Justin J. Wilson

Justin J. Wilson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he leads the Wilson Group. He relocated to UCSB in July 2024 after previously holding a position at Cornell University in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Education:

• BS, University of California, Berkeley
• PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Seaborg Institute Postdoctoral Fellow, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Dr. Wilson's research focuses on the utility of radioactive and non-radioactive metal complexes in medicine for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. His work spans medicinal inorganic chemistry, radiopharmaceuticals, inorganic synthesis, and ligand design. The Wilson Lab explores how inorganic complexes can be used in medicine, with particular emphasis on cancer therapy and diagnostic imaging.

His research has led to significant advancements in chelation strategies for large metal ions in nuclear medicine, development of rhenium anticancer complexes, and hypoxia-selective hydrogen sulfide donors. His work bridges chemistry, radiochemistry, and cell biology to develop novel therapeutic and diagnostic agents for medical applications.

Scientific Awards:

• Japanese Society for Coordination Chemistry Award for Creative Work (2025)
• Harry Gray Award for Creative Work in Inorganic Chemistry by a Young Investigator (2022)

Dr. Wilson has successfully mentored numerous graduate students through to completion of their PhD and Master's degrees. His lab has received various grants supporting research in radiopharmaceutical development, rare earth element applications, and cancer therapy. The Wilson Group is known for its collaborative approach, emphasis on safety (receiving the departmental safety award in 2024), and commitment to undergraduate education through nuclear chemistry experiments.

The Wilson Group, now based at UCSB, continues to be at the forefront of medicinal inorganic chemistry research, with active projects in radiopharmaceuticals development, metal-based therapeutics, and novel chelation strategies. The group maintains a strong focus on both fundamental chemistry and translational applications for medical use, particularly in cancer diagnosis and treatment.