Cyren M. Rico

Dr. Cyren M. Rico is an Associate Professor and Roy D. Blunt Life Science Endowed Professor at Missouri State University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Texas at El Paso (2014), an MS in Agriculture from Kyungpook National University (2005), and a BS in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (1999). His postdoctoral research was conducted at the US Environmental Protection Agency (2015-2017).

Research Focus: Dr. Rico specializes in environmental chemistry and nanomaterial interactions, employing spectroscopic, microscopic, and isotopic techniques. His investigations span:

• Translocation and transformation of engineered nanomaterials
• Ecological impacts on plants and soil systems
• Food safety implications of nanomaterial exposure
• Agricultural applications of nanotechnology
• Metabolomic and transcriptomic responses to contaminants

His work connects nanomaterial behavior with metabolic pathways across generations of plants.

Publication Trends: Recent articles (2021-2025) demonstrate a focus on:

• Metabolomic/transcriptomic analysis of plant-nanoparticle interactions
• Generational impacts of contaminants (PFOS, nanoceria)
• Soil microbial community responses
• Foliar absorption mechanisms
• Green synthesis of nanomaterials

Studies frequently employ cereal crops (wheat, maize) and vegetables (pakchoi) as model systems.

Awards and Honors:

• Roy D. Blunt Life Science Endowed Professorship
• MSU Foundation Excellence in Research Award
• Research Associateship (UC CEIN)
• UTEP Dissertation Award & Outstanding Graduate Student
• Dodson Research Grant and Frank B. Cotton Scholarship

Academic Activities: Dr. Rico leads a research group investigating plant nano-biology, mentors students through CURE programs, serves on the editorial board of Plant Nano Biology, and reviews for high-impact journals. His laboratory utilizes advanced instrumentation for environmental analysis.