UC Riverside plant cell biologist Jian-Kang Zhu has been elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Zhu's accomplishment was mentioned by UC Riverside Chancellor Timothy White in his "State of the Campus" address Wednesday, said a story on the Southwest Riverside County News Network website.

Zhu’s research focuses on the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying plant responses to adverse environments, such as salinity, drought and low temperature. His work has led to the identification of genes for modifying the responses of crops to environmental stresses, which will ultimately lead to major contributions to agriculture and the environment, the article said.

Zhu is “an uncommon, terrific scholar,” White was quoted.

A UC Riverside news service press release said Zhu's election brings the number of current UCR faculty elected to NAS to five. Chair of the Department of Botany and Plant Sciences Jodie Holt said the award demonstrates the significance of Zhu's research to the scientific community.

“Many scientists come from around the world to work in his laboratory, which is further evidence of his expertise and reputation," Holt was quoted.