Don L. Warner

Don L. Warner is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry within Boise State University's College of Arts and Sciences, where he conducts research in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and chemical education. His work focuses on anticancer drug development and innovative pedagogical methods, supported by significant NIH and foundation grants.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan (2002), an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin (1998), and a B.S. from the University of Utah (1995).

Warner's research centers on synthesizing small molecules to inhibit pro-metastatic cytokines and cytotoxic anticancer agents, with mechanistic studies of drug-DNA interactions. He simultaneously investigates how research experiences impact student learning, developing green chemistry lab techniques and computational exercises for organic chemistry education. His dual expertise bridges drug discovery and pedagogy.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2018-2024) reveals two dominant trends: advancing oncostatin M inhibitors for breast cancer metastasis (using NMR and recombinant protein screening), and adapting chemical education to virtual environments through Project SEED initiatives during the pandemic.

Major honors include:

• 8-time recipient of Boise State University's Top Ten Scholars Honored Faculty Member award
• American Chemical Society Fellow (2022)
• Boise Rotary Century Scholar’s Significant Educator (2022)
• Boise State Foundation Scholar Award for Teaching (2017)
• College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Teaching Award (2014)

Warner actively mentors 21 undergraduate and graduate students, emphasizing flexible 10-hour/week research commitments for meaningful 3-4 semester experiences. His current grants include an NIH R01 as PI (2022-2025) for oncostatin M inhibitors, a University of Washington collaboration on NMR structures, and METAvivor funding for breast cancer metastasis research, alongside Idaho INBRE support.

He leads a dynamic research group focused on medicinal chemistry for cancer therapeutics and chemical education innovation, serving as a cornerstone of Boise State's Project SEED program for underserved students.