Josh Coon

Josh Coon serves as Professor and Thomas and Margaret Pyle Chair in Metabolism within the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Letters & Science. He directs the NIGMS-funded National Center for Quantitative Biology of Complex Systems and leads Coon Laboratories, which focuses on advancing mass spectrometry technologies for proteome and metabolome analysis. His research bridges biomedical, biofuel, and biochemical applications through instrumental innovation.

Coon's research interests center on mass spectrometry technology development, particularly for comprehensive proteome and metabolome analysis. His laboratory pioneers techniques like electron transfer dissociation (which he co-invented) and develops novel instrumentation configurations including Orbitrap systems. Current emphases include high-throughput quantitative proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics with applications spanning human health, biofuels, and fundamental biological discovery. The lab maintains close collaborations with Thermo Fisher Scientific for technology transfer and commercialization.

His recent publications demonstrate leadership in

• Ultrafast proteome analysis (e.g., 'One-hour human proteome')
• Advanced separation techniques (SynchroSep-MS)
• Cryo-EM sample preparation innovations
• Multiplexed omics data integration
• Metabolic remodeling in stress responses
• Machine learning applications in proteomics

These works consistently advance methodological capabilities while addressing biological questions in aging, exercise physiology, viral infection, and bioenergy.

Coon has received significant recognition including the Biemann Medal from the American Society for Mass Spectrometry and the Ken Standing Award from the University of Manitoba. His laboratory has filed dozens of patent applications through WARF, leading to commercial products that impact laboratories worldwide.

As an advisor, Coon has trained over 50 PhD graduates and postdoctoral scholars now working across academia and industry (including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Genentech, Harvard, and UCSF). His trainees consistently highlight the lab's collaborative environment, industry connections, and emphasis on both technical innovation and communication skills. Current funding supports multiple NIH grants and industry partnerships focused on quantitative biology.