Justin Miller

Justin Miller is Professor of Chemistry at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he joined the faculty in 2004. His research focuses on innovative synthetic methodologies for bioactive molecules, particularly in the realm of anticancer therapeutics. He earned his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed postdoctoral training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, following undergraduate studies at Princeton University.

Miller's research program centers on bioorganic and synthetic organic chemistry, with specialization in solid-phase synthesis techniques. His group develops novel approaches for synthesizing proteins and peptidic molecules, particularly cyclic depsipeptides like Spiruchostatin A, FK228, and FR 901,375 that function as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. The Miller laboratory combines solid-phase synthesis with chemoselective ligation to create versatile tools for constructing complex biomolecules previously inaccessible through conventional methods. Current research targets new solid-phase resins capable of supporting cysteine-containing molecules and their applications in anticancer drug development.

His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to organic synthesis methodology and chemical education. Recent work emphasizes generalizable approaches to depsipeptidic HDAC inhibitors using optimized latent thioester linkers, reflecting his group's focus on creating practical synthetic pathways for biologically relevant compounds. Miller's research bridges fundamental organic chemistry with translational applications in cancer therapeutics.

• Camille and Henry Dreyfus Start-up Award (2004-2009)
• Research Corporation Cottrell College Science Award (2005-2009)

Miller actively mentors undergraduate researchers, currently advising Sarah Lewicki, Lily Walker, and Emily Rundlett. His externally funded projects include significant NIH and NSF grants totaling over $900,000, including an NIH-AREA award for synthesizing anticancer HDAC inhibitor natural products and an NSF-TUES grant for transforming cell biology education through HDACi laboratory projects. He also co-created the innovative 'Communicating Chemistry: Celebrating Cuisines' program that challenges students to explain chemical concepts through regional cuisine.

The Miller research group operates within the Chemistry Department's facilities, utilizing specialized instrumentation including NMR spectrometers acquired through NSF-MRI funding. His team collaborates with medicinal chemists and biologists to evaluate synthesized compounds for anticancer activity, maintaining strong connections to the broader chemical biology community.