Summer 2001 -- Vol. 18, No. 2

FACES OF PENN STATE

Thomas Mallouk
DuPont Professor of Materials Chemistry

Through numerous collaborative efforts Tom Mallouk has addressed materials-science problems with other members of the Department of Chemistry as well as colleagues in several different colleges at Penn State.

In part because of his lowest grade on an entrance exam at Brown University, Tom Mallouk discovered his love of chemistry.

“My scores were 4s and 5s on English, Latin, math, and physics—and a 3 in chemistry,” Mallouk says. “In order to get college credits with the lower score, I had to take another course in chemistry.”

In a made-for-TV twist, that course in his weakest subject ended up changing Mallouk’s life.

Having entered college undecided about his future, he quickly focused on a degree in chemistry.

“My professor, Aaron Wold, was inspiring,” Mallouk says. “He was cantankerous and tough with a soft heart. He was one of the founding fathers of solid-state chemistry in the United States and he really helped me enjoy chemistry.”

As an undergraduate, Mallouk worked in Wold’s laboratory. Along with solid-state chemistry, the field of materials chemistry developed, providing another focus for Mallouk’s interests.

He arrived at Penn State in 1991 after beginning his distinguished career at the University of Texas.

He was attracted by Penn State’s commitment to interdisciplinary work in materials science and has established himself as one of the University’s top researchers in the field.

When he considers the many research options at Penn State, Mallouk smiles broadly and outlines the possibilities. At the same time, he maintains the perspective necessary when balancing a career and a family—he and his wife have three children.

“There is so much opportunity for interaction here that you could do nothing but collaborative research,” Mallouk says. “You are only limited by your stamina.”

Make no mistake, Mallouk has the prowess and staying power to make his mark at home and at the University. His research focuses on the application of solid-state materials to interesting problems in chemistry—including artificial photosynthesis, chiral separations, chemical sensors, molecular electronics, and supramolecular synthesis—and he has received numerous awards and honors for his efforts and expertise. In addition, his work in the lab has led to partnerships in two companies that have grown out of his research.

Along with diagrams of methods and molecules, his office walls include pictures drawn by his daughter and his regular routine sometimes sustains a break for other important appointments, such as participation in on-campus blood drives.

He raves about his personable, well-rounded colleagues at Penn State and typifies that approach himself—especially when it comes to teaching. While he has become a respected researcher, he believes he has grown as a teacher as well.

“As you do more through the years, you get better, more comfortable in front of students, and even more aware of the impact you can have,” Mallouk says.

After all, you never know when a little inspiration might touch an undecided student sitting in a chemistry class.

-- By Steve Sampsell

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