John A.W. Harkless

Dr. John A.W. Harkless is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Howard University, specializing in computational quantum chemistry and chemical education. He earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Chemistry from Morehouse College (1995) and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley (2001), followed by postdoctoral work at NIST.

• 2013-2006: Research focused on quantum Monte Carlo methods, anticonvulsant drug design, and transition metal properties
• 2009: Contributed to NSF-REU program mentoring

His work bridges advanced computational techniques with science communication and advocacy for minority education in STEM. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa (inducted 1993) and actively explores the intersection of education and quantum chemistry.