Beronda L. Montgomery is the MSU Foundation professor of biochemistry & molecular biology and microbiology & molecular genetics in the Department of Energy (DOE) Plant Research Laboratory and assistant provost for faculty development-research at Michigan State University. Montgomery conducts research on the means by which plants and cyanobacteria are able to monitor and adjust to changes in their external environments. The ability of these largely immobile organisms to adapt their growth and fitness to dynamic environments increases their survival and maximizes productivity. Montgomery also conducts scholarship and training initiatives on effective research mentoring, research management and academic leadership, including issues related to mentoring diverse scholars, as well as faculty development. Dr. Montgomery's scholarly efforts have been recognized by receipt of an NSF CAREER Award, being selected as a finalist in the 2014 Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Professors Competition, a 2015 Michigan State University Nominee for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) US Professor of the Year Award, and as an 2017-2019 American Society of Microbiology Distinguished Lecturer. Dr. Montgomery was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology in 2018.