John Knight, Ph.D., tenured associate professor in the UAB Department of Urology, has been named the Inaugural Holder of the John R. Burns, M.D., and Dean G. Assimos, M.D., Endowed Professorship. The appointment was approved at the Board of Trustees’ September 2025 meeting.

“I am incredibly honored to be the inaugural holder of the John R. Burns, M.D., and Dean G. Assimos, M.D., Endowed Professorship, and deeply appreciate Drs. Burns' and Assimos' commitment to our research mission and the positive impact this endowment will have on our research programs.”

Knight graduated with honors with his Bachelor of Science degree in Physiological Sciences in 1993, and received his PhD in 2000, both from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom.

Knight joined the UAB Department of Urology as an assistant professor in October 2012. He serves as a scientist in the Nephrology Research and Training Center and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science. In addition, he serves as an associate scientist in the Nutrition Obesity Research Center in the UAB School of Health Professions.

Internationally recognized for his work related to kidney stones, Knight’s research focuses on oxalate metabolism and approaches to reduce risk of calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. His interdisciplinary collaborations span urology, nephrology, and clinical translational science.

Knight’s research and publication record have earned him many awards and honors throughout his academic career. In addition, Knight is a dedicated educator and mentor, having guided numerous graduate and undergraduate students as well as early-stage investigators.