Homer Burton Adkins

Homer Burton Adkins

Homer Burton Adkins was born on January 16th, 1892

Nationality: American
Occupation: Chemist
Place of Birth: Muscatine, Iowa
Full Name: Homer Burton Adkins
Notable Contributions: Organic chemistry, Catalysis
Awards: Elliott Cresson Medal
Death: August 5, 1949
Legacy: Pioneering organic chemist

Developed innovative methods for synthesizing complex organic compounds, particularly steroids and terpenes, which led to significant advancements in pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Written by: Penelope Wildwood Penelope Wildwood

The Pioneering Chemist: Homer Burton Adkins

Homer Burton Adkins was a renowned American chemist who made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the study of hydrogenation of organic compounds. He was regarded as a world authority in this area, and his work had far-reaching implications for various industries.

Early Life and Education

Adkins was born on January 16, 1892, in Newport, Ohio, to Emily (née Middleswart) and Alvin Adkins. He grew up on a farm with his brother and sister. After completing high school in Newport, he attended Denison University, where he graduated in just three and a half years. He then pursued his master's degree at Ohio State University, completing it in 1916, and his Ph.D. in 1918, under the direction of William Lloyd Evans.

Career Highlights

Adkins began his career as a research chemist for the United States Department of War. He then served as an instructor in organic chemistry at Ohio State University and later worked as a research chemist with E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company in the summer of 1919. In 1919, he joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he remained for most of his career, except for two summers spent working in industry at the Bakelite Corporation in 1924 and 1926.

Wartime Contributions

During World War II, Adkins played a crucial role as an administrator and research director in the war program of the National Defense Research Committee and the Office of Scientific Research and Development from 1942 to 1945. He experimented with chemical agents and poisonous gases, making significant contributions to the war effort.

Teaching and Mentorship

Adkins was a dedicated teacher and mentor, known for his ability to connect with students of all levels. He taught a course entitled "Survey of Organic Chemistry" to graduate students and also kept in touch with students in elementary and intermediate courses, often giving lectures in the first course in organic chemistry.

Awards and Honors

Adkins received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to chemistry, including the American Chemical Society's highest honor, the Priestley Medal, in 1945.

Legacy

Homer Burton Adkins' work had a profound impact on the field of organic chemistry, and his contributions continue to influence research and industry today. Despite his untimely death on August 10, 1949, due to a series of heart attacks, his legacy lives on through the many students he inspired and the groundbreaking research he conducted.

Timeline
1892
Born in the United States
Homer Burton Adkins was born on January 16, 1892, in Kiowa, Kansas, USA. He would go on to become a renowned chemist.
1914
Earned Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin
Adkins earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1914, with a dissertation on organic chemistry.
1920
Joined the University of Wisconsin faculty
Adkins joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin in 1920, where he would teach and conduct research for over 40 years.
1946
Developed the Adkins catalyst
Adkins developed the Adkins catalyst in 1946, a catalyst used in the hydrogenation of fatty acids.
1964
Died in the United States
Adkins passed away on August 23, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin, at the age of 72.
Homer Burton Adkins

Homer Burton Adkins Quiz

Homer Burton Adkins is notable for his contributions to which field of chemistry?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What was Homer Burton Adkins scientific career like?
Homer Burton Adkins was an American chemist who made significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the area of catalysis.
Did Homer Burton Adkins develop any new chemical processes?
Yes, Homer Burton Adkins developed the Adkins catalyst, a nickel-silica catalyst used in the hydrogenation of organic compounds.
What was Homer Burton Adkins education and training?
Homer Burton Adkins earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University.
Did Homer Burton Adkins hold any academic positions?
Yes, Homer Burton Adkins taught chemistry at the University of Wisconsin and later became a professor at Northwestern University.
What is Homer Burton Adkins legacy in chemistry?
Homer Burton Adkins is remembered as a pioneering chemist who made important contributions to the field of catalysis and organic chemistry.

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