Louis Kuo
Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair
One has to understand physical phenomena at the molecular level to get the complete picture of how things work. This is what makes teaching and research in chemistry a delightful life-long learning process.
Academic Credentials
Post-doc California Institute to Technology, PhD Northwestern University, BS Harvey Mudd College
Teaching
I teach a variety of courses that span several subdisciplines of chemistry that include General Chemistry II (Chem 120), and Organic Chemistry I (Chem 210). In addition, I also teach the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (research website) and an upper division Medicinal Organic Chemistry course.
Research
As both a bioorganic and organometallic chemist I have two areas of research interest. One delves into the role of metal ions in promoting the chemical catalysis of a class of RNA enzymes (ribozymes). The other project investigates organometallic complexes for degrading phosphate neurotoxins. More information can be found at my research website.
Professional Experience
Prior Sabbatical Appointments
1995: CU Boulder with Professor Thomas Cech
1999: U Oregon with Professor David Tyler
2005: California Institute of Technology with Professor Robert Grubbs