July 24, 2009 - 11:20am
The Pittsburgh Section of the American Chemical Society awards the 2009 Pittsburgh Award to Theodore Cohen, Professor Emeritus. Dr. Cohen received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1955 at the University of Southern California. His graduate work with Professor J.A. Berson on the synthesis of ipecac alkaloids featured significant contributions on the chemistry of pyridines and pyridine-N-oxides.Ted has been a faculty member of the University of Pittsburgh since 1956. Pioneering work, on organocopper chemistry in 60's and 70's, organolithium and sulfur chemistry in the 80's and 90's, has been and still is the signature of Ted's voluminous work in the lab. His major contributions embrace mechanisms, synthetic methodology and natural product synthesis. Dr. Cohen has mentored 70 graduate students, numerous postdoctoral, undergrads and visiting scholars.The Pittsburgh Award, which is presented annually, was established in 1932 to recognize outstanding leadership and distinguished service to the field of chemistry in the local and larger professional community. It is given to professionals who have been instrumental in increasing chemical knowledge, promoting the chemical industry, benefiting humanity, or advancing the Pittsburgh Section of ACS. The Award consists of a plaque and will be presented at a special, open to the public, dinner organized by the Pittsburgh Section of ACS. Details of the Award dinner will be published in the next issue of the Crucible.