Dr. David Beratan

Biography

David N. Beratan is the R.J. Reynolds Distinguished Professor at Duke University, affiliated with the Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics. His research focuses on developing theoretical approaches to understand the function of complex molecular systems, particularly in the areas of energy harvesting, charge transport, and the molecular underpinnings of these processes in both biological and synthetic contexts. He investigates various topics including the mechanisms of solar energy capture, charge conductivity in nucleic acids, and the activation of chemical bonds by copper-oxygen enzymes. Beratan has contributed significantly to the theoretical foundations of inverse molecular design and property-driven discovery of chemical structures, employing innovative techniques such as infrared excitation to manipulate electron transport. He has held numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Duke and is actively involved in various professional committees and conferences. Beratan's extensive publication history and influence in the field, along with his appointment as a faculty member for the Energy Frontier Research Center at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, highlight his commitment to advancing research in theoretical and applied chemistry.

Research Interests

Courses