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Ortiz Named Department Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ortiz is inspired by the opportunities at Auburn University. “Chemistry and biochemistry are the fields where physical law and mathematical necessity confront the complexities of humanity’s biological nature and technological ambitions,” said Ortiz. “Opportunities abound for chemists and biochemists to understand and master the material world for the benefit of mankind. I draw inspiration from the dedication and intellect of my new colleagues and hope to facilitate our efforts to make Auburn a leader in the adventure of chemical science.” Ortiz, a native of Plainview, New York, comes to Auburn following nine years in the Chemistry Department at Kansas State University, the last two he served as a University Distinguished Professor. Ortiz holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Florida (UF) where he graduated with high honors in 1976. He began graduate work at UF in the Quantum Theory Project and completed his dissertation in 1981, earning a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a certificate in Chemical Physics. Ortiz spent two years as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University and Cornell University and followed with a thirteen-year stint at the University of New Mexico. Ortiz will lead COSAM’s Chemistry and Biochemistry department, which consists of 24 research-active faculty, 10 post-doctoral researchers and 61 graduate students. In addition to outstanding graduate and undergraduate instruction in the traditional areas of biochemistry and analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, the department is engaged in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research areas, including enzymology, energetic materials, molecular biology, nanomaterials, bioorganic synthesis, molecular recognition and detection, computational chemistry, nonlinear optical materials and environmental chemistry. “In the next few years, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will recruit visionary scientists who stand at the frontiers of knowledge and who will bring enhanced infrastructure and expertise to our teaching and research,” says Ortiz. “Talented, articulate graduate students will add energy and accessibility to all of our programs. The most important beneficiaries of these improvements will be our undergraduates, for they will acquire the knowledge and skills that are necessary to contribute to the development and application of new technologies and to an increased awareness of the promise of the chemical sciences in homes, schools, workplaces and institutions of government.” Dean Stewart Schneller said of the new department chair, “We are delighted Dr. Ortiz has chosen to continue his internationally acclaimed professional career at Auburn University. In his plan to move the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry forward, Dr. Ortiz thoughtfully articulates a vision of the department as the center for the molecular sciences, which are providing the basis for innovation and discovery at Auburn University.” |
The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) has named Dr. Vincent Ortiz as the new Chemistry and Biochemistry department chair. In addition to leadership duties in the department, Ortiz will serve as the first ever Ruth W. Molette Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry.