Dr. Argelia Lorence, Chemistry/Metabolic Engineering, ABI, spoke at the World Congress on In Vitro Biology's Plant Symposium, "New Strategies for Production of Specialized Metabolites," presenting "Engineering Ascorbate for Enhanced Growth, Nutritional Content and Stress Tolerance in Crops." Lorence also chaired the Plant Symposium, "Biodiversity for Improving Human Health," with responsibilities that included session design, inviting of and gathering funds for appropriate speakers, and logistics. Lorence initiated an umbrella agreement, "Memorandum of Agreement and Understanding," between Universidad Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil and Arkansas State University, allowing a research collaboration opportunity between the faculties at both institutions.