Justin Nodwell

I became interested in science when I was 15 years old. I was watching ‘the Nature of Things’ on TV and a stop action film of dividing plant cells came into view. The voice of David Suzuki announced that people were  trying to understand how this process and I was hooked. It was an extraordinary moment – how do those irregular yet organized biological shapes work? I went on to a BSc in genetics and a PhD in molecular biology. I have been fortunate to have outstanding mentors, Jack Greenblatt as a PhD student and Richard Losick when I was a postdoctoral fellow. My first independent position was at McMaster University (1998-2013) and I arrived at the University of Toronto in 2013 to continue with the work I had started at McMaster. I have never looked back – I love my job and the life of a scientist.  

Chemical Communication and Warfare Among Microorganisms 

All bacteria secrete small organic molecules that have biological activities. Some serve as signals that coordinate group activities, others are toxic to competing organisms and serve to protect the producer and define its niche, still others bind and sequester rare nutrients. Our goal is to understand the biological roles and biochemical activities of these molecules. 

Importantly, these molecules are extremely useful as drugs. Our research therefore straddles the line between fundamental questions on the chemical biology of microbial life and the quest for new medicines. This is important both because there is a significant need for new therapeutic approaches to infectious disease – due in part part to the inexorable increase in antibiotic resistance, and for other diseases such as cancer. By harnessing the chemical biology of microbial life therefore, we aim to have an important impact of the development of new, lifesaving medications. 

Appointments, Cross Affiliations, Memberships 

Vice Dean - Research & Health Science Education, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto 

Courses Taught 

BCH 2128H Scientific thinking and practice 
BCH2024H Principles of Basic Science 
BCH2024H Mass Spectrometry: theory and emerging research applications 
BCH350H Antibiotics and antibiotic targets 
BCH374Y1 Research Project in Biochemistry 
BCH473Y Advanced Research Project in Biochemistry 

Awards and Distinctions

2013-2021 Chair, Biochemistry Department