Chemistry department head Troy Van Voorhis to relinquish his position.
Hey there! Let's talk about Troy Van Voorhis, the Haslam and Dewey Professor of Chemistry at MIT, who's stepping down as the Department Head of Chemistry after five years.
Known as an "invaluable partner" by Nergis Mavalvala, the Kathleen and Curtis Marble professor of astrophysics and dean of the MIT School of Science, Van Voorhis has proven to be a wise and pragmatic figure in the department. Throughout his tenure, he's provided guidance during challenging times, such as the Covid pandemic, and even initiated programs to improve the community's quality of life.
As department head, Van Voorhis introduced a department-wide statement of values, established the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, organized the Future Faculty Symposium, and launched the Creating Bonds in Chemistry program. These initiatives aim to promote chemistry research and education, while fostering connections with numerous Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority-serving institutions.
Van Voorhis has overseen significant faculty growth during his tenure, welcoming nine new professors. Additionally, under his leadership, there's been a considerable increase in the number of undergraduate majors, enrolled students, graduate students, and graduate student yields.
One of Van Voorhis's highlights was celebrating the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to fellow MIT professor Moungi Bawendi - the department's first win in 18 years. Besides his service to the MIT School of Science, he's also co-chaired the Working Group on Curricula and Degrees for the Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing, which aligns with his research interests.
Van Voorhis' research lies at the junction of chemistry and computation, focusing on developing new methods for accurately describing electron dynamics in molecules and materials. His work has contributed to advancements in light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and other technologies relevant to 21st-century energy concerns.
Born with a degree in chemistry and mathematics from Rice University, Van Voorhis later received his PhD in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 2001. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, he joined MIT's faculty in 2003 and was promoted to professor of chemistry in 2012.
Throughout his career, Van Voorhis has received numerous awards and honors, including being named an Alfred P. Sloan research fellow and a fellow of the David and Lucille Packard Foundation. He's also been recognized for his exceptional graduate teaching at the MIT School of Science.
- The news of Troy Van Voorhis's stepping down as the Department Head of Chemistry at MIT has spread among the faculty and students.
- As a Professor of Physics and Materials Science, Van Voorhis's research has significantly contributed to education-and-self-development in quantum computing.
- In a recent departmental achievement, Van Voorhis received an award for his contributions to undergraduate education in Chemistry.
- Troy Van Voorhis, during his tenure, has been instrumental in recruiting new faculty members in fields such as Chemistry, Physics, and Computing.
- Van Voorhis's dedication to research and education extends beyond Chemistry, with collaborations in Energy and Science departments at MIT.
- The Creating Bonds in Chemistry program, launched under Van Voorhis's leadership, aims to foster connections between the department and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- In addition to his leadership, Van Voorhis has been actively involved in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, promoting a welcoming environment for all students.
- Besides his academic achievements, Van Voorhis has shown a keen interest in news and current events, often discussing them with his students during teaching sessions.
- The MIT School of Science will miss Van Voorhis's guidance and wisdom as he steps down from his role as Department Head, but his legacy in education and research will undoubtedly continue to shape the future.
