John Caradonna is a distinguished scholar and educator in the field of bioinorganic chemistry with significant contributions to understanding metalloprotein function. He currently serves as Professor of Chemistry at Boston University where he holds the position of Provost Faculty Fellow for Undergraduate Affairs, demonstrating his leadership in academic administration alongside his research. Caradonna earned his bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and joined the Boston University faculty in 1998 after spending more than a decade as a faculty member at Yale University. His educational foundation and extensive academic career spanning over three decades have established him as a leading authority in the chemical sciences.
Caradonna's research focuses on unraveling the mechanisms of non-heme iron monooxygenases, enzymes that catalyze challenging oxidation reactions in biological systems. His laboratory has made significant contributions to developing synthetic analogs that mimic the function of these complex metalloenzymes, particularly through investigations of iron-based catalysts that replicate the two-electron reduction of dioxygen. One of his most influential early works from 1991 created diiron complexes that served as models for methane monooxygenase, a landmark contribution that has been widely cited in the field. His recent work includes the development of green oxidation catalytic systems with a U.S. patent issued in 2019, demonstrating the translational potential of his fundamental research toward practical applications in chemical synthesis.
Beyond his research program, Caradonna has been recognized for his exceptional teaching with Boston University's prestigious Metcalf Award for Teaching Excellence, where he is known for making complex inorganic chemistry concepts accessible through innovative pedagogical approaches. He has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry, extending his scholarly influence across the chemical sciences community. His commitment to education extends to his role as Provost Faculty Fellow for Undergraduate Affairs, where he shapes academic policy and enhances the student experience at the institutional level. Caradonna continues to advance the frontiers of bioinorganic chemistry while maintaining his dedication to excellence in both research and teaching, ensuring his lasting impact on the next generation of scientists.
