Analytical Chemistry at UF
UF's world-class reputation builds on long-standing tradition
This article was originally printed in the December 1999 issue of CLASnotes.
Certainly
the world-class reputation of Florida's analytical chemistry division swayed
renowned Colorado State University professor Charles Martin to accept an offer
from UF last year. But Martin admits another important factor influenced his
decision: palm trees. "After nine years in Colorado, I liked Gainesville's
palm trees," he
says.
Martin, an internationally recognized expert in nano-materials and their role in chemical analysis, joined the UF analytical chemistry faculty this fall. In addition to teaching and conducting research, he is also directing the new Center for Research at the Bio/Nano Interface, which he hopes will become a pioneering force in the field of bio-analytical chemistry. "We'll be working at the juncture between analytical chemistry and materials science, developing new analytical methods and the new materials that make those methods possible. It's a new area; we'll see where it leads."
Now that he's here, Martin is impressed. "The faculty is terrific. And another important attraction at UF is the quality of the graduate students. This year I have an enthusiastic, motivated, and diverse group of students. It's very exciting and invigorating for me."
Rick Yost, head of the analytical chemistry division, thinks Martin is an excellent fit for the highly regarded program. "We are very student centered; we have a long tradition of combining academic excellence with a collegial work atmosphere," he says. "This department has what I call a very low ego-to-reality ratio, and Chuck was looking for just that kind of environment."
According to Yost, the analytical division's growing preeminence—earlier this year it was ranked #6 in the nation by US News and World Report—can be traced back to the atmosphere created by Jim Winefordner in the 1960s. "Winefordner is probably the most prolific chemistry faculty member in the world," says Yost. "He has graduated over 140 PhDs, published over 800 articles, and won almost every award possible, yet he remains a very humble guy." Yost believes the analytical division has been able to attract and keep world-class chemists because the faculty members are also friends. "All the members of this division are superb. They get offers to go other places, but they stay here in part because of the humanity of this place, and Jim Winefordner is the father figure for that."
Many other faculty members have also contributed to the analytical division's outstanding reputation. Herb Laitinen, who served on the faculty for fourteen years, was the editor of the journal Analytical Chemistry during the field's period of rapid expansion in the 1970s and 80s. And Roger Bates, who became a professor emeritus in 1979, is considered the father of pH for defining the way pH should be measured. The senior analytical chemistry faculty also includes Will Harrison, who has maintained an active research program during his tenure as CLAS Dean.
Bob Kennedy and Weihong Tan, two of the division's younger members, have each received the National Science Foundation's prestigious Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award. Kennedy was also awarded a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), which is the highest honor bestowed by the US Government on outstanding young scientists, and Tan has been designated a Young Investigator Awardee by the Office of Naval Research. Other members of the analytical chemistry division are Anna Toth (electroanalytical) and Vaneica Young (surface characterization).
Yost points out that the entire UF chemistry department is regarded as excellent, and that the polymer and quantum theory divisions also contribute to the high ranking. "It takes a long time to gain or lose a reputation, and the entire department is on the upswing."
Martin's arrival comes at an ideal time for the chemistry department. "Graduate programs have been made a priority by the Board of Regents and UF," says Yost. "We added 27 new analytical chemistry graduate students this year, which is more than ever before. And certainly one of the reasons our numbers went up is because people knew Chuck was coming."
Martin recently traveled to Hawaii to receive the Carl Wagner Memorial Award from the Electrochemistry Society, which cited his "numerous contributions to the field of electrochemistry and profound dedication to education in chemistry."
While teaching at Colorado State, Martin played guitar in a classic rock band called Hair of the Dog. "I've played in bands all my life," he says. "I consider myself very lucky to have seen Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Fabulous Thunderbirds learning their chops while I did post-doctoral work at the University of Texas in Austin." An avid rockabilly and blues fan, he enjoys recording music in his home studio when time permits.
Although Yost is excited about Martin's arrival and the division's national recognition, he believes the best is yet to come. "I think we've belonged in the top five for years," he says. "We were number six before Chuck came, so we can only go up from here."
Credits
Writer
John Elderkin
