David L. Tierney

David L. Tierney is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Miami University (2009–present), previously at the University of New Mexico (2001–2009). He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Michigan (1996) and a B.S. in Chemistry from Saginaw Valley State University (1989). He completed an NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Northwestern University (1996–2000).

Research Interests: His work focuses on physical inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry, particularly the bioinorganic chemistry of zinc and cobalt in metalloenzymes. Key areas include:

• Synthesis and spectroscopy of high-spin Fe/Co complexes
• Paramagnetic resonance of Co-substituted proteins
• X-ray absorption spectroscopy of Zn proteins
• Development of MMP inhibitors and studies of metallo-β-lactamases

His lab integrates advanced techniques like EPR, ENDOR, NMR, and XAS to probe enzyme mechanisms and metal site dynamics.

Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates with the Ohio Advanced EPR Lab and High Field Magnetic Resonance Lab at Miami University. Active in structural studies at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS).

Publications: Recent work spans Co(II) model compounds, Zn enzyme studies, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms (e.g., metallo-β-lactamases). His research highlights spectroscopic tools for understanding metalloenzyme function and inhibitor design.