Rishi Masalia, a doctoral candidate in the plant biology department of UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, has been named one of seven K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders for 2018 by the American Association of Colleges and Universities for his commitment to teaching and learning, as well as his involvement in science outreach in the Athens community. Masalia is the fifth UGA student to win the award.
A biologist and bioinformatician by training, his area of expertise is candidate gene identification through genetic mapping and RNA expression techniques using cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as a model. Hailing from the Arizona desert, Masalia chose to focus his research efforts on understanding the genetic mechanisms governing crop-water relations, specifically identifying candidate genes conveying an increase in drought resistance while minimizing growth or yield penalties.
He serves an ambassador with the American Society of Plant Biologists and is a co-founder of the Athens Science Cafe, the Athens Science Observer, UGA SPEAR and Science Athens. He is a member of the UGA Plant Center.