Greetings fellow Phycologists,
One of my great joys in life is the study of algae. While we phycologists are clearly convinced of the essential role that algae play in the world, another reason I personally am captivated by algae is their simplicity. When I find an organism that no one has described before, especially one that seems to have no obvious, immediate “human benefit” or “ecological significance”, I always stop and consider that I have found something that has likely existed for millions of years, surviving all odds in a busy world that overlooks it and cares little about its invaluable contribution. That is a powerful thing: the very fact of its being carries with it a noble beauty that I find awe-inspiring.
I note this because one of the things I love so much about the PSA is that we are a collection of folks bound by our mutual love and admiration of the small and the minimal (though powerful) - not for things grand, flashy, and trivial.
Recently, there have been trials and tribulations that have shaken many of us, but especially impacted traditionally marginalized communities. Between Covid-19 and recent protests against a system rife with injustice and inequity, it seems like there are few places left to us immune to the vicissitudes of the world at large. As Tennyson noted, “nature, red in tooth and claw” may be the state of the biological world, but we human beings are indeed different in an ineffable, undefinable way. I cannot think of an instance in the natural world where a population aggregates around a rather esoteric passion (phycology) in the same way that we do.
The PSA is a society dedicated to inclusion for all of our members, regardless of differences. We support and encourage all people with phycological proclivities, and strive to provide a safe environment for everyone. While aspects of the world seem bleak right now, there are always places in which collaboration, co-operation, and compassion reign. PSA is one such entity.
We are here in these trying times and shall continue to strive to be the most inclusive, supportive society we can be for both our members and the world community at large. Phycology is a rather giant tent, like our members, and we shall always be mindful of the connections that bind us all. In order to foster the joy of algae and compassion for those who face obstacles, PSA has formed a committee for Equality and Diversity Initiatives to address these very issues. The PSA Executive Committee, the EDI Committee, and our members at large are, and will be, working on mechanisms to bring both algae and opportunities to diverse communities. We seek to diversify our society to hear from a wide chorus of voices. Stand by for details on how to be involved.
On behalf of the PSA Executive Committee, we look forward to serving all of you in the future, regardless of mere external trappings. Hopefully if our study of algae has taught us nothing, it is that all things are united and share a common trajectory, be it via evolution or humanity. That is our strength and that is our goal.
With regards and in solidarity,
The PSA Executive Committee:
Dale Casamatta, President
Kirsten Muller, Past President
Eric Linton, VP/President Elect
Jeff Morris, Communications Director
Julie Koester, Treasurer
Amy Carlile, Program Director
Joe Zuccarello, International Vice- President
Maggie Amsler, Membership Director
Patrick Martone, Secretary
Sabrina Heiser, Student Representative
Morgan Vis, Chair, Board of Trustees
Steve Murray, Endowment Manager
Michael Graham, Managing Editor, Journal of Phycology