Profile of Xinnian Dong.

A pioneer in the field of molecular plant pathology, Xinnian Dong has elucidated multiple plant immune mechanisms over the past three decades. Her research has advanced understanding of the processes by which an entire plant may become resistant to a pathogen when only one part of it is infected. Dong and her colleagues also determined that daily cycles affect plant immune responses, and that plant DNA damage repair machinery plays a fundamental role in immunity. Because certain plant compounds, such as the hormone salicylic acid, can benefit the health of both plants and people, her research holds promise for improving agricultural crop yields and developing treatments for human diseases. In recognition of these and other achievements, Dong was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2012.