NOTED CHEMIST COMES TO UCI

By Gary Robbins

June 14, 2003

Shaul Mukamel, a theoretical chemist from the University of Rochester, is moving to the University of California, Irvine, and will hold the distinguished title of Chancellor's Professor of Chemistry.

Mukamel, 54, devises techniques for using high-speed lasers to study chemical reactions in cells, work that benefits the medical and semiconductor industries.

He also is collaborating with scientists on a laser that could take images of fast-moving electrons. Mukamel, who will transfer about $2.8 million in research grants to UCI, was given the 2003 Lippincott Award from the Optical Society of America for his work in vibrational spectroscopy.