Geraldine L. Richmond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geraldine Richmond
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Geri Richmond
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| Under Secretary of Energy for Science | |
| In office November 15, 2021 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Paul Dabbar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 17, 1953 Salina, Kansas, US |
| Spouse | Stephen Kevan |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Kansas State University (BS); University of California, Berkeley (PhD) |
| Known for | Chemistry and physics of complex surfaces and interfaces relevant to energy production, atmospheric chemistry, environmental remediation; Advocacy and mentorship for women in science |
| Awards | National Medal of Science Davisson-Germer Prize Garvan-Olin Medal |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physical Chemistry |
| Institutions | Bryn Mawr College University of Oregon |
| Thesis | Time evolution of the gain in the ClF/H₂ rotational chemical laser: Evidence for V->R energy transfer (1980) |
| Doctoral advisor | George C. Pimentel |
| Notable students | Post-docs:
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Geraldine Lee Richmond (born January 17, 1953) is an American chemist. She is known for her important work in physical chemistry. From 2021 to 2025, she served as the Under Secretary of Energy for Science for the US government.
In this role, she helped manage the Office of Science. She also oversaw 13 of the 17 Department of Energy national laboratories. Before this, Dr. Richmond was a professor at the University of Oregon. Her research focused on understanding how chemicals behave on surfaces. This work helps us learn about energy, air quality, and cleaning up the environment.
Dr. Richmond also started a program called COACh. This program helps more women become successful scientists. She is a member of important science groups like the National Academy of Sciences. In 2013, she received the National Medal of Science from President Obama. This award recognized her scientific discoveries and her efforts to support women in science.
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Education and Early Career
Dr. Richmond studied chemistry at Kansas State University. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1975. Later, she received her Ph.D. in physical chemistry in 1980. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley. Her advisor was George C. Pimentel.
After finishing her studies, she became a chemistry professor. From 1980 to 1985, she taught at Bryn Mawr College.
Scientific Research and Teaching
Since 1985, Dr. Richmond has been a professor at the University of Oregon. She became a full professor in 1991. She also led the Chemical Physics Institute until 1995. She held several special professor positions during her time there.
Her teaching mainly focused on basic chemistry. She also taught science courses for students who were not science majors.
Understanding Surfaces and Interfaces
Dr. Richmond's research explores how chemicals act at different surfaces. She uses special laser tools for her experiments. She also uses computer models to understand her findings.
She has studied how water molecules stick together on surfaces. This includes surfaces like metal, air, and oil. She also looked at how other substances, like soaps and salts, attach to these surfaces.
Impact on Environment and Climate
A big part of her work looked at air-water surfaces. She studied how important gases, like carbon dioxide, react there. She also researched sulfur compounds and small organic molecules. This research helps us understand climate change and air pollution better.
More recently, her work has focused on tiny liquid mixtures called nanoemulsions. She studies what makes these mixtures stable on surfaces. This research is useful for cleaning up the environment. It can also help with delivering medicines.
Supporting Women in Science
Dr. Richmond founded an organization called COACh in 1999. This group is based at the University of Oregon. COACh studies the challenges that women and minority groups face in science careers.
It also offers workshops to help women scientists build their careers. These programs aim to increase the number of successful women scientists. COACh helps women in the U.S. and many other countries. Over 25,000 women scientists have benefited from COACh programs.
Public Service and Leadership
Dr. Richmond has held many important leadership roles. She was appointed to the Oregon State Board of Higher Education twice. She served from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2006.
From 1998 to 2003, she led a committee for the Department of Energy. In 2014, she became president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This is a very large science organization.
She also served as a Science Envoy for the Lower Mekong River Countries. Secretary John Kerry appointed her to this role in 2014. She was also appointed to the National Science Board by President Obama. She served on this board from 2012 to 2016. President Trump reappointed her, and she served until 2022.
Since 2016, she has been the Secretary of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She was also the President of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, from 2019 to 2020.
Research Experience for Undergraduates
Dr. Richmond directs a program called Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). This program is at the University of Oregon. It started in 1987 and is one of the oldest REU programs in the U.S.
Over 30 years, more than 400 college students have participated. About 90% of these students went on to graduate school.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Richmond has received many awards for her scientific work and leadership.
- 1993: Fellow, American Physical Society
- 1996: Garvan–Olin Medal of the American Chemical Society
- 1997: Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Engineering Mentoring
- 2003: Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science
- 2006: Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- 2011: Member, National Academy of Sciences
- 2013: Charles Lathrop Parsons Award of the American Chemical Society
- 2013: Davisson-Germer Prize
- 2013: National Medal of Science
- 2018: Linus Pauling Award
- 2018: Priestley Medal of the American Chemical Society
- 2023: Othmer Gold Medal
See also
In Spanish: Geraldine L. Richmond para niños
