David Mosser, a proud alumnus of Seton Hall Prep’s Class of 1969, has followed a fascinating and unconventional journey, transforming from an adolescent high school football player into a driven and distinguished figure in molecular biology. His life story is an inspiring example of how one can evolve from humble beginnings, shaped by misadventures, to achieve success through passion, persistence, and hard work.
Mosser grew up in Scotch-Plains and followed his older brothers to the front door of Seton Hall Prep, at the time located on Seton Hall University’s campus in South Orange. As an underclassman he caught three buses to just make it to Essex County. In his own words, his early years were filled with excitement but often lacked responsibility. A close relationship with his older brother, who set clear goals early in life and successfully matured into adulthood, contrasted sharply with Mosser’s more rebellious nature. He resisted the maturation process and, in his own way, found a measure of success in remaining resistant to simply growing up. He arrived to Seton Hall Prep without an idea of what his future would hold, and left The Prep the same way, except he graduated with a sense of discipline and a dream of success he had never previously envisioned.
While Mosser was not drawn to traditional paths of personal development, one thing that captured his interest early on was football. Originally slated to play ball at the United States Naval Academy, an external reflection of his character by The Prep’s then Dean of Men led Mosser to believe he was not fit to be a Naval Officer. His talent on the field earned him a scholarship to play college football at the only other school who recruited him, Bridgeport University, where he balanced academics and athletics for four years. Despite his success in sports, Mosser’s path did not follow a conventional route toward adulthood. After graduating college with a degree in physical education, he worked as a football coach at Davidson College and as a high school biology teacher. Seeking more, Mosser pursued a new direction.
Remembering that his favorite classes in high school and college were those that fit in the chemistry and biology disciplines of academia, Mosser desired greater career options, leading to his enrollment in a PhD program in Exercise Physiology at North Carolina State. It was during this time that he stumbled upon his true passion: molecular biology. The field was still in its nascent stages, but Mosser saw its potential to revolutionize the world. What began as a reluctant student who had never been particularly enthusiastic about academics transformed into a driven researcher, spending countless hours in the library and diving deep into the literature of molecular biology.
His obsession with learning and research only grew stronger as his career progressed. As a post-doc, Mosser continued to refine his skills and knowledge. This passion and dedication paid off—-Mosser published over 150 scientific papers and made valuable contributions to his field. However, he considers his most significant achievement to be the twenty-five graduate students he mentored over the years, helping them navigate the challenges of becoming successful scientists.
While Mosser is proud of his scientific accomplishments, it’s clear that his role as a mentor has shaped his career in profound ways. He cherished the opportunity to guide young minds, understanding that each student was unique and brought different challenges. Mosser’s approach to mentorship was one of support and teamwork, knowing that each success was shared by both him and his students.
Mosser’s own career journey may have been unconventional, but he has one key piece of advice: talent alone isn’t enough. Success requires immense dedication and effort, and it is through relentless hard work that one can truly excel in any field. Moreover, surrounding oneself with talented and motivated individuals who share a common goal can amplify the impact of one’s work.
Although Mosser doesn’t consider himself an expert in giving career advice, his life story proves that success in science—and in life—comes from the willingness to work hard, learn continuously, and inspire those around you. His journey has not been linear, but it has been one of passion, perseverance, and the joy of sharing knowledge with others. His advice to the younger generation of Pirates is to continue to learn, read, and develop lifelong passions. David Mosser demonstrates that success is not defined by traditional expectations or the path you’re supposed to take but by the dedication you show to pursuing your passions and the relationships you build along the way.