John Medina is a developmental molecular biologist with special research interests in the isolation and characterization of genes involved in human brain development and the genetics of psychiatric disorders. 

Medina has spent most of his professional life as an analytical research consultant, working primarily in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries on research issues related to mental health. 

He holds an affiliate faculty appointment at the University of Washington School of Medicine in its department of bioengineering, where he has been named Outstanding Faculty of the Year at the College of Engineering, the Merrill Dow/Continuing Medical Education National Teacher of the Year, and twice, the Bioengineering Student Association Teacher of the Year.