Randolph Thummel

THUMMEL’S RESEARCH IS ‘WHERE THE ACTION IS’

It wasn’t easy at first for Randolph Thummel to acquire funding for his research in synthetic organic chemistry. Early in his career, “federal support for novel ideas in this particular field was limited,” a colleague explained.

Now, the professor of chemistry’s research and publications are regarded as “where the action is,” the colleague wrote in a letter supporting Thummel’s nomination for the John and Rebecca Moores Professor.

That’s one reason UH has honored Thummel with the professorship.

His recent work centers on developing catalysts which use the energy of sunlight to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. Such a discovery would be a major breakthrough toward developing a hydrogen-based economy.
The John and Rebecca Moores Professor is a five-year renewable award that carries a $10,000 annual stipend and is given to faculty who are outstanding in teaching, research and service.

Douglas Britt
Staff writer