Title: A Foundation of Knowledge and Experience

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David Moffet, Ph.D., brings his enthusiasm to the classroom while familiarizing biochemistry students with lab work. The assistant professor's latest project involves an enzyme known to cause antibiotic resistance.

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David Moffet, Ph.D., is interested in creative discovery within the field of protein biochemistry. “I like making new things that have never existed at any time in the known universe." The real goal of his research is to discover new proteins with useful and intriguing properties.

Moffet's research allows him to further develop and use the tools of molecular biology and biochemistry to probe natural biochemical pathways and functions. The assistant professor's latest project involves an enzyme, Lactamase, which is the number one cause of resistance against penicillin-based antibiotics. By looking at Lactamase's structure and protein elements, he hopes a drug may one day be created to block the enzyme.

Enthusiasm for his field is something this biochemist brings to the forefront of his teaching. “Enzymes catalyze life itself!” is a slogan in Moffet's protein structure and function courses for juniors and seniors. Thanks to smaller class sizes, these students benefit from hands-on experience with instrumentation that some of the larger universities are unable to provide. The goal is for students to eventually walk into any lab and feel confident having already gained familiarity with lab equipment. It's working with students to build this foundation of knowledge and experience that Moffet finds most rewarding.