AVS Retrospective Symposiu, on the Surface Science of Professor John T. Yates, Jr.
Abstract
This symposium brought together an international assemblage of eleven leading surface scientists to discuss current topics in surface science and catalysis, and reflect on the impact of the career of Professor John T. Yates, Jr., a pioneer of modern surface chemistry and physics who died on September 26, 2015, on our modern understanding of surface chemistry and physics. John was a brilliant mentor, impacting students, postdoctoral associates, and the scientific community. His excitement about science, the wonders of scientific discovery, and love of learning inspired and encouraged many to pursue scientific careers. John had continual funding from the Army Research Office for more than 30 years. He was unfailingly responsive to Army requests: he sent his students to work in Army laboratories; Army scientists frequented his university lab; and he participated in many Army meetings and workshops. JohnÕs passion for science and curiosity resulted in the development of invaluable surface science techniques to decipher the most complex phenomena. His basic research contributions have made significant impacts on Army programs, in particular, new sorbent material chemistry and validation. The symposium covered his research interests in the structure and spectroscopy of surface species, the dynamics of surface processes, and the development of new methods for research in surface chemistry. His broad range of accomplishments resulted in long-standing contributions to the Army, DoD, and the field of surface science. The all-invited symposium comprised of an international line-up of leading researchers in surface science, who were former students, postdocs and colleagues of Yates. The special afternoon session honoring Yates was held 10 November 2016 in Nashville TN during the AVS (American Vacuum Society) International Symposium and Exhibition. The AVS Symposium was the perfect setting for this symposium since it is the premier international assembly of surface scientists engaged in research focused on the science and technology of materials, interfaces and processing. The AVS provided an opportunity for a retrospective of Yates contributions to a broad cross-section of the international surface science community, but more importantly provided an opportunity to inspire a new generation of scientists about research on surface chemistry and physics. The symposium highlighted basic research efforts in understanding interfacial activity as well as dynamic nanostructured and self-assembled chemical systems. Fundamentals of adsorption, desorption, transport and catalytic chemical transformation were discussed. Novel (nano) materials and approaches to making measurements of dynamic surface and interfacial systems werereported. These areas are of central importance to the Army for developing a sound scientific basis for providing hazardous materials management capabilities and soldier survivability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 30, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1610382
Entities
People
- Yvonne Towse
Organizations
- American Vacuum Society
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army