Dr. Lawrence Que is a distinguished bioinorganic chemist who served as Regents Professor at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for over four decades before retiring in May 2024. He earned his B.S. in chemistry from Ateneo de Manila University in 1969 and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in 1973 under Professor Louis H. Pignolet. Following postdoctoral studies with Professor Richard H. Holm at MIT and Professor Eckard Münck at the University of Minnesota, he began his independent research career at Cornell University in 1977 before returning to the University of Minnesota in 1983. His remarkable tenure at the institution culminated in his recognition as a Regents Professor, the highest honor bestowed upon faculty members, reflecting his exceptional scholarly contributions and leadership in the field of chemistry.
Dr. Que pioneered groundbreaking research in bioinorganic chemistry, particularly in understanding how non-heme iron centers activate oxygen to perform diverse metabolically important reactions in biological systems. His work has fundamentally advanced knowledge of metalloenzyme mechanisms, with over 450 research publications and seven patents to his name that have shaped the field's theoretical and practical understanding. His research group established the University of Minnesota as a world-renowned center of excellence in bioinorganic chemistry, attracting scholars globally and fostering collaborative research across disciplines. Dr. Que's insights into dioxygen activation mechanisms have provided critical foundations for developing biomimetic catalysts with potential applications in medicine and environmental science.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Que demonstrated exceptional leadership through organizing major international conferences including the International Conference on Oxygen Intermediates in Nonheme Metallobiochemistry and the Ninth International Conference on Biological Inorganic Chemistry. He mentored nearly fifty doctoral students, with fifty former group members securing tenure-track or tenured positions at academic institutions and twenty-two holding research scientist positions in industry. Dr. Que served as principal investigator for a NIH Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Grant and led the establishment of the University of Minnesota Center for Metals in Biocatalysis. His enduring legacy continues to influence the next generation of scientists through his seminal contributions to bioinorganic chemistry and his exemplary commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.
