Abstract

The lecture will begin with a historical review of soluble metal sulfides showing major advances but also the challenges of modeling enzymes. The [FeFe]-hydrogenases will then be discussed with reference to molecular mechanism, biosynthesis of the active site, and the unusual behavior of the azadithiolate cofactor.

Biography

Degrees and Training:

Research Fellow, Australian National University, with D. A. Buckingham, 1976-77

Ph.D. Chemistry, Washington State University, with D. M. Roundhill, 1971-76

B.S. Chemistry, University of Puget Sound, 1971 

Appointments:

Program Officer (SYN&CAT in CHE), National Science Foundation, 2018-2020

Research Professor, UIUC 2015-

Professor of Chemistry, UIUC, 1987-2015

Director, School of Chemical Sciences, 1999-2006

Visiting Assist., Assist., Assoc. Professor of Chemistry, UIUC 1978-87 

Visiting Professorships:

Technische Universität Karlsruhe, 1993, 1999

Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, 1991

University of Auckland, 1984 

Recognition:

ACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry (2018); Nyholm Medal, Royal Soc. Chem. (2014); ACS Fellow (2009, inaugural); ACS Award in Inorganic Chemistry (2002), Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry (2000); Senior Scientist, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, (1998); Fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (1997); Fellow, J. S. Guggenheim Memorial Foundation (1991); Alfred P. Sloan Fellow (1983); Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar (1982); Union Carbide Innovation Recognition Award, (1981); DuPont Young Faculty Fellow (1979).