Richard M. Amasino

Richard M. Amasino is the Carlos O. Miller Professor of Biochemistry and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He studies the biochemical and genetic mechanisms of plant development, particularly vernalization and flowering regulation in species like Arabidopsis thaliana and Brachypodium distachyon.

• Education: B.S., Pennsylvania State University; Ph.D., Indiana University

His research focuses on developmental biology, gene expression, RNA biology, and epigenetic regulation of flowering. He investigates how prolonged cold exposure (vernalization) epigenetically silences the FLC gene in Arabidopsis, ensuring flowering occurs only after winter.

The articles listed highlight his work on vernalization, epigenetics, and genetic regulation across plant species. Trends include molecular mechanisms of flowering time, cold response, and agricultural biotechnology applications.

• Scientific Awards:
  • U.S. National Academy of Sciences (2006)
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor (2006)
  • Carlos O. Miller Professorship (2018)
  • Kellett Award (2005)
  • AAAS Fellow (2011)

Amasino contributes to science education initiatives and serves as a leader in plant biochemistry and genetics at UW-Madison. His lab’s work with the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center explores biomass traits in Brachypodium distachyon.