Professor Kenneth Suslick stands as a preeminent figure in modern chemical sciences, renowned for his interdisciplinary research spanning multiple subdisciplines with profound practical applications. He currently holds the distinguished position of Marvin T. Schmidt Professor, Emeritus, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has maintained an illustrious academic career since joining the institution immediately after completing his doctoral studies. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the California Institute of Technology in 1974 and subsequently obtained his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1978, establishing the foundation for his groundbreaking research trajectory. Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Suslick has held numerous prestigious appointments including serving as the George Eastman Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford during 2018-2019, where he was also a Fellow of Balliol College, further cementing his international reputation as a thought leader in chemical sciences.
Professor Suslick's research has revolutionized multiple areas within chemistry, most notably through his seminal work on the chemical effects of ultrasound and the development of colorimetric sensor arrays known as the 'optoelectronic nose' for volatile organic compound detection. His laboratory has published over 515 scientific papers, edited four influential books, and secured 73 patents that have transformed theoretical concepts into practical applications with significant societal impact. The commercialization of his research has yielded remarkable outcomes including Abraxane™, the predominant delivery system for taxol chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment, which has improved patient outcomes worldwide, and the first echo contrast agent for medical sonography that enhanced diagnostic imaging capabilities. With an impressive h-index of 136 and more than 73,000 total citations, his scholarly impact demonstrates the profound influence of his interdisciplinary approach that bridges fundamental chemical principles with real-world applications across medicine and technology.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Suslick has cultivated a legacy of scientific entrepreneurship through co-founding multiple successful companies including iSense and Specific Diagnostics, which continue to advance the commercial implementation of his optoelectronic nose technology in Silicon Valley. His leadership in the scientific community is evidenced by his election as a Fellow of numerous prestigious organizations including the National Academy of Inventors, American Chemical Society, American Physical Society, Materials Research Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Acoustical Society of America. Professor Suslick's extensive recognition includes the Centenary Prize, Sir George Stokes Medal, MRS Medal, and ACS Nobel Laureate Signature Award, underscoring his exceptional contributions to chemical sciences. As an active emeritus professor and CEO of a startup venture, he continues to mentor the next generation of scientists while driving innovation at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and medical diagnostics, ensuring his enduring influence on both academic research and practical applications that address pressing global challenges.
