Person

Reggie Millwood, Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor | Plant Sciences

Specialization: Plant Genome Engineering

Overview

Dr. Millwood's research is focused on advancing plant transformation and genome editing technologies, concentrating on both enhancing their efficiency and expanding their application across various plant species and genetic traits. His work includes the development of advanced transformation technologies and the precise enhancement of gene editing, utilizing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 for targeted genome modifications. Central to his work is the use of these technologies in genomics to identify and understand the function of genes, which significantly contributes to our knowledge of plant biology and enables the improvement of plant traits.

 

His research also extends to environmental risk assessment and biosafety implications of genetically engineered plants, focusing on the potential risks of transgenic pollen dispersal and the possibility of unintended gene flow to wild or weedy relatives. Dr. Millwood examines how transgenic pollen can spread and hybridize with nearby compatible plants and investigates engineered solutions to control or prevent unintended gene flow, ensuring that these biotechnological advancements are sustainable and safe for the environment.

Research Focus

Plant genetics and biotechnology, novel and improved plant transformation and gene editing technologies, functional genomics, and biotechnology risk assessment.

Teaching Focus

Dr. Millwood chairs the Plant Genetics and Biotechnology concentration, teaching courses on genetics, genetic engineering technology, and the ethics, biosafety, and regulatory aspects of biotechnology.

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
PLSC 452 - Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
3 credit hour(s)

Genetic principles and techniques used in plant modification. Principles of molecular and transmission genetics as applied to plant biotechnology and plant improvement. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 452 and PLSC 552.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 113 or BIOL 114 or consent of instructor.

PLSC 552 - Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
3 credit hour(s)

General principles and techniques used in plant modification. Principles of molecular and transmission genetics as applied to plant biotechnology and plant improvement. Credit Restriction: Student may not receive credit for both 452 and 552.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

PLSC 593 - Problems in Plant Sciences
1 - 3 credit hours

Independent study. Current topic related to technology, science or design.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours. Credit Restriction: For MS students, a maximum of 6 hours may be applied to the major. For PhD students in PSI, a maximum of 9 hours may be applied to the major.

Other Instructors: Klingeman III, William E | Walters, Kellie Jean | Pantalone, Vince | Ross, Michael | Stewart, Neal

Picture of Reggie Millwood, Ph.D.
112 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • PhD, Plant Sciences, Plant Molecular Genetics, Univ of Tennessee Knoxville*, 2019

Reggie Millwood, Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor | Plant Sciences
Picture of Reggie Millwood, Ph.D. image
112 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • PhD, Plant Sciences, Plant Molecular Genetics, Univ of Tennessee Knoxville*, 2019
Overview

Dr. Millwood's research is focused on advancing plant transformation and genome editing technologies, concentrating on both enhancing their efficiency and expanding their application across various plant species and genetic traits. His work includes the development of advanced transformation technologies and the precise enhancement of gene editing, utilizing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 for targeted genome modifications. Central to his work is the use of these technologies in genomics to identify and understand the function of genes, which significantly contributes to our knowledge of plant biology and enables the improvement of plant traits.

 

His research also extends to environmental risk assessment and biosafety implications of genetically engineered plants, focusing on the potential risks of transgenic pollen dispersal and the possibility of unintended gene flow to wild or weedy relatives. Dr. Millwood examines how transgenic pollen can spread and hybridize with nearby compatible plants and investigates engineered solutions to control or prevent unintended gene flow, ensuring that these biotechnological advancements are sustainable and safe for the environment.

Research Focus

Plant genetics and biotechnology, novel and improved plant transformation and gene editing technologies, functional genomics, and biotechnology risk assessment.

Teaching Focus

Dr. Millwood chairs the Plant Genetics and Biotechnology concentration, teaching courses on genetics, genetic engineering technology, and the ethics, biosafety, and regulatory aspects of biotechnology.

Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
PLSC 452 - Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
3 credit hour(s)

Genetic principles and techniques used in plant modification. Principles of molecular and transmission genetics as applied to plant biotechnology and plant improvement. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both PLSC 452 and PLSC 552.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 113 or BIOL 114 or consent of instructor.

PLSC 552 - Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
3 credit hour(s)

General principles and techniques used in plant modification. Principles of molecular and transmission genetics as applied to plant biotechnology and plant improvement. Credit Restriction: Student may not receive credit for both 452 and 552.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

PLSC 593 - Problems in Plant Sciences
1 - 3 credit hours

Independent study. Current topic related to technology, science or design.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours. Credit Restriction: For MS students, a maximum of 6 hours may be applied to the major. For PhD students in PSI, a maximum of 9 hours may be applied to the major.

Other Instructors: Klingeman III, William E | Walters, Kellie Jean | Pantalone, Vince | Ross, Michael | Stewart, Neal