David Mulder's research revolves around the mechanisms of redox enzymes that catalyze primary oxidation-reduction reactions for solar energy conversion and biofuel production. Of particular interest is to understand the physical properties of biological redox cofactors and the underlying mechanistic principles that govern electron-transfer reactions and the transformation of electrochemical and photochemical energy into chemical bonds. David has technical expertise in applying integrated biochemical, biophysical, and spectroscopic approaches to complex metalloenzymes with an emphasis on identifying unique structure-functions relationships and molecular determinates of electron-control. More broadly, the research seeks to uncover basic knowledge that can inform on the design of robust artificial catalysts and new technologies for solar energy conversion to chemical fuels. 

Protein chemistry, biophysical characterization, spectroscopy, and structural biology

Application of integrated spectroscopy (electron paramagnetic resonance, fourier-transform infrared, and X-ray crystallagraphy) for exploring structure-function relationships of redox metalloenzymes

High-resolution spectroscopic laboratory for multidisciplinary research into electronic, molecular, and atomic structures 

Scientist IV-Multi Discipline, NREL, 2017–present

Scientist III, Physical Biochemist, NREL, 2014–2017

Postdoctoral Researcher, NREL, 2011–2014

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Montana State University, 2010