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2012 ACS Fellows from the Physical Chemistry Division*




Emily A. Carter, Princeton University

Contribution to the science/profession: Rigorous development and application of first principles quantum mechanical theories for predicting properties of molecules and complex materials that have produced deep insights and important materials design principles.

Contribution to the ACS community: Co-initiated the Energy Subdivision of the Physical Chemistry Division, serving on numerous committees and boards for awards, divisions, and journals; organized multiple ACS symposia.



Joseph S. Francisco, Purdue University

Contribution to the science/profession: Creative and significant contributions to understanding chemical processes in the atmosphere at a fundamental molecular level; a visible and visionary leader in the chemical sciences.

Contribution to the ACS community: Served as 2010 President of the American Chemical Society.



Martin Head-Gordon, University of California, Berkeley

Contribution to the science/profession: Main research achievements have significantly advanced the state of the art in electronic structure calculations, as a result of new developments in quantum chemical theory, algorithms, and analysis.

Contribution to the ACS community: Volunteered as Program Chair (2009) and Chair (2010) of the Division of Physical Chemistry, Chair of the Theory Subdivision (2003); symposium organization, and service on ACS journal editorial boards.



Alvin L. Kwiram, University of Washington

Contribution to the science/profession: Pioneering studies in electron-nuclear double resonance, optical detection of magnetic resonance, and matrix isolation studies. Creative leadership in academic and professional administration at local, national, and international levels.

Contribution to the ACS community: Actively engaged in rejuvenating the Division of Physical Chemistry starting in 1976 and within a decade, helped to transform it (and the Journal of Physical Chemistry) into one of the Society's most active and dynamic programs.



Clark R. Landis, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Contribution to the science/profession: Mechanistic investigations of catalytic reactions, new instrumentation development, localized bonding theory applied across the periodic table, and innovations in Chemical Education.

Contribution to the ACS community: Currently serving on the ACS Committee on Professional Training and the Graduate Education Advisory Board; previous service includes two terms as Chair of the local ACS section and organizer of numerous symposia and conferences.



Sarah C. Larsen, University of Iowa

Contribution to the science/profession: Recognized research program for advancing fundamental understanding of the synthesis, characterization by magnetic resonance techniques, and applications of zeolites.

Contribution to the ACS community: Serves as faculty advisor for the University of Iowa ACS Undergraduate Student chapter; organized symposia for ACS meetings, and is a Senior Editor for the Journal of Physical Chemistry.



Leah C. O'Brien, Southern Illinois University

Contribution to the science/profession: Research program that focuses on high-resolution spectroscopy of gas-phase, metal-containing diatomic radicals. Has achieved the first spectral identification and analysis of two novel molecules, AuO and PtF.

Contribution to the ACS community: Was General Chair of the 2011 Joint Great Lakes/Midwest Regional Meeting, which included 19 symposia, posters, workshops, and a full vendor exhibition.



James Skinner, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Contribution to the science/profession: Developed theoretical approaches to condensed phase spectroscopy, with applications to crystals, glasses, liquids, supercritical fluids, interfaces, clusters, and proteins.

Contribution to the ACS community: Served as Chair of the Theoretical Sub-division of the Division of Physical Chemistry, and then Chair of the Division itself.



Jeffrey I. Steinfeld, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Contribution to the science/profession: Worked in the areas of spectroscopy and chemical kinetics; now focused on incorporating the concepts and practice of sustainability into the chemical enterprise.

Contribution to the ACS community: Served as member and Chair of the Committee on Environmental Improvement, helping to make green chemistry and sustainability a priority for ACS programs.

The nomination window for 2013 ACS Fellows will be open next spring. Additional information may be found here.

*Summaries of 2012 Fellows' contributions courtesy of the ACS.