PULLMAN, Wash. — Mark Lange has a long and distinguished background as a biochemist, leading cutting-edge research at Washington State University and, before that, working in the biotech industry. His career accomplishments have led to his election into the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS).
“The academy’s work is very important, particularly in times when misinformation spreads much faster than facts,” said Lange, who serves as director of WSU’s Institute of Biological Chemistry (IBC). “It’s very rewarding and humbling to be nominated and elected as a member. I look forward to helping the academy carry out its mission of providing scientific, unbiased information that benefits the public.”
WSAS serves as an independent, nonpartisan source of scientific and technical information that helps policymakers make evidence-informed decisions. New members are elected by current members for outstanding research contributions across a wide range of fields and organizations, and a shared belief in science as a public good.
“Dr. Lange’s election to the Washington State Academy of Sciences is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions, leadership, and commitment to advancing knowledge for the public good ,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “His expertise in plant biochemistry and his ability to bridge academic research and industry will be a tremendous asset to the Academy and to the citizens of Washington state.”
Lange’s research focuses on specialized metabolites—molecular substances that drive metabolism—in plants. These are often involved in interactions between plants and other organisms and provide vital defenses against pathogens and herbivores. Because of their immense structural diversity and biological activity, these specialized metabolites are also highly sought after for industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
Lange has a long-standing interest in exploring the production of essential oils in mint plants. He has also researched medicinally important metabolites such as Taxol®, a natural compound found in the bark of Pacific yew trees that is used to treat a variety of cancers.
“Plants are incredible chemists,” he said. “Plants constantly contend with insects, pathogens, environmental extremes, and other stressors. What has always fascinated me is how they meet these challenges. Unlike animals, plants cannot escape drought, predators, or unfavorable conditions—they must adapt to whatever nature presents. My research seeks to understand these remarkable adaptations and harness them in ways that benefit society.”
Lange came to WSU as a postdoctoral researcher in 1997 from his native Germany. He worked in the IBC for more than three years before leaving for a team leader role in the biotechnology industry. He returned to the IBC as a faculty member after spending four years in private industry, but he feels that industry experience will aid his work with the academy.
“I can serve as a bridge between industry and academia,” Lange said. “Public-private partnerships are becoming increasingly important, and I’m eager to foster new collaborations that address critical problems for which science can provide viable solutions. It’s very exciting, and I’m looking forward to being an active member of the academy.”