Kevin Edward Noonan

Kevin Edward Noonan is an American chemist and professor renowned for his pioneering research in polymer synthesis and functional materials. His work has significantly advanced the fields of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and the development of conjugated polymers for applications in organic electronics and biomedical engineering. As a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, he has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to the broader scientific community through both his innovative research and academic leadership.

Early life and education

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1958, he developed an early interest in science. He pursued his undergraduate studies in chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He then moved to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for his doctoral work, where he conducted research under the guidance of prominent figures in organic chemistry and polymer science. His PhD dissertation focused on novel methodologies in organic synthesis, laying the groundwork for his future explorations in macromolecular chemistry.

Career

Following the completion of his doctorate, he began his independent academic career as a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University. He has held various leadership roles within the department and has been instrumental in developing its polymer science curriculum. His research group at Carnegie Mellon has established long-standing collaborations with institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He has also served on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals, including Macromolecules and the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Research and contributions

His research is primarily centered on the design and synthesis of new polymeric materials with tailored properties. A major contribution is his extensive work in advancing ring-opening metathesis polymerization, particularly using well-defined ruthenium catalysts developed by Robert H. Grubbs. He has applied these techniques to create complex block copolymers and polymer brushes with precise architectures. His laboratory has made significant strides in developing conjugated polymers for use in organic solar cells and thin-film transistors, collaborating with experts in electrical engineering and physics. More recently, his work has expanded into creating biocompatible polymers for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.

Awards and honors

In recognition of his scientific achievements, he has received several notable awards. He is a recipient of the American Chemical Society Award in Polymer Chemistry, one of the highest honors in the field. He has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his distinguished contributions to materials science. His research has been funded by major agencies including the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. He has also been invited to deliver named lectureships, such as the Kavli Foundation Innovative Research Lecture.

Personal life

He maintains a private life outside of his professional endeavors. He is known to be an avid supporter of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and enjoys outdoor activities in the Allegheny Mountains. He resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his family.

Category:American chemists Category:Polymer chemists Category:Carnegie Mellon University faculty Category:1958 births Category:Living people