Richard Patrick Massimino III is a structural biologist driven by a passion for uncovering the molecular machinery behind cancer progression and drug resistance. A graduate of Penn State with a B.S. in Microbiology, Massimino brings a strong foundation in molecular biology and structural biochemistry to his doctoral training at the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
His research interests lie at the intersection of structural biology and cancer therapeutics, with a focus on membrane proteins and their role in disease. Massimino is particularly interested in using cryo-electron microscopy to unravel the structure-function relationships of proteins involved in cancer signaling, aiming to inform the development of novel, targeted treatments.
Massimino has co-authored publications in both Nature Structural & Molecular Biology and Studies in the History of Gardens & Designed Landscapes, reflecting his diverse intellectual curiosity and research experience. He has been recognized for academic excellence with multiple scholarships, including the Dr. George Kosco and Diana Kosco Trustee Scholarship and departmental honors from Penn State’s Eberly College of Science.
Drawn to St. Jude for its integration of fundamental discovery and translational research, Massimino is excited to train in a world-class environment where structural biology is actively shaping the future of pediatric cancer treatment. He looks forward to working alongside leading scientists and contributing to the mission of advancing cures for children with catastrophic diseases.
Hometown: Clearfield, PA
Education:
2023 - BS, Microbiology – The Pennsylvania State University
Awards/Honors/Scholarships:
2022 - Dr. George Kosco and Diana Kosco Trustee Scholarship in the Eberly College of Science
2021-22 - Penn State Departmental GIA for Academic Excellence
2021-22 - Daniel R. Tershak Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Molecular and Cell Biology
Publications:
Kumar, S., Jin, F., Park, S. J., Choi, W., Keuning, S. I., Massimino, R. P., Vu, S., Lü, W., & Du, J. (2025). Convergent agonist and heat activation of nociceptor TRPM3. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology 10.1101/2025.01.23.634542
Loeb, R. E., Walborn, T. N., Leasure, A. J., Manners, J. D., Massimino, R. P., & McGraw, O. A. (2022). Spanning the globe for Diversity: Species Selection in early nineteenth century United States Botanical Gardens. Studies in the History of Gardens; Designed Landscapes. 10.1080/14601176.2022.2097429