Maria Monteros' new boss happens to be her old professor.

As the newest principal investigator in the Forage Improvement Division at The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Monteros, Ph.D., arrived on campus this spring to establish a lab geared toward improving forage legumes.

However, in one of those quirky life coincidences, Monteros already knew her new boss - Forage Improvement Division Director Joe Bouton, Ph.D. Their paths crossed during Monteros' time as a graduate student at the University of Georgia. The first class of Monteros' first semester just happened to be with Bouton, then a UGA professor.

"It's funny looking back on it now, because that was my only class with Dr. Bouton," said the new Noble Foundation assistant professor. "I had no idea that Dr. Bouton would leave and come here, and I didn't know this is where I'd come. It's just one of those funny coincidences."

Monteros spent her youth and early college years in her native Guatemala. A precocious child, she immersed herself in her passion for learning.

"I loved learning new things," she said. "I asked questions all the time. It must have driven my mom nuts, but she decided to foster that sense of curiosity, so she bought me these science books. I read those books all the time."

Monteros' love of learning made her a standout in the classroom. She excelled at all subjects, but displayed a keen interest in the various fields of science. Monteros attended American schools in Guatemala and was fluent in both English and Spanish. Her bilingual ability was not just beneficial, but necessary when it came time to attend university.

"One thing I really remember about the transition from English-speaking schools to a Spanish-speaking university was that the chemical compounds were all reversed," she said, chuckling. "I had to do some re-learning, but it was fine."

During her undergraduate work at the University Del Valle, she had the opportunity to collaborate with peers at the University of Georgia (UGA) on a study monitoring pesticide traces in water samples. The partnership brought her to UGA, where she worked on the study and cultivated her interest in plant viruses and viroids, which eventually became part of her thesis topic.

Her undergraduate classes helped refine and focus her interest on plant breeding. Monteros graduated from University Del Valle with both bachelor's and master's degrees in biochemistry.

After graduation, Monteros looked for a top-tier graduate school in plant breeding and found what she was searching for at a familiar location - UGA - where she earned a Ph.D. in plant breeding and genetics, focused specifically on legumes. Beyond her one memorable class with her future boss, Monteros also met Frank, her fiancé, who will move to Ardmore at the conclusion of his Ph.D. work.

"UGA was not just a tremendous educational experience, it was a tremendous life experience," Monteros said. "The university helped change my life both personally and professionally. Because of the opportunities that existed there, I was able to find my way to the Noble Foundation."

Monteros first discovered the path to the Noble Foundation when she attended the annual Plant and Animal Genome conferences. She was introduced to the Noble Foundation's world-class science by members of the Human Resources Department who were recruiting at the meetings.

After graduation, she looked to the Noble Foundation as a prospective career option. Not only did she find a superior research facility, she also found a familiar face.

"Dr. Bouton and I talked about the opportunities available at the Noble Foundation," she said. "When I came out for the interview, I was really sold on the quality of research and science happening here."

She first walked on the Noble Foundation campus for her interview in August, and, by January, she was unpacking boxes in her new office.

Work in Monteros' lab focuses on forage legume improvement, particularly alfalfa, white clover and red clover. She explained that her goal is to identify the genes of desirable traits in these plants, including stress tolerance, enhanced nutritional value and disease resistance.

Monteros is developing and utilizing molecular markers that target these desired traits. Identification of these genes will enable scientists to develop adapted high-yielding cultivars with these desirable traits.

"My lab really helps provide tools that can be used by our group and by other scientists as they work to develop quality cultivars," she said. "And that's the ultimate goal - to develop the best possible cultivars. We're helping to make the process more efficient."

Today, as she settles into her daily research routine, Monteros has the greatest appreciation for the Noble Foundation and the community that surrounds it.

"The Noble Foundation is unmatched in its scientific endeavors, and there is a real sense of community here. That comes from the quality people," she said, smiling. "Everybody at the Noble Foundation and in the Ardmore community has been helpful in making me feel welcome."

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Photo:

Maria Monteros

News Release Issued: March 20, 2007

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.