Randy Allen

Randy Allen is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. His research focuses on plant gene regulation during development and environmental responses, with a focus on cotton improvement for stress tolerance and fiber quality. He holds a PhD in Biology (Texas A&M University, 1986) and an MA in Biology (University of Texas at Arlington, 1982).

Education:

• PhD in Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (1986)
• MA in Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX (1982)

Research Interests: Plant stress tolerance mechanisms, transcriptional regulation in seed development, cotton fiber improvement, and epigenetic control of gene expression. His lab investigates how plants adapt to environmental challenges like drought and extreme temperatures through molecular and genetic approaches.

Grants & Projects:

• "Stress Tolerant Cotton" (2018-2020)
• "Epigenetic Regulation of Seed Maturation" (2016-2018)
• "Cotton Fiber Development" (2019)
• "Weed Management in Oklahoma Cotton" (2024)

Teaching: Teaches graduate-level Molecular Genetics courses (BIOC/GENE 5102), focusing on advanced genetic principles and molecular techniques.

Labs/Teams: Leads a research group studying plant gene regulation and cotton improvement, with collaborations on transcriptional silencers and stress-responsive pathways.