We have learned of the deaths of the following members of the College of Chemistry community. Listed below are their names, UC Berkeley degree(s), and information about their academic and work history if known.
Charles B. Harris, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
(3/10/20) Charles was born in New York in 1940 but spent most of his youth in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, a suburb just outside of Detroit. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 1963 and his Ph.D. degree from MIT in 1966. Charles joined the Berkeley faculty in the Department of Chemistry in 1967. In 2003, Charles became Chair of the Department of Chemistry and then served as Dean of the College of Chemistry from 2004 through 2007. He was also a faculty scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and served in various administrative roles. Charles retired in 2015 but remained an important part of the chemistry community.
Charles was a world leader in the field of condensed phase chemical dynamics, with a focus on the areas of ultrafast and electron dynamics at interfaces and chemical reaction dynamics in liquids. His prolific career is reflected in over 200 publications and a number of prestigious honors and awards, including membership in the National Academy of Sciences and induction as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Physical Society.
Mario Molina (Ph.D. '72, Chem) Nobel Laureate
(10/07/20) Mario died at the age off 77. He won the Nobel prize for chemistry in 1995, along with F Sherwood Rowland and the Dutch scientist Paul Crutzen, for their work unravelling the impact of CFCs on the ozone layer, and the stark warning they delivered to humanity. Molina and Rowland jointly published a landmark paper in the peer-review journal Nature in 1974 showing the impact of CFCs on ozone.
Despite the strength of their science, it was more than a decade before their work was acted upon, amid protestations from the chemical industry. Nasa at first reported that their data showed no signs of ozone depletion – it was later discovered they were led astray by computer software trained to ignore what seemed anomalous readings. It was only with the work of Joe Farman and colleagues at the British Antarctic Survey in another Nature paper in 1985 that clinching proof was obtained – a vast hole was opening up in the ozone layer over the South Pole.
Susan Prausnitz (née Bergmann) Friend of the College
(05/25/20) Susan Bergmann Prausnitz was born June 17, 1933, in Berlin, Germany, to Hans and Toni Bergmann, and emigrated with her family to St. Albans in Queens, NY, in 1935. She graduated from Cornell University in 1955 with a major in Zoology, and soon moved to Berkeley, CA, to marry John Prausnitz, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecural Engineering, and raise a family.
She was a devoted professor’s wife and mother of two. Susie served her community as a paralegal for the nonprofit Legal Assistance for Seniors. She was passionate about swing music, playing ukulele, and gardening. She loved entertaining and was famous for her annual New Years Eve and plum cake parties.
Susie was loved by many for her warmth, wit and charm. She is survived by husband John, children Stephanie (David Fryer) and Mark (Cindy Weinbaum), and grandchildren Hannah, Mia and Samuel.
Gus Downs Dorough Jr. (Ph.D. ' 47, Chem)
(04/13/2) Gus was born in 1922 at Los Angeles, California. Gus attended UC Berkeley and earned a B.S. in Chemistry. Shortly after, he was drafted into the army and ended up working on the Manhattan Project. In 1946 he left the military and returned to UC Berkley. Gus graduated in 1947 with his Ph.D. and went on to teach at Washington University in St. Louis. He taught for seven years then returned to work at the University of California Radiation Laboratory in Livermore (now the Lawrence Livermore Lab). Gus became the head of the chemistry department at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory.
In 1971 he accepted a presidential appointment as deputy director of research and technology at the Pentagon. After two years, he returned to Livermore and worked at Lawrence Livermore Lab until he retired in 1985. Gus created an endowed professorship in chemistry at UC Berkeley. Aside from his passion for chemistry, Gus enjoyed traveling and had a love for the arts. Gus was interviewed as part of the Calvin Lab oral project in 1995 at UC Berkeley.
Berni Alder (B.S. '47, ChemE; M.S. '48, ChemE)
(09/07/2020) Berni Alder was born in Germany in 1925, but was a Swiss citizen. In 1932, his family moved to Zurich, just before Hitler came to power. In 1941, when he was 16 years old, he fled Switzerland right before the United States entered World War II. He traveled by sealed train through occupied France and then on into Spain and Portugal. There he boarded an American ship headed to the United States.
When he was 17, he tried to join the Manhattan Project to escape the draft, but the draft board determined he was too young. Instead at age 18, he joined the U.S. Navy to repair radar for the Pacific fleet in the Philippines. At the end of the war, Berni completed his undergraduate work at UC Berkeley in chemical engineering receiving a B.S. in 1946 and M.S. in 1947. He did his graduate work at California Institute of Technology where he met computer designer Stan Frankel. They developed a computer technique, now called the Monte Carlo method, for calculating results from random samplings.
After earning his doctorate, Berni spent time teaching as a lecturer at UC Berkeley before joining Lawrence Livermore Lab in 1955 where he spent his career.
Berni invented molecular dynamics and helped develop Monte Carlo methods, which use computers to reproduce the behavior of atoms and molecules through a large number of random steps. His discovery includes changing kinetic molecular theory, showing that simulations can significantly affect a scientific field.
Lanford Henry Adami (12/31/20) B.S. ’58, Chem
Born San Francisco, CA. After graduating high school, Lanny enrolled at UC Berkeley where he completed a B.S in chemistry and was the first in his family to graduate from college. As a chemist he began working with the USGS in Menlo Park and worked in isotope geology. There he ran a lab which extracted chemicals from rocks, minerals, and different gasses for mass spectrometric analyses. Lanny was a committed worker and commuted one and a half hours every day. As a result, he received the “Commuter of the Day” award on KCBS. Apart from his career, Lanny enjoyed watching sports, traveling, gardening, and photography. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Norman Louis Allinger (07/08/2020) B.S’51 Chem.
Born Alameda, California. When Norman turned 18, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Fairbanks Alaska. He later received an honorable discharge and enrolled at UC Berkley where he graduated with a B.S in chemistry. Norman went on to receive his Ph.D. from UCLA working with Donald Cram. He did his postdoc at Harvard with Paul Bartlett. Norman was hired as a faculty member at Wayne State University. After 13 years, he joined the University of Georgia as a Research Professor. During this time Norman became the first editor of the journal of Computational Chemistry. He has been honored for his pioneering work in computational chemistry and his contributions to the development of the molecular mechanics series of force fields. Norman was the senior author of the MM2, MM3, and MM4 molecular mechanics software packages. He received many awards including the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship, the ACS Herty Medal, the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award, the ACS James Flack Norris Award, the American Chemical Society Computers in Chemistry Award in 1996, and the Schrödinger Medal of the World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists in 1996, and in 2002 he received the Benjamin Franklin Medal of the Franklin Institute. In 1991 he was elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
George Hugh Batchelder (10/7/20) B.S’55 Chem.
Born Santa Rosa, CA. As a youngster, George spent his days on boats fishing on the San Francisco Bay. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he joined the Army and served in Korea. When he finished his service, he began working for Stauffer Chemical Company in Richmond, CA as a research chemist. In 1967, George relocated with Stauffer Chemical Company to Westport CT, where he remained until his retirement. Throughout his life, George maintained his love for sailing and being on the water.
Leo Roy Barsotti (11/4/20) B.S ’50, Chem.
Born Bakersfield CA. Son of Italian immigrants, Leo was fascinated by science as a child. He dreamt of one day becoming a chemistry teacher. He started college at Santa Rosa Junior College. After two years, he transferred to UC Berkeley where he received his B.S in chemistry. From there he began his career as a chemist. Leo joined Kaiser Aluminum where he worked for 35 years. While at Kaiser, he enrolled at St.Mary’s College earning an MBA in 1978. Leo retried in 1991 and began teaching science to children at Sunol Glen School which became one of his greatest joys. Leo was an avid volunteer. He helped start a local hospice organization and served for many years on the alumni board of St. Mary’s College.
Clayton Gustaf Berling (10/05/2017) B.S’52 Chem
Born Escalan, California. Clayton grew up in San Francisco and entered San Francisco City college before he transferred to UC Berkeley where he earned a degree in chemistry. After graduating he got married and was drafted to the army. He served for two years and then moved back to Albany where Clay became a chemistry instructor at Oakland City College. In 1961 he then changed professions and became an agent at State Farm Insurance Company where he worked for the next 36 years. During these 36 years he was able to build a good career and spend his extra time developing a passion for soccer. Clay volunteered and helped out the Soccer Association North, as well as in local senior leagues. He also founded and served as commissioner of the NorCal Soccer League.
Vladimir Edmund Bondybey (07/06/2020)Ph.D.’71 Chem
Vladimir was born on January 4, 1940, in Prague, today's Czech Republic. He studied chemistry at the Universities of Prague and Rostock, Germany, from 1963 to 1968, and at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, from 1969 to 1972. He received an RNDr. degree from the University of Prague and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1971. Vladimir joined Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, as a postdoctoral researcher in 1972. From 1973 to 1986, he was a researcher at AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, NJ, and from 1985 on, he served as Professor of Chemistry at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. In 1989, Vladimir became Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich. He remained there until his retirement in 2005. Bondybey was a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS).
H. Leon Bradlow. (1924-2020) Ph.D. ’48 University of Kansas; postdoc Berkeley 1949-50)
Leon died on October 22, 2020, age 96. He did his postdoctoral work under the mentorship of Israel Chaikoff and William Dauben at UC Berkeley.
A distinguished biomedical researcher, Leon’s research career yielded over 400 publications. He is known for his hypothesis that hormone-mimicking chemicals in the environment contribute to many unexplained cases of breast cancer.
He was affiliated with Rockefeller University, Cornell University Medical School, and the Hackensack University Medical Center. Although emeritus beginning in 2008, he continued to be involved in several cancer-prevention studies and continued to publish research.
Leon came to Berkeley as a postdoc to work with Israel Chaikoff and William Dauben as a joint fellow with the two scientists. His project under Dauben’s direction was to synthesize cholesterol with a C-14 labeled side chain. At the same time, Jerome F. Eastham, another early coworker, synthesized ring-labeled cholesterol. One of their notable achievements was evidence using C-14 labeling that favored a proposed alternative to Sir Robert Robinson’s early mechanism for the biological conversion of squalene to cholesterol. Bradlow and Eastham’s mechanism had also been proposed independently by R. B. Woodward and K. Bloch and published slightly earlier. This early research involved Dauben in terpene and steroid chemistry—interests that lasted his entire career.
He retired to Florida. He is survived by his wife Hattie Gottlieb Bradlow, daughter Janet, and son Alec.
Marian M. Churchill (08/18/2020)B.A’47 Chem
Born Conneaut, Ohio. After graduating from Cleveland Heights High School in 1943, she attended Western Reserve University for two years before transferring to UC Berkeley earning her B.A. in Chemistry in 1947. Marian met the love of her life, Thomas Churchill, on a blind date on her 21st birthday in 1946. They were married in 1947 after graduating from UC Berkeley. Marian and Tom arrived in Salem, Oregon in 1947 and Marian started working at the State Department of Education as a statistical clerk. Later she was employed at a physician’s office as a receptionist and laboratory technician. That was followed by four and a half years working for the California Packing Corporation as a chemist and the head of their agricultural research lab. She was a very active volunteer working in both political and community organizations.
Donald R F. Cochran (10/31/16)B.S. Chem’48
Born San Francisco, California. After graduating high school, John served in the US Navy for a year. He then attended UC Berkeley and earned his B.S in chemistry. He continued his education in Johns Hopkins University where he earned a Ph.D. in chemistry. He moved to New Mexico and began working for the Los Alamos Laboratory, where he remained for the next 36 years, until his retirement in1990. Here Don worked in the cyclotron group and on the Mossbauer Effect. He also aided in the design and construction of the medium energy accelerator facility. Apart from his work and passion for science, Don enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed maintaining his landscape and visiting his grandchildren.
Richard P. Dodge (07/09/2020)Ph.D. Chem’58
Born Wichita, Kansas. After completing his undergrad at Wichita State University, Richard enrolled at UC Berkeley. He focused his research on x-ray crystallography and received a Ph.D. in chemistry. He went to work at Union Carbide Research Institute as a research chemist. He was later hired at the University of Pacific (UoP) in Stockton and worked as an assistant professor. He received tenure in 1978 working at UoP for the rest of his career. Apart from his career in chemistry, Richard never stopped learning. He was a computer expert and helped many professors integrate the use of computers in their classes. He enjoyed playing poker and chess, even offering a class to help students improve their chess game. He enjoyed sports especially track and field, volleyball and softball. He was an avid Civil War buff visited many Civil War National Parks.
Donald W. Graham (5/5/16) Ph.D. Chem’65
Born Los Angeles, California. Don served both in the Reserves and the US Army. He attended Reed College for his undergrad and UC Berkeley where he earned his Ph.D. in chemistry. He continued to Stanford to complete his postdoctural research. Dan went on to a career at Merck & Co., Inc as a medicinal chemist. He spent 36 years at Merck until his retirement in 2003. Don had a great passion for chemistry and his family. When he wasn’t working he was gardening, cooking, reading, or spending time with his family.
George V. Guittard (03/23/2020) B.S’49 Chem. Born Cavite, Philippines at the U.S. Naval Station Sangley Point. During WWII, when he was 18 years old, he along with his father and two brothers were imprisoned by the Japanese. He was held captive for three years then rescued in 1945. Liberated by General Douglas MacArthur and his forces in February 1945, George attended UC Berkeley where he earned a B.S. in Chemistry. He was commissioned to serve as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning home, he continued serving in the army reserves and retired in 1985 at the rank of colonel. Apart from his years of military service, George held positions at Metals Disintegrating and Shell Development in Emeryville, CA. He worked as a specialist in drug delivery and held over 34 U.S. patents regarding research on drugs such as the motion sickness patch TransdermScop. He worked for over 30 years as a Chemist Pharmaceutical Research Scientist at Alza Chemicals and Johnson & Johnson. George spent a lifetime dedicated to work and research and retiring at the age of 85. In retirement, George spent most of his time with his family perusing his lifelong passion for traveling. He enjoyed helping in his community and hosting big family events.
Ivan Haller (5/08/2020) Ph.D. ’61 Chem. Born Budapest, Hungary. Ivan left Budapest after the Hungarian Revolution and the Soviet invasion in 1956. With the help of the International Rescue Committee he immigrated to the US where he attended The University of California at Berkeley. He completed his PhD in Physical Chemistry and was awarded the Texaco Fellowship. After graduating, he spent more than 30 years working with IBM Watson Research as a research scientist and finished his career at Cornell Weill Medical School in New York. Aside from his love for chemistry, Ivan truly enjoyed spending time with his family.
Robert William Hand M.D. (5/22/2020) M.S’73 Chem. Born Scranton, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Greenville. Growing up, Robert exceeded at both academics and sports. He was inducted in his high school’s Academic and Athletic hall of fame. He continued his studies, completing his undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College. Robert attended UC Berkeley, where he earned an M.S. in chemistry, and went on to Yale Medical School. After completion, Robert did his residency in Maryland with a fellowship at Mass General in Pulmonary and Critical Care. He practiced in Medford, MA. He served as chief of medicine at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford and on Medford’s board of health. Robert also mentored several young physicians and shared his interests in medicine. Apart from his life calling in Medicine, he was a supporter and fan of the Bangor Symphony. He greatly enjoyed fly finishing, and most of all, he loved spending time with his wife and family.
Richard Glanville Henninger (1/12/2020) B.S ’43 Chem. Born Council Bluffs, Iowa. Richard moved with his family to California and stayed there to complete his undergraduate education. He attended UC Berkeley where he earned a B.S in chemistry and then went on to Stanford where he earned an MBA. After graduating he served as a Supply Officer, first of the submarine tender USS Clytie during WWII, then of the New London Group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet and lastly of the USS New Kent based in Norfolk. In 1954 Richard resigned to work as general manager for the Hazleton Laboratories in Vienna, Virginia. In 1972 he became the president of the Karloid Corporation and founded a commercial real estate company. He was a member of the boards of a number of organizations throughout his life.
Robert Lancaster Folger (09/19/20) Ph.D.’51 NuclearChem
Born Chicago Illinois. As a high school student, Robert was a finalist in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. He started at the University of Illinois but shortly after left to serve as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army. When the war ended, he returned to college and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in nuclear chemistry at UC Berkeley. He began his career at Dupont first working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee then moving to North Augusta where he remained until retiring. Along with his extensive career in chemistry, Robert also served on the Aiken County Board of Education from 1966 to 1969 and was Chairman of the Board in 1969. He was also elected as moderator of the Synod of the Southeast, Presbyterian Church in the U.S in 1974.
Walter Joseph Herzberg (4/15/2020) Ph.D. ’68, Chem.
Born Gütersloh, Germany. Walter passed away due to COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, April 15th, 2020 at the age of 92. Walter moved to Sydney Australia in 1939 fleeing from Nazi Germany. He finished his undergraduate degree before attending Berkley, where he earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry. After graduating, Walter began a career in research. He first worked in Greensboro, NC, and Fair Lawn NJ. He also used his German skills and experience in science to found SciTech Translation. In his free time, Walter enjoyed opera, tennis, and spending time with his family.
Duane Allan Heyman (07/10/2020)Ph.D. Chem’68
Born Toledo, Ohio. Duane graduated from Metamora High school and then enrolled at Case Institute of technology where he earned a B.S in chemistry. He went on to UC Berkeley to earn his Ph.D. in chemistry. After graduating, he worked at Whitman College as a chemistry professor. Duane then moved to Toledo, Ohio and worked as a research chemist at Owens-Illinois. This was followed by a career move to Monroe, Michigan where he worked for BASF Corporation until his retirement in 2003. Along with his career, Duane was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed traveling with his family and was an avid photographer.
Judith Payne Kemper (09/18/2020)B.A. Chem’58
Born Oakland, California. Judy was a University of California (Berkeley) Phi Beta Kappa who graduated with a Chemistry degree. She entered Cal at age 17, having skipped a grade and serving as class valedictorian at Sonoma High School in California. It was at Cal in her freshman year that she met Vic Kemper who later became her husband. Judy went onto a career of raising her children and volunteering in local church organizations. She went onto a career of ministry. She and her husband moved to Tucson where Judy joined the staff of Eastside Covenant Church. She became the pastor of discipleship and small group ministries. She was already a licensed Spiritual Director by that time. She then became an ordained Minister in 2018 and continued to bring support to Pastor Taylor and preach at the church. Judy also served as the chaplain for the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. in Tucson.
Yeong E. Kim (06/25/2020) Ph.D. Chem’63
Born Juju, Korea. As the son of a farmer, Yeong was among the first in his generation to attend college. He began his undergraduate studies at Seoul National University but unfortunately it was interrupted by the Korean War. During this time, he worked as an interpreter for the US Army and became friends with an American solider who later helped him continue his education at Lincoln Memorial University. After completing his undergraduate degree, Yeong continued his education at UC Berkeley earning a Ph.D. in chemistry. He moved to New Jersey and began working at Bell Telephone Laboratories and continued with postdoctoral research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Yeong then received a position as a professor of physics at Purdue University where he was a professor for 47 years. He was a group leader of the Purdue Nuclear and Many-Body Theory Group and director of the Center for Sensing Science and Technology. He published over 200 technical articles and collaborated with scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Stanford University, and many other universities across the US. Along with his impactful career in academia he was devoted to his family and enjoyed sharing his love for science.
Jean Kitchens (10/24/2020) B.S. ’47, Chem. Born in 1926, Jean Kitchens devoted herself to a lifetime of civic engagement volunteering for the Democratic party and the League of Women Voters. She grew up in Oakland and Richmond attending University High and UC Berkeley. At Berkeley she played basketball; women played half court in skirts. She graduated with a degree in Chemistry before she was 20. While raising her three kids: Richard, Mickey and Mary, she also attended Jaycees and Democratic meetings and campaigning for candidates including her husband during his run for city office. She had a long career with Shell Oil as a research chemist and thought maybe she retired too early but wanted to get back to California where her kids were after having relocated to Houston.
Robert L. Jamison (1/2/2020) B.S ’51 ChemE. Born San Diego, California. In high school Robert was an ROTC major and joined the navy after graduating. In the Navy he became an electronic technician. After the war, he attended UC Berkeley where he earned a B.S in chemical engineering. Robert began working at Shell Chemical in Torrance, CA and earned his PE to work in industrial chemistry and engineering. Robert went on to work for Weyerhaeuser in Energy Management until 1985. In reitrement, Robert enjoyed hiking in the great outdoors. He was also a talented woodworker.
Mack Arthur Johansen(link is external) (01/18/2020) B.S ’53 ChemE. Born Salt Lake City, Utah. Mack moved with his family to Oakland California at a young age and remained there through college. Mack attended UC Berkeley where he earned a B.S in chemical engineering. After graduation, he was drafted for the Korean war and was stationed in Karlsruhe Germany. After the work, Mark began working as a chemical engineer helping with the development of chip manufacturing. Throughout his career he worked for several companies including Fairchild, Raytheon, ITT, Schlumberger and AMD. Mark retired in 1996.
James S. Kane (1/21/2020) Ph.D. ’55 Chem.
Born Bitterroot Valley, Montana. James enrolled in the army right after high school graduation and was assigned to the infantry. He was awarded battle stars for campaigns in the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was also awarded a silver star and combat infantry badge. After the war ended in Europe, he continued to serve during the occupation of Japan and was discharged in 1946. James went on to earn a B.S in chemistry. He worked as a process chemist at General Electric and decided to go back to school once again. James attended U.C Berkeley and earned his Ph.D. in chemistry. He then began working at UCRL, which is now known as the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. James became the head of the chemistry and Materials department but then in 1963 moved with his family to Pleasanton. In 1974 he and his family moved again this time to Washington D.C where he directed government research and development organization dedicated to the conservation of energy. James was later appointed deputy director for energy research for the U.S department of Energy. In 1985 he left the government and began working for UC Berkeley as a special assistant to the university president. He retired in 1991.
Eddy Chung Louie (3/19/2020) B.S. ’82 ChemE; M.S., ’85, ChemE at MIT. Born San Francisco, California. Eddy grew up in Fremont and graduated from Washington High School. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Eddy went onto MIT where he earned an M.S. in chemical engineering. After graduating, he began working with biotech companies in Boston. In 1995 Eddy returned to the bay area, where he worked in the biopharmaceutical industry. Before retiring, he served as Senior Director of Manufacturing and Site Head at Pearl Therapeutics, now AstraZeneca, in Redwood City. Aside from his busy career, Eddy was passionate about baking and traveling. He enjoyed exploring new cuisines and learning about new cultures.
Barry Tadashi Masuda (03/20/2020) B.A. Chem’67
Born Denver, Colorado. Barry received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from UC Berkeley. After graduating he attended the University of Hawaii where he earned his M.S in Information Technology and Computer Science. Barry began work as a system’s programmer at the University of Hawaii and remained there for the next 28 years. Apart from his career Barry was an avid competitive cyclist and was well known throughout the cycling community.
Thomas Walker Mathewson(link is external) (1/3/2020) B.S. ’50 Chem. Born Santiago, Chile. Before entering university, Tom joined the US Navy and served during WWII. He then attended UC Berkeley where he earned a B.S in chemistry. After graduation he moved his family in conjunction with his work at Mobil Oil. The family lived in the United States, Japan, and Saudi Arabi. He retired from Mobil Oil and enjoyed spending time with his extended family across the United States.
Kenneth Elzo Meeker (06/24/2020)B.S. ChemE’52
Born Salinas, California. College was not an option for Kenneth. After graduating from high school given Kenneth’s financial hardship, he decided to join the Merchant Marines where he served for nine months. He then enlisted in the Army and served for 18 months. After his discharged, Kenneth was able to attend College on the GI Bill. He enrolled in Hartnell Junior College and then transferred to UC Berkeley where he graduated with a B.S in chemical engineering. He went on to a 30-year career as a Chemical Engineer at Chevron. Along with his career, Kenneth was a great husband and dad.
Clifford A. Mills (09/30/20) B.S’49 ChemE
Born Fellows, CA. Clifford joined the Navy as a Seaman 2nd class straight out of high school. He then enrolled at UC Berkley where he graduated with a B.S in chemical engineering. He remained in Berkeley continuing his education with a Master’s in computer since. Cliff divided his 43 year career between worked several chemical plants retiring from Borden Chemical in Geismar. He enjoyed traveling and time with his family.
Max John Kalm (06/26/20) B.S’52 Chem Ph.D.’54 Chem
Max Kalm navigated his way through a challenging arrival in America from Germany, achieving a family first Ph.D. at UC Berkeley. His career included a period of creating pharmaceuticals then moving into management after receiving his MBA. He ended his career at the top of the game, as V.P. of Quality Assurance at Schering-Plough (now Merck).
Fred B. Kirby (09/19/20) Ph.D.’83 Chem
Born Columbus, Ohio. Fred moved to Santa Monica CA with his family where he graduated from high school. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the University of Denver where he earned a B.S. in chemistry. Fred then completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley. He spent his career as a chemist for Dupont where he remained for 30 years. He invested his free time in sports, especially golf which was his favorite sport.
Jean Maxwell Kitchens (10/24/20) B.S’47 Chem
Born Oakland, Ca. Jean’s lifetime of civic engagement ended on October 24; the Democratic party and the League of Women Voters lost a consummate and gracious hostess and dedicated worker. At UC Berkeley, she played basketball; women played half court in skirts, graduating with a degree in Chemistry before she was 20. While raising her three kids: Richard, Mickey and Mary in El Cerrito she also managed to attend Jaycees and Democratic meetings and campaigning for candidates including her husband during his run for city office. She had a long career with Shell Oil as a research chemist and thought maybe she retired too early but wanted to get back to California where her kids were after relocating to Houston.
Michael O. Moran (10/16/20) M.S’69 Chem
Born Portland Oregon. Michael was proud to be in the first graduating class at Sunset High School in Beaverton where he was a member of the National Honor Society. Thus began a lifelong passion for learning. He enrolled at reed college, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. He went on to study physical chemistry and math at UC Berkeley. His academic journey was then interrupted by the Vietnam war. Michael joined the Army and served two years in Dugway. Michael returned to Berkeley where he earned his law degree. He spent most of his career as a litigation attorney with the law firm of Black Helterline LLP. However, throughout his life, he remained faithful to his passion for chemistry, being part of the American Chemical Society and exploring different intellectual interests such as quantum theory and quarks.
Russell Roy Peterson(07/10/2020)M.S. ChemE’75
Born Shawano, Wisconsin. Russell graduated valedictorian of his high school class and then enrolled at University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned a B.S in chemical engineering. He continued his education at U.C Berkeley where he earned his M.S in chemical engineering. He received the highest honor from both universities upon graduating. He began his career at Dow Chemical in Pittsburg, California. He then moved his family to Southern California where he worked for Unocal. From there, the family moved to Nikiski, Alaska where Russell worked at Agrium. After retiring Russell served on the Central Peninsula Hospital Board of Directors and as an adjunct professor at Kenai Peninsula College. Kenneth enjoyed spending time with his family and fishing. He was an avid board and bocce ball player.
James Winston Porter (9/29/20) Ph.D, ’65 Chem
Born Baytown, Texas. James received his B.S in chemical engineering from UT Austin. He then attended UC Berkeley where he earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering. After graduating he moved to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia where he served as the head of the Chemistry Department at the College of Petroleum and Minerals. He then began work as Bechtel’s Program Manager for the Jubail Master Plan. His plan laid the groundwork for the Saudi Jubail Industrial Complex. In 1979, James opened his own consulting firm named Porter & Associates in Leesburg, Virginia. In 1995, James was appointed as the Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response at the EPA by President Reagan. He served as the National Program Manager for the Superfund and RCRA programs. During this time James established a national 25 percent recycling goal for the country's municipal solid wastes. This goal was reached within the same year. The program also met permitting guidelines for over 500 waste management sites and established some 3,000 local emergency planning programs. After leaving the EPA, James returned to his private consulting practice. He published a number of opinion pieces and spoke about energy and the environment around the country.
Rudi Egon Scheidt (4/12/2020) B.S. ’44 Chem. Born Frankfurt, Germany. Rudi immigrated to the United States in 1936. He graduated from high school at age 16 and received his B.S. in chemistry two years later. After graduation he began working for Shell Chemical Company and then moved to New York City. Rudi met his wife Honey Hohenberg whose family was from Memphis. They eventually moved to Memphis where he began working for the Hohenberg Brothers Cotton Company in. Here he helped establish international cotton trade with China and Eastern Europe. During his tenure at Hohenberg Brothers, he helped pioneer international cotton trade with China and Eastern Europe, and was proud to have completed the largest single sale of US cotton to China at the time. In the 1970s, he served as a US advisor to agriculture for President Nixon and President Ford. Rudi had a love for music and the arts. He also spent his life mentoring young businessmen and women through The Society of Entrepreneurs.
James Frederick Schooley (4/18/2020) M.S’55 NuclearChem Ph.D. ’61 NuclearChem. Born Auburn, Indiana. James began his academic journey at Indiana University, where he pursued his basketball career and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and served for four years. James returned to UC Berkeley and earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in Nuclear Chemistry. He began working for the government specializing in Low-Temperature Physics. James spent 30 years in NIST research and had over 100 publications. His research helped establish the International Temperature Scale, which earned him the U.S. Department of Commerce Silver and Gold medals in 1968 and 1978. James was chosen as Editor in Chief for Journals created following the International Temperature Symposiums. James also enjoyed maintaining his small farm, where he raised his seven children, took care of livestock, and had an organic garden throughout his life.
Charles Albert Schmuttenmaer (07/26/2020) Ph.D. Chem’91
Born Oak Park, Illinois. Charles began his higher education journey at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where he obtained a B.S in chemistry. He then went on to U.C Berkeley where he earned his Ph.D. After graduating Charles went on to postdoctoral work at the University of Rochester. Charles joined Yale’s faculty in 1994, led a physical chemistry research group focused on applications of THz spectroscopy, which utilizes a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to make measurements. He held membership in numerous academic societies, and he was a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Physical Society, and the Royal Society of Chemistry. In addition to his work in the Chemistry Department, Schmuttenmaer was an active member of the Yale Faculty Senate. Schmuttenmaer traveled the world to conduct his scholarship and engage with the academic community, connecting him with colleagues hailing from as far as China and Australia. A note left online on his obituary in the New Haven Register by the International Society of Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves listed 54 signatories from around the globe.
John L. Shellabarger (02/19/2020) B.S ’58 Chem. Born Oxnard, California. John moved to Los Angeles after graduating high school in search of work. While in L.A., he was recruited by the Naval Reserves. John served in the Korean War and after being discharged hwent back to California. He attended UC Berkeley where he earned a B.S in chemistry. John worked at Applied Magnetics Corporation as a chemist. He was a member of the American Chemical Society for 61 years. He was a life long volunteer. John had a passion for the outdoors and leading Boy scout troops serving as a scoutmaster.
Clinton David Snyder (5/2020) Ph.D. ’69, Chem
Born Houston, Texas. He grew up in Baytown and Morgan's Point, spending his high school years sailing with his brother in Galveston Bay, playing piano, birding, and winning science fair medals. His academic career included an undergrad degree from Rice University, a summer doing research for NASA, and then graduate studies at UC Berkeley during the Free Speech movement. He enjoyed the hippie culture while earning his Ph.D. in chemistry with advisor Henry Rapoport. A new job at IBM in San Jose brought him and his young family to Monte Sereno. The job was a good fit with him making satisfying connections with his co-workers. His many patents advanced him to the position of Senior Engineer/Scientist. He loved his family, music, gardening, birding, trips, volunteer work, and food.
Doris Stoermer (06/28/2020) Ph.D. Chem’96
Born Chicago, Illinois. Doris completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign before going to UC Berkeley where she earned her Ph.D. in chemistry. She completed her postdoctoral work at John Hopkins University. She moved to Twin Cities, Minnesota and began work for 3M. She authored more than 30 patents along with publications in her field and was a highly valued team member. A year after working for 3M she became a mother. The family relocated to in California in 2006 where she began working as a chemistry professor in the California State University system. Doris was a hardworking woman who loved her family and had a strong passion for science.
Quentin Cash Stokes (09/05/2020) B.S. ChemE’ 50
Born Bothwell, Utah. Colonel Stokes, USAF/Retired (Quentin) After graduating from high school Edward joined the Army Air Force and fought in WWII. He flew 35 combat missions with the 305th Bomb Group out of England. When WWII ended he enrolled at UC Berkeley and earned a B.S in chemical engineering. Quintin was then called back to active duty in the Air Force and served for 30 years. During those 30 years he was stationed across the United States and received several honors. His honors include: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Apart from his service in the Air Force, he was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed spending time with his family and volunteering.
Richard Anthony Walker (09/11/2020) B.S. Chem’51
Born Grass Valley, California. After high school, Richard enrolled at UC Berkeley where he earned his B.S in chemical engineering. He joined the military and served his country in the Korean War. Richard went onto a career working at the Avon Refinery in Concord, California. Avon went through a series of mergers with Richard retiring as the Operations Manager from Tosco. When he was not working Richard enjoyed time with his family. They all shared a love for sports and enjoyed traveling together.
Steven Gregory Sethofer (12/03/20) Ph.D’11 Chem
“We are saddened by the news of the passing of our former colleague and dear friend, Dr. Steven Sethofer,” Professor Dean Toste said. We will miss his kindness, generosity and ever-present smile. Those who knew and loved Steve knew how passionate he was about chemistry and science as a whole. Inspired by his late father Nick, who was an accomplished chemist before him, he hungrily pursued his studies with boundless curiosity and fierce determination. Steve had a keen and relentless mind, and profound thirst for the acquisition of knowledge and truth. When discussing the complexities of his work, he was always a patient educator.
After graduating from Berkeley, Steve went on to postdoctoral research in cellular and molecular pharmacology. He began his research career as a chemist at Aspira and had moved to Carmot as a researcher before his untimely death.
Victor Algirdas Snieckus (12/18/20) M.S’61 Chem
Born in Kaunas, Lithuania. Victor spent most of his childhood in Germany before immigrating to Alberta Canada with his family in 1948. After high school, Victor went to the University of Alberta where he earned a B.S in chemistry. He then continued his education at UC Berkeley where he earned a M.S in chemistry. Victor then earned a Ph.D. in chemistry and had a postdoctoral position at the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa. In 1967 he joined the University of Waterloo as an assistant professor. After 12 years he became a Professor of chemistry. In 1992, Victor became the Research chair at Monsanto/NCR Industrial. After 6 years he left Monsanto to Queens University as the Badger Chair of Chemistry. Throughout his long career within the field of chemistry, Victor made fundamental contributions to organo-lithium chemistry. He was also known for the DOM reactions that he and his group pioneered. In addition to these contributions, Victor’s research and collaboration with various pharmaceutical companies led to the anti-inflammatory drug CelebrexTM and to SilthiofamTM. Victor was not only enthusiastic about new discoveries and research but making an impact on student’s lives.
Margaret Marilyn Taylor (Friend of the College) (12/17/20)
Born Berkeley, CA. Margaret graduated from University High School in Oakland in 1941. She loved school and continued her studies at the University of California, Berkeley graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1946 with a degree in history. In 1949, she met her husband to be Terrence H.M. Taylor, another Berkeley graduate. In 1953, she began her career at UC Berkeley’s College of Chemistry until her retirement in 1996. She worked as support staff in the Melvin Calvin group whose research led to the discovery of how plants photosynthesize. Dr. Calvin received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1961 for his research. In May 1995, she received the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service to the UC Berkeley. After she retired, Margaret enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Lawrence Hall of Science on the Berkeley Campus and became deeply involved in the science museum docent organization at the national level.
Earl Freemont Worden Jr. (5/22/2020) Ph.D. ’59Chem. Born Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Earl earned his B.S. and M.S. in chemistry at the University of New Hampshire. He attended UC Berkeley for his Ph.D. in physical chemistry. After graduation, he began working at the Lawrence Livermore Lab in the Physical-Chemical Section. Earl worked in finding the first energy levels in several elements, including curium, berkelium, californium, and einsteinium. In 1985 he received the Louis A. Strait award because of his research in molecular absorption spectroscopy, atomic emission spectroscopy, and laser spectroscopy. He authored numerous publications, coauthored books on spectroscopy, and was granted several patents. He also a member of the Society of the Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, and Alpha Chi Sigma. Earl avidly enjoyed hiking, skating, swimming, and surfing.
Joseph Mario Viglizzo (3/14/2020) B.S’53 ChemE M.S’55 ChemE.
Born San Francisco, California. Joseph grew up in San Francisco and attended UC Berkeley, where he studied chemical engineering. During his time in Berkeley, he was part of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and later decided to serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Throughout his life, Joseph’s hobbies included working with cars and repairing electronics.
Rebecca Lynn Zuckerman (6/4/2020) Ph. D ’00 Chem.
Rebecca born Colorado. She attended Metropolitan State College, where she earned her B.S. She raised three daughters while completing her Ph.D. at UC Berkeley. Rebecca graduated in 2000 and began working as a medicinal chemist. She was fascinated with researching brain science and published a book on the subject. She co-invented the drug Zelboraf which is used to treat melanoma skin cancer. Apart from her research in science, Rebecca was PMP certified and traveled around the country, giving project management courses. Although active in business, she always made time for her family prioritizing her daughters above all spending time with them and her grandchildren.