David Belnap

STEM Ambassadors

The STEM Ambassador Program began in 2016 as a training program for a small cohort of University of Utah scientists. Since then, we have grown to work with over 170 graduate students, post-docs, faculty, staff, and undergraduate students. Scroll down to learn about the scientists who have participated. Contact us if you would like to reach out to a STEM Ambassador.

Note that many Ambassador bios were uploaded when the Ambassador joined the program and may not be current.

David Belnap received his B.S. in biochemistry from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. in biology from Purdue University. Since his days at Purdue, David has used three-dimensional electron microscopy to study the structure of viruses. He has published work on papillomaviruses (human, rabbit, and bovine), polyomaviruses (human, mouse, simian, and avian), poliovirus, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, and bacteriophages (bacterial viruses).

David has also studied other macromolecular complexes—tiny “machines” that keep us alive—and helped improve 3DEM techniques. Currently, he directs the Electron Microscopy Core Laboratory at the University of Utah, where he helps clinicians and researchers use the electron microscope. David has also published in the area of science and religion. He enjoys gardening, playing sports, cycling, running, reading, and almost anything outdoors.