Sean M. Decatur

Sean M. Decatur is an American biochemist and academic administrator, serving as the president of the American Museum of Natural History since 2023. He is the first person of color to lead the institution in its 154-year history. Previously, he served as president of Kenyon College and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oberlin College. His scientific research focuses on the structure and dynamics of proteins using techniques like infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Early life and education

Sean M. Decatur was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and developed an early interest in science. He pursued his undergraduate education at Swarthmore College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry. He then earned his Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry from Stanford University, where his doctoral research under advisor Michael D. Fayer involved advanced spectroscopic studies of biological molecules. His graduate work laid the foundation for his subsequent career at the intersection of biophysics and biochemistry.

Academic career

Decatur began his academic career as a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Mount Holyoke College. He later joined the faculty of Oberlin College, where he served as a professor of chemistry and biochemistry before being appointed dean of its College of Arts and Sciences. In 2013, he was named the 19th president of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, becoming the first African American to lead that institution. During his tenure at Kenyon, he oversaw initiatives to enhance the college's academic profile, promote diversity and inclusion, and strengthen its financial position.

Presidency of the American Museum of Natural History

In December 2022, the American Museum of Natural History announced Decatur's appointment as its next president, succeeding Ellen V. Futter. He assumed the role in 2023, tasked with guiding the museum's scientific research, educational outreach, and public exhibitions. His leadership comes at a time when institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and the Field Museum are grappling with issues of scientific ethics, colonialism in collections, and public accessibility. Decatur has emphasized expanding the museum's role in addressing contemporary issues like climate change and biodiversity loss.

Scientific research and publications

Decatur's research program has centered on applying physical chemistry techniques to understand protein folding and misfolding, with implications for diseases like Alzheimer's disease. His work frequently utilizes Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry to probe molecular structures. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the Journal of the American Chemical Society. His investigations into amyloid formation and the stability of antifreeze proteins have been widely cited within the fields of structural biology and biophysical chemistry.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Decatur has received numerous recognitions for his scientific and leadership contributions. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Physical Society. He has been awarded research grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. In 2015, he received the American Chemical Society's Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences. His alma mater, Swarthmore College, awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his achievements in higher education and scientific inquiry.

Category:American biochemists Category:American academic administrators Category:1968 births Category:Living people Category:Swarthmore College alumni Category:Stanford University alumni Category:Presidents of Kenyon College Category:American Museum of Natural History people