Matthew S. Platz, the Melvin S. Newman Professor and department chair at Ohio State
University, will deliver the seventh Henry G. Kuivila Lecture at the University on
Friday, Oct. 18. The program, which is sponsored by the Department of Chemistry, is
free and open to the public.
Platz, a renowned scientist and alumnus of the University at Albany, will discuss “Photochemical Inactivation of HIV in Platelet Concentrates.” His talk will be at 3 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Performing Arts Center. A reception will follow.
Platz is recognized for his work in several important areas of physical organic chemistry. His research includes the initiation, development and application of laser flash photolysis to characterize highly reactive intermediates. His studies of reactive and unusual molecules have provided definitive structural proofs as well as applications in photoaffinity labeling and viral inactivation. His scientific excellence has earned him many important awards including, Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, Camille and Henry Dreyfus Scholar, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Ohio State University Distinguished Scholar Award and Outstanding Teaching Award.
Platz earned a B.S. degree from the University at Albany in 1973 with majors in chemistry and mathematics. He is the author of 135 research papers and 11 monographs, and he holds three patents. He has been an invited lecturer at more than 130 institutions and conferences on four continents.
The lecture honors Henry G. Kuivila of Glenmont who became an emeritus professor in 1988 after 24 years with the department. The Kuivila Lecture was established with funds from Kuivila’s friends, colleagues and former students. There will be a banquet at 6 p.m., and information and reservations may be obtained by contacting Shelton Bank of the Department of Chemistry at (518) 442-4447.
Mary Fiess