Philip A. Rea

Philip Rea is a professor of biology and a member of the Plant Science Institute. He describes his approach to primary research as that of a “basic biologist,” seeking general biological principles, particularly at the cellular and molecular levels. Through the application of this approach, Rea and his group have been able to make major contributions toward understanding a broad range of transport and related phenomena, with special emphasis on alternate energy sources and cellular detoxification processes. His secondary research focuses on the communication of science to the educated lay reader through case studies that highlight the difficult transition from discovery in the laboratory to success in the market and/or toward the expansion of humanitarian efforts.

Rea has published more than 100 scientific papers. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a National Academies Education Fellow in the Life Sciences, and recipient of the President’s Medal of the Society for Experimental Biology for his fundamental research on transport across plant membranes. He has received the Lindback Award, the highest award for teaching at the University; the Ira H. Abrams Memorial Award for Distinguished Teaching, Penn Arts & Sceinces highest teaching honor; and multiple Awards for Excellence in Teaching from the biology department in recognition of his abilities as a dynamic and compelling lecturer who encourages students to think as scientists. He has served as faculty co-director of the Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management since its inception in 2005.