Donald Becker has been reappointed as head of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Department of Biochemistry, effective July 1. Becker has led the department since 2020.
One of the top biochemistry programs in the Big Ten, UNL’s Department of Biochemistry is recognized for its strong integration of physical, biological, and molecular sciences in research and education, positioning students at the intersection of biomedical and plant sciences, molecular and structural biology, and biotechnology. The department prepares graduates for careers in fields including medicine, law, pharmaceutical development, agriculture and more.
“Over the past six years, Don Becker has demonstrated his commitment to both research excellence and student success,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “His leadership and the culture of collaboration he has fostered continues to elevate biochemistry at Nebraska.”
Becker joined UNL in 1995 as a postdoctoral associate. After serving as an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, he returned to UNL in 2003 as a faculty member and became part of the then newly established Redox Biology Center. He later served as director of the center from 2009 to 2020.
“It has been an honor to lead the UNL Biochemistry Department and to advance the outstanding work of our faculty, postdocs, staff, and students,” said Becker. “I look forward to continuing to support the department’s momentum, fostering new discoveries, and building on the strong foundation we’ve created together.”
Becker earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bethel College in 1989 and his Ph.D. in biological chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, in 1994, where he also completed postdoctoral training. He continued his postdoctoral research at UNL from 1995 to 1998.
