Dr. Paul Tavernier

Professor of Biochemistry

B.S. North Park College, Ph.D. University of Minnesota

p-tavernier@bethel.edu or x6310

Research Interests

Our group's main research interest concerns structural elements of protein architecture often called domains and the effect of swapping them with similar elements from another protein or engineered elements. We use genetic engineering techniques to delete and then replace sequences within a gene, and then express the gene to study the effect on protein function. We use bioinformatics techniques to select and find domain sequences for swapping.

Teaching Interests

My main teaching responsibilities are Biochemistry I in the fall term for Chemistry and Biochemistry/Molecular Biology majors, Genomic Archaeology in the January term and Introduction to Biochemistry for nursing students in the spring. I also coordinate the laboratory safety and chemical hygiene program for chemistry and conduct several Laboratory Safety Workshops during the year.

Brief Biography

High School Graduation: Minnehaha Academy 1960
College Graduation: North Park College 1965
Graduate Education 1966-1972:
MS and PhD in Biochemistry - University of Minnesota 1969/1972
Post-Doc Lambda Genetics - University of Minnesota 1971-1972
Bethel College/University Assistant/Associate/Professor of Chemistry 1972/1974/1978