Rate My Professor Mark Macbeth

At Butler University, Macbeth's academic interests encompass RNA editing enzymes in pathogenic protozoa, such as the RNA lariat debranching enzyme Dbr1 from Entamoeba histolytica, bacterial esterases including Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0045c, and the growth of protein crystals under microgravity conditions. Notable publications include 'Crystal structure of the Entamoeba histolytica RNA lariat debranching enzyme (Dbr1)' published in Nucleic Acids Research in 2017, 'Transition metal cation inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0045c esterase' in Protein Science in 2021, and 'An Analysis of Protein Crystals Grown under Microgravity Conditions' in Crystals in 2024, co-authored with undergraduate students and colleagues. Macbeth mentors undergraduate researchers, supervising honors theses on topics like nucleic acid editing by adenosine deaminase enzymes and double-stranded RNA binding motifs for RNA recognition. Beyond research, he has contributed to public outreach through Butler University expert panels addressing COVID-19 vaccine questions and by developing innovative video-based virtual laboratories for general chemistry courses during the shift to remote learning in 2020. His efforts underscore a commitment to experiential learning and student engagement in biochemistry and chemistry.