Regular biography
David N. Beratan is the R.J. Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Duke University, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on theoretical approaches to understand the function of complex molecular and macromolecular systems, including energy harvesting, charge transport in biology, and the mechanism of solar energy capture. He is also affiliated with the Departments of Biochemistry, Physics, and several interdisciplinary programs at Duke. His work explores charge conductivity in nucleic acids, photochemical DNA repair, and the theoretical foundations for inverse molecular design. Prof. Beratan's research spans multiple areas, including the flow of charge in bacterial appendages and the use of infrared excitation to manipulate electron transport through molecules.
Scholar-generated biography
David N. Beratan, R.J. Reynolds Professor of Chemistry at Duke University, specializes in theoretical chemistry, molecular biophysics, and the theory of redox processes. His research focuses on understanding electron transfer mechanisms in proteins, including tunneling pathways, redox reactions, and the role of protein structure in electron transport. He has developed theoretical models to predict electron tunneling in biological systems and explored the dynamics of proton-coupled electron transfer. His work also includes the analysis of noncovalent interactions and the design of conjugated organic molecules with enhanced optical properties. Beratan's research bridges quantum mechanics and biochemistry to elucidate fundamental processes in biological systems.