Larry Robinson (chemist) facts for kids

Larry Robinson is an American professor and university leader. He served as the president of Florida A&M University (FAMU) from 2017 until 2024. He is known for his work in science and his leadership in education.

Larry Robinson's Journey in Education and Science

Larry Robinson began his impressive career in academics and research. He has held many important roles, especially at Florida A&M University.

Early Life and College Years

Larry Robinson started his college journey 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 "summa cum laude" honors, which means he finished with the highest possible grades.

Becoming a Doctor of Chemistry

He continued his studies and earned a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in nuclear chemistry. This advanced degree came from Washington University in St. Louis in 1984. A Ph.D. is the highest degree you can get in many fields.

Working at Oak Ridge National Lab

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

Leadership at Florida A&M University

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

• He became the director of FAMU's Environmental Sciences Institute.
• He helped create new science degree programs for students.
• From 2003 to 2005, he was FAMU's provost. A provost is a senior academic officer.
• In 2007, he became the chief operating officer and vice president for research.
• He also served as interim president for a short time.

Time at NOAA and Return to FAMU

In 2010, Dr. Robinson took a break from FAMU. He worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This U.S. government agency focuses on oceans and the atmosphere. He was an Assistant Secretary there.

In 2011, he came back to FAMU as a professor. In 2012, he was again named provost.

Becoming University President

Dr. Robinson served as FAMU's interim president several times. An "interim" president leads the university temporarily.

• In July 2012, he became interim president after James H. Ammons.
• In September 2016, he became interim president again.
• Finally, on November 30, 2017, Larry Robinson was officially named the 12th President of Florida A&M University. He led the university until July 2024.

Scientific Research and Discoveries

Dr. Robinson's main research interest is environmental chemistry. This field studies how chemicals affect our environment. He focused on finding tiny amounts of elements in nature using nuclear methods.

Investigating President Zachary Taylor's Death

In 1991, while at ORNL, Dr. Robinson was part of a famous investigation. It was about the death of 12th U.S. President Zachary Taylor. President Taylor died suddenly in 1850. Some people thought he might have been poisoned with arsenic.

• To find out, President Taylor's family allowed his remains to be studied.
• Scientists took tiny samples of his hair and fingernails.
• Dr. Robinson and his team used a special method called neutron activation analysis. This method can detect very small amounts of elements.
• They used a powerful neutron source at ORNL to test the samples for arsenic.

The Research Conclusion

The analysis showed that President Taylor did not die from arsenic poisoning. The amount of arsenic found in the samples was much lower than what would be expected in a poisoning case. This research helped solve a historical mystery using science.