Randy O Wayne

Randy O Wayne is an Associate Professor in the Plant Biology Section of Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science. His research focuses on reinterpreting fundamental physical theories (e.g., special relativity, quantum electrodynamics) through a biophysical lens, particularly exploring photon properties and their implications for cosmology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts (1985), an M.S. from UCLA (1979), and a B.A./B.S. from the University of Massachusetts (1977).

His teaching emphasizes interdisciplinary connections between light, life, and physics, including courses like Light and Life, Plant Cell Biology, and Light and Video Microscopy. These courses integrate optics, microscopy, and cellular physiology to foster critical thinking about biological systems. Wayne’s lab, the Laboratory of Natural Philosophy, investigates neglected dimensions in biophysics, such as the interface between macroscopic and microscopic physics.

Key research themes include challenging orthodox interpretations of photons, proposing a binary photon model to explain light properties, and exploring gravitational dynamics through matter-antimatter segregation. His work bridges biology and physics, addressing topics like radiation friction, dark energy, and thermodynamic asymmetries. Wayne has published extensively in journals like The African Review of Physics and Turkish Journal of Physics, with a focus on heuristic models and theoretical critiques.

His educational philosophy integrates scientific inquiry with ethical reflection, teaching students to connect biological principles to human experience. Collaborations with Allan Witztum on plant biomechanics and fern spore germination further demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach.