John Perona

Professor of Environmental Biochemistry & Law, Portland State University

John Perona is emeritus Professor of Environmental Biochemistry and Law at Portland State University, and previously served as Full Professor of Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is author of over 100 peer-reviewed publications in environmental biochemistry and related fields, and has served on numerous editorial boards and scientific review panels at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

John investigates problems of environmental significance related to the global carbon cycle. His team’s work applying bioinformatics, molecular genetics and biochemistry approaches led to the discovery of novel genes for sulfur uptake by methanogens, with application to understanding metabolic pathways for methane production. He is also specialized in synthetic biology, including genome engineering and expansion of the genetic code.

John is the author of From Knowledge to Power: The Comprehensive Handbook for Climate Science and Advocacy (K2P; Ooligan Press, Nov. 2021), which has been endorsed by climate and renewable energy leaders in Oregon and nationwide. In 2023, Dr. Perona launched the Substack newsletter Earthward, offering deep dives into contemporary topics in climate and renewable energy technology and policy.

John holds M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. He has also earned two law degrees – a J.D. from the Santa Barbara College of Law and an LL.M. in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from Lewis & Clark University. John has published detailed law reviews on biofuels, groundwater management and genetic engineering of agricultural crops.

John has advised several biotechnology companies in California. He is also an experienced healthy climate advocate at both the US federal and state (Oregon) levels, with particular emphasis on carbon pricing and state regulatory programs to incentivize low carbon fuels.