Daniel Babb studied chemistry at Mankato State University where he obtained a BS degree in 1963.  He obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Idaho in 1968 under the direction of Jean’ne Shreeve studying the synthesis of novel fluorine compounds.  He then studied nitrogen-sulfur-fluorine compounds with Herbert Roesky at the Anorganish Chemisches Institut at the University of Göttingen, Germany.  He joined the Marshall faculty in 1972.  His research interests include investigations into the chemistry of (CF₃)₂C=NLi and similar molecules.