Richard Martin Smith, ’00

Richard Martin Smith, ’00

Richard is a biological scientist at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. Recently, his study on Humulus lupulus, the plant that yields the flowers used in beer production, commonly known as hops, challenged long-held beliefs about the ability to grow and produce hops in the Southeast U.S. This research has captured the attention of National Public Radio, the Wall Street Journal, and the Orlando Sentinel. Richard is also owner of Florida Hops, an organization that seeks to foster the development of the highest quality, locally grown ingredients for home brewers and craft brewers.