TONI M. KUTCHAN
Plant Scientist
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
As a plant scientist, Toni M. Kutchan, who has a doctorate degree in biochemistry from Saint Louis University, has studied things like genomic sequencing, the cloning of pharmaceutical genes and researching plant medicinal compounds. Heady stuff that a lifelong interest in the natural chemicals that plants make led her to.
In her role as Oliver M. Langenberg distinguished investigator and vice president for research at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, her primary research interests are the biosynthesis of plant medicinal compounds, like alkaloids and the development of plant synthetic biology systems.
Previously, Kutchan spent 20 years leading research in Germany, most recently as managing director, professor and department head at the Leibniz Institute for Plant Biochemistry in Halle.
She is a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the William L. Brown Center for Plant Genetic Resources of the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis and of the Forshungszentrum Jülich in Germany.
She is active in redesigning graduate education in plant biology at the national level, in scientific outreach in the St. Louis community, in the promotion of STEM education and careers for women, and in developing a national decadal vision for plant biology. She is also an adjunct professor of biology at Washington University.
Kutchan also holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the Dr.habil. and venia legendi in biochemistry from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
Career Path
My love for chemistry goes back to high school science classes. I remember in particular my advanced chemistry teacher who actively encouraged me to pursue a degree in chemistry in college. His advice was to attend a smaller university where I could have more personalized mentoring and would be able to immediately work in a research lab. This was invaluable advice that led to my lifelong interest in the many chemicals that plants make – medicines, dyes, flavors and fragrances. Life always gets in the way. It took sheer persistence to pursue my interests over the timespan of a career.
Biggest Mentor
My most important mentor was my advanced chemistry teacher in high school. Once entering the man’s world of chemistry, encouragement was harder to come by. Over the years, I found close confidants – they know who they are.
Biggest Impact
I hope that it is yet to come.
Future Goals
My research group at the Danforth Plant Science Center is currently working to develop more sustainable production methods for a couple of important plant-based pharmaceuticals used either in cancer treatment or in pain treatment.
Favorite Pastime
Scientific research is my most favorite thing to do, interspersed with a bit of gardening, walking and reading.
Memorable Life Moment
I have been fortunate to have a life filled with exciting science, amazing friends and colleagues, and wonderful international travel. Each new scientific discovery is most memorable, as is each new sunrise over an exotic horizon.
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