Black

Paul N Black

Dr. Paul N. Black is an accomplished biomedical biochemist with extensive experience in academic leadership, biomedical research, and STEM education. Throughout his distinguished career at the University of Nebraska, Albany Medical College, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, he has secured significant external funding to advance research and pedagogical innovations. His leadership has been instrumental in strategic academic planning, fostering life-long learning, and promoting inclusive excellence.

Expertise

  • Biomedical Research
    • Complex lipid metabolism in bacteria, yeast and animals; Mechanistic basis of fatty acid transport across biological membranes; Lipid and nitrate metabolism in normal physiology and disease; High-resolution mass spectrometry methods to define metabolic and transcriptional networks; Membrane protein structure. Published 105 peer reviewed papers; Awarded 4 patents
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education
    • Biochemistry; Complex lipid metabolism in health and disease; Development of novel pedagogical strategies in biochemistry education
  • Academic Administration
    • Leadership; Faculty and student mentoring; Career development; Program development; Outreach; Budget development and oversight

Career Highlights

  • 2020-present, Charles Bessey Professor and Chair of Biochemistry Emeritus
  • 2008-2020, Charles Bessey Professor and Chair of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska
  • 2020, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Award for Exemplary Contributions to Education
  • 2018-present, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • 2017-present, Education Fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology           
  • 1996-2008, Associate/Full Professor of Biochemistry, Albany Medical College
  • 1994, Visiting Associate Professor, Biokemisk Institut, Odense Universitet, Denmark
  • 1992-1997, Established Investigator of the American Heart Association
  • 1986-1996, Assistant/Associate Professor of Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Volunteer Work

  • San Juan Basin Regional Science Fair, 2023-present
  • Fort Lewis College, Professional Associates, 2022-present
  • City of Durango, Historic Preservation Board, 2022-present, currently Chair
  • LaPlata County Democratic Party

Hobbies and Interests

  • The great outdoors – hiking, fishing, skiing, snow shoeing
  • Painting and drawing – oil, watercolor, ink
  • Gardening – using xeriscape strategies