Kraig Wheeler

Kraig Wheeler is a Professor of Chemistry at Whitworth University, located in Spokane, Washington. He joined the faculty in 2017 and holds a Ph.D. from Brandeis University (1992) and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota (1987). His postdoctoral research was conducted at the University of Texas at Austin (1992–1993). Wheeler's research focuses on molecular engineered materials, solid-state organic reactions, quasiracemate formation, and X-ray crystallography. His work explores structural boundaries of crystalline assemblies and molecular recognition phenomena.

Key areas of research include quasiracemate design, photodimerization reactions, and the synthesis of functional materials with applications in drug delivery and anticancer agents. His lab has published extensively on topics like dinuclear platinum complexes, copper bioinspired catalysts, and supramolecular assemblies. Notable projects include the RUI-funded studies on quasiracemate structural diversity and molecular topology-directed assembly.

Wheeler teaches organic chemistry courses (CH-271-2, CH-271L-6) and actively engages in undergraduate research mentorship. He is affiliated with the Whitworth University Department of Chemistry, located in Robinson Science Hall (ROB 308). His research group collaborates on projects spanning synthetic organic chemistry, crystal engineering, and materials science.