has implications in biofuel production, sustainable agriculture and nutritional science.
By Kara Headley
“Dr. Hoffmann combines a mastery of analytical biochemical techniques with strengths in experimental design and has developed an impressive ability to identify and prioritize important and tractable questions in her field,” writes Shachar-Hill in recommending Hoffmann for the Kende award. He is a professor in the Department of Plant Biology, or PLB.
In addition, Hoffmann has authored several publications in high-impact plant science journals, been a collaborator on multiple research grants and a mentor to numerous members of the Rhee lab.
“As a postdoctoral researcher in my lab, from day one, she has shown exceptional poise and intellect, combined with mature social and communication skills to smoothly transition work from a previous postdoc and assume leadership in the project,” wrote Rhee in her letter of recommendation for the Kende award. Rhee is the director of the MSU Plant Resilience Institute and Research Foundation Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Plant Biology; and Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at MSU.
“I believe she will become an important scholar and leader in her field and a popular teacher, mentor, colleague in any institute she ultimately joins.”
Christoph Benning, director of the PRL, added: “I am delighted that Danielle received this honor and would like to congratulate her on behalf of all in the PRL. I have followed her career since I was a member of her advisory committee, and I am happy to see her excel in her postdoctoral work as well. I believe she has a great career ahead of her and wish her the best of luck for her future endeavors.”
