Samford University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry welcomes Molly Lockart as Assistant Professor of Chemistry this fall. Lockart is a biophysical chemist who is passionate about teaching and inspiring students in the fields of health and research. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Berry College and her Ph.D. in chemistry from The University of Alabama. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in fostering student training opportunities and mentorship networks that give students the experience and confidence they need to succeed.

Lockart enjoys showing students the intersection between chemistry, health, and disease, a teaching interest which also informs her research. Her work uses an interdisciplinary approach to exploring enzyme structure and function as it relates to human health. Her lab will focus on the metalloenzymes that are gatekeepers to our immune response to viral and bacterial pathogens, DNA damage, and tumors. Her lab will offer student training opportunities in a wide variety of translatable biophysical skills and techniques.

In her free time, Lockart enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outside, and watching any and all space-related shows/movies with her husband, Matt, and the household authorities, Paws and Claws.