John directs research that focuses on the application of novel molecules to help solve important problems in biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, and medicine. Though he's retired from teaching, he continues to run a fully active and funded research program at the University of Oregon.

He earned his PhD in chemistry at Stanford University, with his postdoctoral year at Columbia University. Since then, he's been honored with the NIH Research Career Development Award, Eastman Kodak Award, and named a fellow of the both the Alfred P. Sloan and John S. Guggenheim Foundations. His efforts have also been recognized with special panel positions at the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society.

John's an entrepreneur and innovator, helping found and consult for a variety of biochemistry and pharmaceutical companies. He holds 61 patents (more pending) and has authored over 200 published scientific articles. He currently serves on the editorial board for Medicinal Chemistry.