Dr. Nicholas J. Turro was a world-renowned chemist and leading authority in the field of organic photochemistry who served as the Wm. P. Schweitzer Professor of Chemistry at Columbia University for nearly five decades. Born in Middletown, Connecticut on May 18, 1938, he earned his B.A. summa cum laude from Wesleyan University in 1960 before pursuing graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology where he received his Ph.D. under George S. Hammond in 1963. Following a postdoctoral year at Harvard with Paul D. Bartlett, he joined Columbia University in 1964 as an instructor, rapidly advancing to full professor by 1969 and establishing himself as a central figure in the chemistry department. His interdisciplinary reach expanded significantly throughout his career, leading to appointments as Professor of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry from 1997 and Professor of Earth and Environmental Engineering from 1998.
Professor Turro's groundbreaking research fundamentally transformed the understanding of organic photochemical processes, with his early work establishing foundational principles that became standard in the field. He authored over 900 scientific papers and two highly influential textbooks, Molecular Photochemistry published in 1965 and Modern Molecular Photochemistry published in 1978, which educated generations of photochemists worldwide. His research interests evolved from molecular to supramolecular photochemistry, pioneering applications in diverse areas including the development of photoluminescent probes for biomolecular imaging and the demonstration of spin chemistry in hydrogen molecules encapsulated within fullerenes. The profound impact of his work was recognized by his selection as one of the most highly cited chemists for two consecutive decades, reflecting the enduring relevance and significance of his scientific contributions.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Turro was celebrated as an exceptional educator who pioneered the use of modern learning technologies in chemistry education, enhancing student comprehension of complex concepts. He mentored numerous graduate students who went on to distinguished careers, including notable chemists such as Jayaraman Sivaguru and Miguel García-Garibay, while his dynamic classroom presentations inspired generations of Columbia undergraduates. His leadership extended to departmental administration, serving as Chair of the Chemistry Department from 1981 to 1983 and Co-Chair of the Chemical Engineering Department from 1997 to 2000. Professor Turro's lasting legacy continues through his extensive scientific contributions, his influential textbooks, and the countless students and colleagues he inspired throughout his remarkable career before his passing on November 24, 2012 due to pancreatic cancer.
