Brian A. Larkins, 78, a University of Nebraska alumnus, retired faculty and internationally-recognized plant molecular biologist, died Jan. 19 at his home in Tucson, Arizona.
Larkins was born in Bellville, Kansas, to Jean and Ethel Larkins on Aug. 12, 1946. He grew up on a small farm near Chester, Nebraska, and graduated from York High School in 1964.
In his first year at the University of Nebraska, Larkins was inspired by John Davidson, professor of botany, to pursue a doctoral degree. He would follow that dream after earning his bachelor’s degree and a year of teaching high school biology in Waverly, Nebraska.
Larkins received a doctorate in botany from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1974. His dissertation research led to the development of a technique for isolating intact messenger RNAs (mRNAs) from plant and animal cells.
As a postdoctoral researcher at Purdue University, Larkins refined the technique, isolating and characterizing mRNAs encoding zeins, the major seed storage protein in maize. The work led to the launch of the field of plant molecular genetics and its application to improve agricultural crops.
During his career, Larkins investigated mutations that affect the development of the maize seed and influence its nutritional quality. The work led to the characterization of genes affecting plant cell division, including the maize version of the human tumor suppressor gene, retinoblastoma.
Larkins served his profession in many leadership roles. He was the head of the University of Arizona’s plant sciences department from 1988 to 1994. He served as an associate editor and then editor-in-chief of The Plant Cell from 1989 to 1998 and was president of the International Society of Plant Molecular Biology in 1991, and president of the American Society of Plant Physiologists in 1999.
He returned to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to serve as associate vice chancellor for life sciences from 2012 to 2017. In that role, he contributed to the development of an interdisciplinary doctorate in computational biology.
Larkins’ leadership roles and research led to many recognitions, including election into the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 1996. He received multiple research awards from the American Society of Plant Biologists, including the Charles A. Shull Award for research innovation by a scientist under 40; the Stephen Hales prize for career-long contributions to plant science; and the Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award. Most recently, Larkins received the Rollins A. Emerson Award for his pivotal contributions to the field of maize genetics.
Further, his mentorship of students and research associates resulted in more than 300 publications and 20,000 research citations.
In retirement, Larkins remained an ardent supporter of the American Society of Plant Biologists, establishing and becoming a founding member of the Legacy Society and Pioneer Society. The work yielded more than $3 million in donated funds to ensure the future of the society and to nurture future generations of plant biologists.
Outside the lab, Larkins was passionate about educating and promoting a love of learning in others. He enjoyed cycling, golf, reading, listening to classical music and supporting his beloved Nebraska Huskers.
Larkins is survived by his wife, Ardis Larkins; sons, Aaron and Philip Larkins of Tucson; stepdaughters, July (Tim) Thompson of Carlsbad, California; Sandy (John) Stribling of Tucson; Kelly Delforge of Phoenix, Arizona; and siblings, Rodney (Judy) Larkins of Hudson, Wisconsin; Sally Beuhler of Chelsea, Michigan; Andrea (Keith) Tyler of Overland Park, Kansas; Gerald Blake Larkins of Diller, Nebraska; and Casey Larkins of Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pamela Jo (Ramsey) Larkins; and brother, Curtiss Larkins.
Details regarding a celebration of life for Larkins will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pamela and Brian Larkins Family Scholarship/Fellowship Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation. The fund provides tuition for students in the fields related to education and human sciences.
The family obituary and guestbook to leave condolences are available here.
