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David “Dave” Prescott passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 85. He is remembered as an excellent educator who was dedicated to his students, both in the classroom and in the laboratory. 

Prescott received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1961 and a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1967 from the University of Pennsylvania. From 1967 to 1968, he served as the assistant and acting chief of radioisotope research at the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He then conducted post-doctoral research at Washington University before beginning his career at 91��ý in 1970. During the 35 years he spent at the College, he was a dedicated member of the campus community. For his work, Prescott was recognized as a Benjamin Franklin Scholar, a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Teacher-Scholar, and a Charles A. Dana Fellow. 

Throughout his years at 91��ý, Prescott taught core courses in biology, including introductory biology and biochemistry, as well as advanced courses in neurochemistry and the chemistry and structure of receptors. Late in his career, he developed a popular course in environmental toxicology; enrollment in this course was limited only by the number of seats on the bus that students rode for weekend field trips to toxic waste sites, mine tailings, and other polluted areas in order to experience them firsthand and learn more about them. Environmental toxicology was so popular that Prescott continued to offer it for several years after his retirement. 

Prescott’s career as a research scientist began with biochemical analyses of acyl carrier proteins. Upon establishing his independent research lab at 91��ý, Prescott focused on the structure and function of biological membranes. His research investigated questions in neurochemistry, specifically nicotine resistance in tobacco hornworms, as well as fatty acid synthesis and signaling. Prescott received funding to support this research from the National Institutes of Health, the Dreyfus Foundation, and a Pew Foundation consortial grant, and he published several papers detailing his investigations into insect sensory neurons and acetylcholine metabolism. In the late 1990s, Prescott established a collaboration with the Division of Gynecologic Oncology Research at Crozer-Chester Medical Center to identify mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53 in DNA extracted from ovarian, cervical, and endometrial tumors. Over the course of his 35-year career, his research program provided biochemistry research experiences for a large number of undergraduate students as well as 10 master’s and seven Ph.D. students. 

Prescott had a strong record of service at the College. He served as chair of the Biology Department from 1984 to 1986. During this time, he guided the department through rounds of building renovations. Beginning in 1981, he served as the College’s radiation safety officer, a position he continued in until his retirement. In this capacity, Prescott navigated the complexities of state and federal nuclear material regulations, ensuring the safe use and disposal of radioactive materials utilized in research. In addition, Prescott served on many committees throughout his tenure at the College, including the Curriculum Committee, Undergraduate Admissions, the Committee on Independent Majors, and Faculty Housing and Benefits. He also served as the chair of the Graduate Program in Biochemistry and was a founding member of the Philadelphia section of the Society for Neuroscience. 

Prescott loved his life outside work and had many interests. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time with his wife and daughters. One of his personal passions was building renovation: He renovated old houses to create apartment-based housing and completed home renovations for friends and family. He also purchased and renovated the historic Catawissa Opera House, which was built in 1869 and served as a venue for musical and theatrical performances as well as for parties. Other hobbies included playing badminton and sailing. 

Prescott was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Barbara. He is survived by his three daughters, Leslie, Paige, and Holly, and three grandsons.