Larry Robinson (chemist) facts for kids

Larry Robinson is an American professor and academic leader. He is also a scientist who specializes in nuclear chemistry. He served as the president of Florida A&M University (FAMU) from 2017 until 2024.

Early Life and Education

Larry Robinson, an African American, began his college studies at LeMoyne-Owen College. He then went to Memphis State University, which is now called the University of Memphis. In 1979, he graduated with a degree in chemistry. He earned very high honors, known as summa cum laude.

He continued his education at Washington University in St. Louis. In 1984, he earned his Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree in nuclear chemistry.

Career as a Scientist

After finishing his Ph.D., Dr. Robinson joined the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in 1984. This is a famous research center. There, he worked as a research scientist. He also led a group that used a special method called neutron activation analysis.

In 1995, Dr. Robinson became a visiting professor at FAMU. Two years later, he decided to join FAMU permanently.

Leadership at FAMU and NOAA

At FAMU, Dr. Robinson became the director of the university's Environmental Sciences Institute. He studied environmental chemistry, especially in coastal areas. He also helped create new science degree programs for students.

From 2003 to 2005, he was FAMU's provost and vice president for academic affairs. This role means he was in charge of the university's teaching and learning programs. In 2007, he became the chief operating officer. He also served as interim president for a short time.

In 2010, Dr. Robinson took a new job in Washington, D.C. He worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He was an Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management. This role involved protecting natural resources and managing them wisely.

He returned to FAMU in 2011 as a professor. In 2012, he was again named provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Becoming University President

In July 2012, the FAMU Board of Trustees asked Dr. Robinson to be the university's interim president. He took over from James H. Ammons. He served as interim president again starting in September 2016. This was after the previous president, Elmira Mangum, left her position.

On November 30, 2017, Larry Robinson was officially named the 12th President of Florida A&M University. He led the university until July 2024, when he resigned from the presidency.

Research Interests

Dr. Robinson's main research interest is environmental chemistry. He studies how to find tiny amounts of elements in the environment. He uses special nuclear methods for this.

One interesting project he worked on was in 1991. While at ORNL, he helped investigate the death of 19th-century U.S. President Zachary Taylor. President Taylor died suddenly in 1850. Some historians wondered if he had been poisoned with arsenic.

Dr. Robinson and his team used a method called neutron activation analysis. They tested tiny samples of President Taylor's hair and fingernails. They found no arsenic in the samples. This showed that President Taylor did not die from arsenic poisoning.