The Journal of
Physical Chemistry
Q Copyright. 1990. by the American Chemical Sociery
VOLUME 94, NUMBER 3 FEBRUARY 8,1990
HARRY G. DRICKAMER
In this issue of The Journal of Physical Chemistry. former associates and scientific colleagues from around the world honor an outstanding scientist and great educator, Harry G. Drickamer ofthe University of Illinois, on the Occasion of his 70th birthday. Harry was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1918. He did his undergraduate work at Vanderbilt University and at the University of Michigan and received his Ph.D. from Michigan in 1946. That
0022-3654/90/2094-IOI I $02.50/0
year he joined the faculty at the University of Illinois in Urbana and has remained there ever since. His distinguished career at Illinois has led to his joint appointments as professor of chemical engineering. chemistry. and physics. He has trained over 100 Ph.D. students and about 20 postdoctorals. Harry Drickamer stands out as one of the most influential and honored scientists o f our time. He pioneered the use of high
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pressure in the study of the electronic structure and properties of condensed matter. His name is synonymous with research at high pressures, and he is largely responsible for introducing high pressure into the mainstream of modern science. He developed ingenious high-pressure apparatus and used pressure as a powerful and versatile probe for the understanding of condensed matter. In physics, chemistry, materials science, geoscience, and allied fields, his work has led both to a better understanding of properties and phenomena at normal conditions and to the discovery of new effects unique to the high-pressure environment. The latter have included, among other things, the generation of new phases with fundamentally different electrical, optical, magnetic, or chemical properties, the creation of new forms of electronic order (Le., new ground states), and a new chemistry of aromatic molecules. His results have provided critical tests of and challenged theoretical models and thereby improved our understanding of the electronic structure of materials. Harry’s work has always been at the forefront and characterized by the highest degree of originality and scientific insight. Much of the field of high-pressure research has been stimulated, motivated, and guided by his work. Many who have had the privilege of working with him have been influenced by his contagious enthusiasm for science and scientific discovery and by his strong competitive spirit. His many students have gone forth to make important technical contributions and occupy influential positions in industry, government, and educational institutions. In recognition of his profound influence on research in physics, chemistry, and materials science, Harry has become one of the Nation’s most honored scientists and educators, having received essentially every major award in his fields of work in addition to other awards. His honors and awards include the following: Member National Academy of Sciences Fellow American Academy of Art and Sciences Member National Academy of Engineering Member American Philosophical Society Center for Advanced Studies, University of Illinois Member 1941 Colburn Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers Ipatieff Prize, American Chemical Society 1956
Buckley Solid State Physics Prize, American Physical Society Alpha Chi Sigma Award, American Institute of 1967 Chemical Engineers Bendix Research Prize, American Society for En1968 gineering Education 972 William H. Walker Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers 974 Irving Langmuir Prize in Chemical Physics, American Chemical Society 917 P. W. Bridgman Prize, International Association for the Advancement of High Pressure Science and Technology 978 Michelson-Morley Award, Case Western Reserve University Chemical Pioneers Award, American Institute of 983 Chemists John Scott Award, City of Philadelphia 984 Outstanding Materials Chemistry Award, Depart985 ment of Energy Warren K. Lewis Award, American Institute of 986 Chemical Engineers Peter Debye Award in Physical Chemistry, American 987 Chemical Society Robert A. Welch Prize in Chemistry, R. A. Welch 987 Foundation 1987 Distinguished Professional Achievement Award, University of Michigan 1987 Elliott Cresson Medal, Franklin Institute And to cap this most impressive list, Harry was awarded the National Medal of Science by President George Bush at the White House in 1989. Starting this year, Harry will not take on any additional graduate students, but he plans to continue a vigorous research program with postdoctoral associates. On this very special occasion, the contributors to this issue and friends from around the world salute Harry and wish him and his wife Mae Elizabeth the very best in the years ahead. George Samara 1967
