Davies Honored at Research & Technology Showcase
Posted on October 27, 2026
Christopher Davies, Ph.D., associate dean for research and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, was among the honorees at the fifth annual Research & Technology Showcase. Hosted by the Office of Research and Economic Development, the event was held Oct. 21 at the MacQueen Alumni Center and highlighted the work of four faculty members across a range of scientific disciplines.
Davies focuses his research on overcoming global antibiotic resistance by decoding its underlying molecular and structural mechanisms. Using high-resolution X-ray crystallography to analyze penicillin-binding proteins — the key targets for antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporins — his lab discovered that specific mutations prevent the protein from forming the active state required to bind drugs. Translating these findings into clinical solutions, Davies partnered with industry collaborators to design novel antimicrobial compounds that overcome this resistance mechanism and successfully clear infections, advancing these promising candidates into pre-clinical development.
Supported by over 20 years of continuous National Institutes of Health funding totaling more than $16 million, his distinguished career includes over 80 published scientific papers and service on more than 45 review panels, alongside his ongoing leadership in guiding institutional research and mentoring junior faculty members.
Learn more about this year's honorees.
