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Lucas (Luke) Wheeler has a broad scientific background in biochemistry, molecular biophysics, evolutionary biology and computational biology, with 15 plus years of experience working in research labs. He has contributed to projects including characterizing the evolution of protein-protein interaction specificity, the evolution of gene expression in floral pigmentation pathways, population genomics of plant hybrid zones, computational modeling of metabolic pathway evolution and the analysis of NMR data to study ion mobility in battery electrolytes. In addition to research, Luke has experience in teaching, mentoring and public outreach.

Luke is passionate about sustainability and conservation. He has contributed to various organizations and projects in a volunteer capacity including serving two terms on the CDA Noxious Weed Advisory Committee. He is interested in implementing practices that optimize the use of shared resources in research labs to save energy, materials and funds in order to reduce the environmental footprint and increase the efficiency of scientific research. He contributes experience with a wide variety of research equipment to the Green Labs program and manages the Green Labs Shared Equipment Core to oversee a network of shared resources on campus.

Outside of work, Luke is an avid hiker, trail runner, cyclist and photographer. Much of his free time is spent in nature: taking pictures, volunteering on conservation projects and carrying out small-scale independent research projects on pollinator visitation to Colorado native plants. He also loves good food, reading, creative writing and learning about as many new topics as he can.