Pamela Ronald brings some hefty scientific credentials to her new position as faculty assistant in the Provost's Office.

It was Ronald, a professor of plant pathology, who in 1995 isolated the first gene contributing to disease resistance in rice. From this she created the world's first cereal crop genetically engineered for disease resistance.

That breakthrough and others in her UC Davis lab have enormous implications. Rice is the most important staple food in the developing world and improvements in rice yield would have a significant impact on global food production.

Now Ronald will learn about a whole new range of complexities in administration. In October, she began a half-time position as faculty assistant to Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.

Ronald says she has an open door to faculty who may wish to contact her about ideas and issues. Being a conduit to the administration is part of her charge. Other duties include developing contacts with leaders of the Academic Senate, Academic Federation, deans and other units.

"I hope to help with faculty initiatives and learn how to take ideas from the concept stage to the implementation stage at the campus level," said Ronald.

Professor Dan Simmons, chair of the Academic Senate, said he welcomes Ronald's appointment and looks forward to working with her to "enhance the partnership between the administration and the Academic Senate in the governance of the campus."

She will meet with the provost about twice a month in addition to "getting to know those" involved in running the campus. Her position continues through June 30.

Sure, the new role is different. As a scientist, Ronald is usually tunneling deep into her research projects, just like other scientists who know their subjects so well. Her research interests are focused on understanding how plants and microbes communicate.

"In the lab, you're usually focused on solving extremely specific questions," she said. For example, how do plants and animals resist disease? What are the host and pathogen molecules involved in the interaction?

Wide campus view

Putting on her new "campus" hat, she says, one immediately encounters the plethora of programs, departments, units and people that make up UC Davis and 50,000 faculty, staff and students.

"This gives me a chance to learn about other parts of the university and how it all weaves together in the campus mosaic that we all know," said Ronald, who says she would advise young faculty members to play a role in campus programs that they are passionate about if it complements a productive and interactive research program.

Among other duties, she will provide input to the provost's office on the campus's strategic plan and help with communication activities involving this initiative.

Ronald admires the provost for her can-do attitude, dynamic presence and energy. "She makes things happen," said Ronald, noting that it's relatively rare to find someone like Hinshaw who excels both as a scientist and as a top administrator. Hinshaw is a virologist and has conducted extensive research on influenza viruses.

A faculty assistant, Hinshaw explained, is important for a variety of reasons. "A strong communicator in this position adds an open channel for communication between our office and the faculty," she said.

Hinshaw chose Ronald for her strong leadership abilities and interest. "Pam brings particular strengths in communication and in identifying innovative solutions to challenges. I felt those skill sets would be very helpful in implementing our campus strategic plan."

While Ronald is serving as Hinshaw's first faculty assistant, the position is not a new one. The former provost, Robert Grey, had three over the span of several years. It is typically offered to a senior faculty member who is interested in getting some experience as an administrator.

Hinshaw says Ronald will help make sure that faculty issues are being heard and addressed. "In my view, the more input I can solicit, the better the outcome, so I am delighted to work with Pam to ensure that is the case."

Generating ideas, projects

One proposed project she already has discussed is an arts and science program that would promote the sciences through visual arts. For example, a remodeling project of Robbins Hall would involve large-scale public art that enhances the working environment.

"I'm interested in both art and science," Ronald said. "I don't think there needs to be a gap between the two. They're both intensely creative endeavors."

Apart from her new duties, Ronald will spend the other half of her time on research and teaching.

Ronald fell in love with science as a child. She grew up in San Mateo and spent all her summers at Lake Tahoe, where her mother and father had bought a 500-square-foot cabin in 1959.

"We were always in the outdoors," she said of her family. By the time she entered college, she was delving deep into biology, genetics and botany.

Plants are a family affair. Ronald is married to Raoul Adamchak, who manages the student-run organic farm on campus. They have two children, Clifford, 5, and Audrey, 3 1/2.

Ronald argues that there are appropriate uses for genetically engineered crops in sustainable food production. For example, genetic engineering is a useful tool when implemented as part of an integrated strategy aimed at reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

She also finds time to serve as chair of the UC Davis Plant Genomics Program and also chairs the Public Affairs Committee of the American Society of Plant Biologists. And she teaches courses on genetics and society and on the plants of California and the Sierra Nevada.