Renowned chemist to speak at Waynesburg
Harry Gray, founding director of the Beckman Institute at California Institute of Technology who has published more than 850 research papers and 18 books related to chemical bonding, elements and the field of organic chemistry, will speak at Waynesburg University later this month.
Gray will be the guest speaker Tuesday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall as part of the Crosby Lecture Series.
Gray’s lecture, “The 21st Century Solar Army,” will address the current trend of designing solar-driven molecular machines that could be used on a global scale to store solar energy. Since storing solar energy for use at night is a challenge in the industry, Gray will discuss what he and his fellow researchers have been doing to address the problem.
“Dr. Gray is a renowned and well-respected chemist,” said Evonne Baldauff, an associate chemistry professor and chair of the university’s Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science. “Having him visit campus and interact with our students is a fantastic opportunity. He is an engaging speaker, and I anticipate that those attending the Crosby Lecture will gain an understanding of the ways scientists are working to advance solar energy capture and conversion.”
Gray has made inspirational contributions to the understanding of chemical bonding of metal complexes, mechanisms of inorganic reactions, spectroscopy and magneto-chemistry of inorganic compounds. He received the Wolf Prize in Chemistry in 2004 for “pioneering work in bioinorganic chemistry, unraveling novel principles of structure and long-range electron transfer in proteins.” Gray is also the recipient of the National Medal of Science from President Ronald Regan in 1986.
The Glenn A. and Jane L. Crosby Lectures, funded by 1950 Magna Cum Laude graduates of Waynesburg University, bring to the University visiting scholars who are distinguished in their disciplines. During the visit, the scholars often interact with faculty, staff and students, giving guest lectures in classes, formal presentations and informal group talks. The event culminates in a final public lecture.
Admission is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.