Edward Eisenstein Named ASBMB 2025 Fellow
“I never anticipated being named an ASBMB Fellow, so this recognition came as a surprise. I sincerely appreciate that the Society was impressed enough with my body of scientific work and my service to the community – from scientists to stakeholders – to recognize me in this way. I am honored, and grateful.” Eisenstein said. Nominated by ASBMB Fellow Peter Kennelly, Eisenstein was recognized for his extensive contributions to advancing biochemical research through mentorship and early-career scientists advocating for technical education by engaging the public in scientific discourse. His efforts in fostering collaboration within ASBMB, shaping journal policies, and leading outreach initiatives have significantly impacted the field and his community. Joining the society as a graduate student in 1989, Eisenstein was drawn to ASBMB by its mission to address significant issues in biochemistry and molecular biology while also engaging with current public concerns. Over the years, ASBMB provided him with career-enhancing connections and opportunities, allowing him to take on leadership roles that fostered collaboration and scientific advocacy. He has served as an editor for the Journal of Biological Chemistry, chaired multiple committees, and recently joined the Council, where he works to connect members across disciplines and career stages within a welcoming and dynamic scientific community. “Even as a young student, my teachers emphasized the value of belonging to a scientific society, and how being connected to a community would sustain me throughout my career,” Eisenstein said. With a career across biotechnology, bioengineering, and science outreach, Eisenstein has focused on both advancing research and making science accessible to the public. In his lab, Eisenstein examines how poplar trees fight off disease, absorb and store nutrients, and respond to environmental stress. His team maps the tree’s immune response to invading fungi, traces nitrogen as it moves through leaves and roots, and tests how genetically modified trees react to constant sunlight. By breaking down these complex interactions, they identify ways to breed sturdier, faster-growing poplar trees suited for biofuel production. This work has impacted students, postdoctoral researchers, and colleagues alike, as well as broader communities engaged in scientific dialogue. "The most exciting impact has been to see the results of our work on the people I’ve collaborated with and those to whom we have reached out and engaged," Eisenstein explains. "Science, to me, is a social enterprise. And the great people I’ve worked with have made it tremendously rewarding."
Beyond his research, Eisenstein has worked to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. He has led efforts such as the Rockville Science Café and played a key role in launching a regional science center in Montgomery County. In addition, he has contributed through his written articles for ‘ASBMB Today’, sharing his own experiences in the technical field. Although science enjoys substantial support, skepticism about its value persists. Eisenstein saw this firsthand when advocating for biotechnology to legislative officials, an experience that underscored the importance of clear communication. This realization drove him to expand his outreach efforts and engage more broadly with the public. "A lot of people think that only ‘scientists’ can do science, and that it’s too hard to be a scientist. But when people perform a simple experiment—whether looking through a microscope or mixing reagents to initiate a biological reaction—it transforms their perception. They may not become scientists, but they gain the confidence to ask questions, which is the first step in doing good science."
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