Jeremiah A. Johnson

Jeremiah A. Johnson is the A. Thomas Guertin Professor of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Science, Department of Chemistry. His research laboratory focuses on developing creative macromolecular solutions at the interface of chemistry, medicine, biology, and materials science. The Johnson group approaches materials synthesis analogously to natural-products synthesis, designing target structures from careful consideration of specific application needs with emphasis on function.

• Office: 18-296
• Phone: 617-253-1819
• Email: jaj2109@mit.edu
• Administrative Assistant: Abdohamis (Dowey) Tran

Johnson's research spans polymer chemistry, materials science, and organic synthesis with particular emphasis on creating novel macromolecular architectures. His work integrates traditional organic and organometallic synthesis, synthetic polymer chemistry, photochemistry, surface science, and biopolymer engineering to develop innovative materials. Key research areas include degradable/recyclable thermosets, drug delivery systems, polymer networks with controlled topology, and advanced polymerization techniques like ROMP (Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization).

Analysis of Johnson's publication record reveals a strong focus on creating functional materials with precise architectures. His recent work emphasizes sustainability through degradable and recyclable polymers, biomedical applications through drug delivery systems, and advanced manufacturing through novel polymerization techniques. The research shows a consistent trajectory toward increasingly complex macromolecular architectures with controlled properties and functions.

• 2025 Carl S. Marvel Award for Creative Polymer Chemistry
• Yosemite–American Cancer Society Award for antibody-bottlebrush conjugates for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy

Johnson maintains an active mentorship program with numerous PhD students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His lab participates in major collaborative initiatives like the NSF Center for the Chemistry of Molecularly Optimized Networks (MONET). The Johnson group has secured significant funding for projects ranging from cancer immunotherapy to sustainable materials development. The lab also engages in outreach activities, working with local schools to demonstrate chemistry concepts to elementary students.

The Johnson laboratory operates state-of-the-art facilities for polymer synthesis and characterization. The group collaborates extensively with other MIT departments and external institutions including the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard (where the group is an Associate Member), Salk Institute, Duke University, and Northwestern University. Recent initiatives include the Johnson Group Seminar Series (JGSS), which brings leading researchers in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and materials science to MIT.