Yuan T. Lee
Early Life and Education
Yuan T. Lee was born on November 19, 1936, in Hsinchu, Taiwan, to a family of modest means. Despite the hardships of World War II, Lee's parents encouraged his education. He attended the National Taiwan University, where he earned his B.S. in 1959. He then moved to the United States to pursue his graduate studies. He received his M.S. from the National Tsing Hua University in 1961 and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1965 under the guidance of Bruce H. Mahan.
Career and Research
After completing his doctorate, Lee remained at Berkeley as a postdoctoral fellow until 1967. He then joined the faculty of the University of Chicago, where he rose to the rank of Professor in just three years. In 1974, he returned to Berkeley as a Professor of Chemistry and Principal Investigator at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Lee's research has been primarily in the field of physical chemistry, specifically chemical kinetics. He is known for developing advanced techniques for the study of molecular reactions. His most significant contribution is the development of the universal crossed molecular beams method for the study of chemical reactions. This method allows scientists to observe the dynamics of individual chemical reactions at a molecular level, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of chemical reactions.
Achievements and Awards
Lee's pioneering work in chemical kinetics has earned him numerous accolices. In 1986, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his contributions to the dynamics of chemical elementary processes. Lee shared the prize with Dudley Herschbach and John C. Polanyi, who had independently developed similar techniques.
In addition to the Nobel Prize, Lee has received many other prestigious awards, including the National Medal of Science in 1986, the Othmer Gold Medal in 2008, and the Wolf Prize in Chemistry in 1982. He is a member of several scientific societies, including the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Royal Society of London.
Personal Life
Lee is married to Bernice Wu, and they have three children. Despite his busy career, Lee is known for his humility and dedication to his family. He is also a strong advocate for science education and has worked tirelessly to promote science in Taiwan and around the world.
Legacy
Lee's work has had a profound impact on the field of chemistry. His crossed molecular beams method has become a standard technique in physical chemistry laboratories worldwide. His research has also contributed to our understanding of chemical reactions, which has implications for various fields, including atmospheric chemistry, combustion chemistry, and astrochemistry.
