Ralph L. Obendorf, Professor of Crop Physiology in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, is a specialist in Seed Biology with teaching and research responsibilities. His research addresses factors and functions that regulate seed growth, seed maturation, tolerance to desiccation, and seed performance. His work on soluble carbohydrates in seeds as related to desiccation tolerance and germination led to the discovery of new health-related compounds in seeds. Obendorf's research emphasizes the training of 3-12 undergraduate students in research each semester. He had 13 undergraduates in his lab in 2007 and 43 undergraduate coauthors since 1997. His research and teaching are globally recognized. Obendorf is active in numerous professional societies nationally and internationally. He was president of the International Society for Seed Science (1999-2005) and is owner/editor (1995-present) of SEED-BIOLOGY-L@cornell.edu, a highly successful mailing list promoting global exchange of information on seed research among 450 subscribers residing in 50 countries and 45 states.