For Wendee Johns, managing UNLV’s radiochemistry Ph.D. program means juggling constant demands while clearing the way for researchers to focus on what matters most: moving their science and proposals forward, free from administrative roadblocks.

“Keeping up can be a challenge; there are a lot of people and moving parts,” Johns says. “But it’s really about making sure the most impactful work gets the attention it needs, right when it needs it.”

UNLV’s radiochemistry group is considered one of the nation’s leaders in the field. While large by radiochemistry standards, it still operates as a close-knit, small-but-mighty community — one that stays connected long after students graduate.

That culture dates back to the group’s early days. Founded in 2004, it celebrated its first Ph.D. graduate in 2008 under founding director Ken Czerwinski. He marked the milestone by commissioning a caricature of the graduate and hanging it in the hallway. The tradition has stuck.

Today, all 45 graduates are featured on the “Radchem Wall of Fame.” Johns, who has worked with the same artist (Erica Deutsch) since 2010, helps create a caricature to reflect each graduate's personality and interests. “We also frame their dissertation cover page,” she adds, “and everyone signs it.”

By building community and maintaining a culture that leaves a lasting impact on students’ careers and lives, Johns helps keep the Rebel spirit front and center in the department.

What does being a Rebel mean to you?

To me, being a Rebel is about staying fully committed to the entire student journey and the research process. I’m hands-on from recruitment to graduation and from the first research proposal to the final award. Basically, when our students and researchers succeed, I’ve done my job.

The “Radchem Wall of Fame” became such an impactful tradition that really highlights our graduates and ties us all together. The students in our program are usually pretty close and really get to know each other while they are here pursuing their degree. So, as their defense date approaches, I find someone to help come up with ideas for a caricature that really represents their interests, personality and, of course, a little science! Since I know every person on that wall, it's like they're always with us.

Radiochemistry is a small but mighty program at UNLV. What are your pride points in supporting this program?

I think our strength lies in the collaborative framework the program is built on; we don’t rely on any single faculty member, grant, or piece of equipment to sustain us. Instead, our group manages a variety of concurrent projects within a shared laboratory complex.

This collective approach supports a wide range of radiochemistry research. By pooling our faculty's expertise across these projects, we ensure our funding supports our diverse and vibrant student body – right now at 26 Ph.D. students.  And it gives us staying power — we've been going strong for over 20 years now!

When students enter our program, they often know they want to become radiochemists but may be unsure of their specific research focus. We maintain a flexible faculty structure that encourages students to explore different niches within the field before committing to a specific advisor or project. I think this flexibility gives students a chance to really find their passion. 

Our faculty members are recognized leaders in the discipline, and I’m proud that we have been able to place our graduates in nearly every national laboratory. In fact, most of our students secure jobs in the field before they even graduate. Being part of their journey is a highlight of my work. Because the radiochemistry community is so tight-knit, we stay in contact with almost all of our alumni — and that makes being part of this field very rewarding.

What are some of your daily responsibilities?

My focus is on proposal and project management. I oversee the centralized administrative operations for radiochemistry, managing business functions, grants and contracts, proposal development, and student recruitment to name a few. The college has amazing staff in each of these areas and I support them by ensuring our program operates within established policies and procedures. The collaborative environment and the college's strong support for radiochemistry are key drivers of our continued success.

What is the biggest misconception about your job?

It is a common misconception that our program relies on state funds; in reality, our research program is self-funded, with the majority of our students — and my own role — fully supported by competitive grants and contracts. I manage compliance from the front line, working to make sure our spending, reporting, hiring, etc., all fall within award and university guidelines. I also play a major role in developing the non-technical and budget requirements for the 20 to 30 proposals we submit each year to various funding agencies. 

What is your favorite part of working in radiochemistry?

The people. I’ve been here for 16 years, and although many students have graduated from the program, the common thread year after year is the sense of community. Our faculty have a shared vision and our students are supportive of one another. This community mindset has created a cooperative atmosphere that makes working together genuinely delightful. I enjoy being part of the team!

What brought you to UNLV?

UNLV has always been a part of my life. I grew up a die-hard Rebel fan during the legendary era of Runnin’ Rebel basketball, and my first "real" job was right here on campus when I was only 16!

I hadn’t really thought intentionally about a career in higher education, but I’ve always been drawn to a university setting. Life eventually brought me back to Las Vegas, and in 2010, I joined radiochemistry as an administrator for a DOE summer school grant. I’ve been here ever since!

Who inspires you?

I find inspiration in my family, friends, and colleagues — honestly, I’d need another interview just to list them all! I’m inspired by the diverse perspectives of the people I know, and I feel lucky to have a circle that keeps me thinking and growing.

What advice would you give your younger self?

That not every idea requires immediate action. Just because I thought of it, doesn't mean it has to happen today.

What’s your favorite part about living in Las Vegas?

I love Las Vegas for the mountains that surround us on all sides. It somehow always makes me feel safe — and I like being able to tell what direction I’m going at a glance.