Jeffrey Johnston, Ph.D.

Stevenson Professor, Chemistry

Areas of Interest: Cancer Biology; Infectious Diseases and Immunity; Natural Products; Synthetic & Medicinal Chemistry

Advances in chemical synthesis are enabled by the discovery of new activation and reactivity paradigms that add versatility to existing chemical feedstock. Complexity-building reactions convert inexpensive raw materials into structurally and functionally complex small molecules capable of selective interactions with biological molecules. These small molecules are prized for their potential as therapeutics to cure disease and improve quality of life. Our expertise in complex small molecule synthesis spans existing chemotypes, particularly alkaloids and peptides, but we forage in areas of chemical space not yet explored. Our devotion to efficiency and complexity in chemical synthesis provides training for future medicinal and process chemists, and their allies in the fight against disease. Our creative strategies and innovative methods advance the field of synthesis and catalysis, often through discoveries that change the way we think about chemistry.