Russell Pitzer

Russell Pitzer champions interdisciplinary research on molecular electronic structure, computational chemistry, and quantum chemistry, making significant contributions to the field of physical chemistry. As an Emeritus Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio State University, Dr. Pitzer has dedicated his career to advancing our understanding of molecular properties through innovative computational methods. Dr. Pitzer's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1959. He then pursued graduate studies at Harvard University, where he earned an A.M. in 1961 and a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics in 1963, under the mentorship of the esteemed William N. Lipscomb. His early academic experiences laid a strong foundation for his future research endeavors. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Pitzer expanded his expertise as a postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He further honed his skills and knowledge during his tenure as a faculty member at Caltech, where he contributed to the academic community before joining Ohio State University in 1968. His move to Ohio State marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career in the Chemistry Department. Throughout his career, Dr. Pitzer has focused on the application of quantum chemistry and relativistic methods to explore the intricacies of molecular electronic structure. His research has provided valuable insights into how these structures influence molecular properties, enhancing our understanding of chemical reactions and interactions at the molecular level. Dr. Pitzer's work has been instrumental in advancing computational chemistry techniques, allowing for more accurate predictions and analyses of molecular behavior. His contributions have not only enriched the field of chemistry but have also paved the way for future research in related disciplines. As an Emeritus Professor, Dr. Pitzer continues to inspire the next generation of chemists and researchers. His legacy is reflected in the numerous students and colleagues he has mentored, many of whom have gone on to make their own significant contributions to the scientific community.