John Honek

John Honek is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo, working at the intersection of chemistry and biochemistry. His research focuses on protein structure/function relationships and the chemical mechanisms of medically relevant enzymes.

His group integrates biochemical techniques (PCR, protein engineering, site-directed mutagenesis) with chemical synthesis (organic synthesis of biophysical probes and enzyme inhibitors), molecular modeling, and microbiology for protein expression. Key affiliations include the Centre for Bioengineering & Biotechnology, the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, and the Stem Cell & Cancer Research Institute at McMaster University.

Recent publications emphasize bionanotechnology, microplastic degradation, and metalloenzyme biochemistry. His work reveals insights into protein-metal interactions, enzyme mechanisms, and the design of functional nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Performance Award (2017, 2010, 2004)
• Bernard Belleau Award (2014)
• Ron Brown Lectureship (2010)
• NSERC and Quebec Postdoctoral Fellowships (1984, 1983)
• NSERC and Quebec Scholarships (1979, 1977)

Teaching: CHEM 233, 237, 430, 433 (past 5 years), and graduate-level enzymology courses.