Dr. Kendall Newcomb Houk stands as a preeminent figure in theoretical and computational organic chemistry, recognized globally for his transformative contributions to understanding reaction mechanisms. He currently holds the position of Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, continuing his scholarly work following his tenure as the Saul Winstein Distinguished Research Chair in Organic Chemistry from 2009 to 2021. Born in Nashville, Tennessee on February 27, 1943, Houk earned his A.B. (1964), M.S. (1966), and Ph.D. (1968) degrees from Harvard University, where he conducted pioneering experimental tests of orbital symmetry selection rules under Nobel laureate R. B. Woodward. His distinguished career trajectory includes faculty appointments at Louisiana State University (1968-1980), the University of Pittsburgh (1980-1986), and UCLA (1986-present), with significant leadership roles including Director of the National Science Foundation Chemistry Division (1988-1990) and Chairman of the UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (1991-1994).
Professor Houk's research has fundamentally reshaped the field of computational organic chemistry through his innovative development and application of quantum mechanical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations to study organic, organometallic, and biological reactions. His group pioneered computational approaches using density functional theory and molecular modeling techniques such as AMBER to investigate reaction mechanisms, establishing foundational rules that explain chemical reactivity and selectivity across diverse reaction classes. This theoretical framework has provided critical insights into pericyclic reactions, cycloadditions, and enzymatic catalysis, enabling chemists worldwide to predict reaction outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. The widespread adoption of Houk's computational methodologies has become standard practice in both academic research and pharmaceutical development, significantly accelerating the design of complex organic molecules and catalytic processes through reliable theoretical prediction.
As a revered mentor and intellectual leader, Houk has profoundly influenced generations of computational and organic chemists through his extensive publication record and dedicated training of researchers. His exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious honors including election to the National Academy of Sciences (2010), the Arthur C. Cope Award (2009), the Robert Robinson Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry (2012), and the Roger Adams Award in Organic Chemistry (2021). Houk's legacy extends beyond his scientific achievements through his international collaborations, honorary professorships at institutions worldwide, and continued scholarly activity in his emeritus role. His ongoing research maintains its position at the forefront of computational chemistry, driving innovative approaches to enzyme design and reaction prediction that continue to shape the future direction of theoretical organic chemistry.
