University of Illinois at Chicago Office of Public Affairs (MC 288)
601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607-7113, (312) 996-3456, www.uic.edu/depts/paff

March 13, 2000

Contact: Anne Dybek, (312) 996-8279, adybek@uic.edu

UIC WELCOMES NEW CHEMISTRY SCHOLAR

Martin Newcomb, nationally known chemistry scholar and researcher, will join the University of Illinois at Chicago faculty in fall 2001 as a Liberal Arts and Sciences distinguished professor of chemistry. His appointment is subject to the approval of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

Newcomb, who was identified by the chemistry department as a first-rate scientist who would be an excellent addition to the faculty, was aggressively recruited by Stanley Fish, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Fish has built a reputation for bringing academics, scholars and researchers to UIC who are considered leaders in their respective fields.

"Through this hire, the university is making a powerful statement that liberal arts and sciences is an important component of this campus' national profile," said Fish. "Newcomb brings strength to more than just chemistry; he brings strength to UIC's science departments overall. His research in physical organic chemistry is nationally recognized as cutting edge."

Donald Wink, professor and acting head of the chemistry department, agreed.

"His research examines the way that chemical reactions occur at the molecular level, using the tools of physical and organic chemistry, including ultrafast laser methods," said Wink. "This research has resulted in over 170 peer-reviewed publications during his 25-year career."

Wink added that Newcomb's schedule will include teaching a sophomore organic chemistry class. "Undergraduate teaching is something essential to his work, and he requested that he be able to do this as soon as possible," he said.

Newcomb, a Hammond, Ind. native, said he looks forward to moving his research operation to UIC.

"The biomedical infrastructure at UIC will benefit us," Newcomb said. "Over the last several years, our work has increasingly turned to physical studies of biological processes, such as actions of enzymes and biochemical reactions of disease, and we often collaborate with pharmacology and biological science groups. I hope the benefits prove to be mutual."

The recipient of several prestigious awards and honors, including Wayne State University's College of Science's Outstanding Teaching Award, Newcomb has been a professor of chemistry at that institution since 1991. Prior to Wayne State, he taught chemistry at Texas A&M University for 16 years.

Newcomb is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has published in numerous professional journals and has been invited to speak at many symposia.

Newcomb received his bachelor's degree from Wabash College and his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He performed postdoctoral work at UCLA with Nobel Laureate Donald J. Cram.

- UIC -