Larry Robinson (scientist)

Larry Robinson (scientist) is an American environmental chemist and academic administrator known for his research in environmental remediation and the biogeochemical cycling of heavy metals and radionuclides. His career has spanned leadership roles at major national laboratories and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), focusing on applying science to address environmental justice issues. Robinson has served as the president of Florida A&M University and held senior positions at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Early life and education

Larry Robinson was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where he developed an early interest in the sciences. He pursued his undergraduate education in chemistry, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Memphis. He then continued his graduate studies, obtaining a Master of Science in chemistry from the University of Georgia. Robinson completed his doctoral training in nuclear chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, conducting research that laid the groundwork for his future investigations into environmental radioactivity.

Career and research

Robinson began his professional career as a research scientist at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he worked on projects related to nuclear waste management and environmental monitoring. He later joined the faculty of Florida A&M University (FAMU), rising to become a professor of environmental chemistry and director of the Environmental Sciences Institute. His research there focused on the fate and transport of contaminants like mercury, arsenic, and uranium in ecosystems, particularly in the Southeastern United States. In 2002, he was appointed Deputy Director for Environmental Research at the Savannah River National Laboratory, leading programs in environmental stewardship and risk assessment.

Robinson returned to Florida A&M University in 2012 as Vice President for Research, later serving as interim president before being formally appointed as the university's 12th president in 2017. Throughout his administrative tenure, he has championed the role of HBCUs in STEM fields and advocated for research addressing disparities in environmental health, often collaborating with agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institutes of Health. His scientific work is frequently cited in studies concerning phytoremediation and the impact of industrial pollution on vulnerable communities.

Awards and honors

In recognition of his scientific and leadership contributions, Robinson has received numerous accolades. He was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his distinguished contributions to environmental chemistry and science policy. He has also been honored with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Significant Event Award and the U.S. Department of Energy Outstanding Mentor Award. Furthermore, Robinson has served on prestigious boards, including the National Science Board and the Southern Regional Education Board.

Personal life

Larry Robinson is married and has children. He maintains a strong commitment to community service and mentoring young scientists, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. Outside of his professional life, he is known to be an avid reader and enjoys outdoor activities.

Selected publications

* "Phytoremediation of Mercury-Contaminated Soils: A Review" published in the Journal of Environmental Quality. * "Biogeochemical Cycling of Arsenic in Contaminated Floodplain Soils" in Environmental Science & Technology. * "Assessment of Uranium Mobility in Subsurface Environments at the Savannah River Site" in Radiochimica Acta. * "The Role of HBCUs in Advancing Environmental Justice Research" in the Journal of Negro Education.

Category:American chemists Category:Florida A&M University faculty Category:University of Tennessee alumni Category:Environmental chemists