John C. Bailar, Jr.

The interviews entail a discussion of John Bailar, Jr.'s scientific life, beginning with a description of his family background. His parents had a great influence on Bailar's early education; growing up, he often helped his father with his chemical research. This experience peaked Bailar's interest in pursuing chemistry at the University of Colorado, where he received a B.A. in 1924, followed by an M.A. in 1925. Bailar continued his education, earning a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Michigan in 1928. He then took a position teaching general chemistry at the University of Illinois. While there, he changed his emphasis to inorganic chemistry, conducting research on isomerism and molecular rearrangements, and later on coordination compounds. By the early 1930s, Bailar had become a member of the graduate faculty, supervising the research of several graduate students. Throughout his career, he was heavily involved with the ACS; in 1959, he was elected president. The interviews end with Bailar's recollections of some of his most successful students, and his reflections on graduate education.

University of Colorado

1924 - 1925 Chemistry Fellow

University of Michigan

1926 - 1928 Assistant in Chemistry

University of Illinois

1928 - 1930 Instructor in Chemistry

University of Illinois

1930 - 1935 Associate in Chemistry

University of Illinois

1935 - 1939 Assistant Professor

University of Illinois

1937 - 1951 Secretary of the Chemistry Department

University of Illinois

1939 - 1943 Associate Professor

University of Illinois

1941 - 1967 Head of Division of Inorganic Chemistry

University of Illinois

1943 - 1972 Professor

University of Illinois

1972 Professor Emeritus

Theodore L. Brown

Theodore L. Brown holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry. Since 1956, he has been a member of the faculty of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he is now Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus. He served the University in various capacities, including as Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate College during 1980–1986, as Founding Director of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology during 1987–1993, and as Interim Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs during 1993. He is currently a member of the American Chemical Society Governing Board for Publishing as well as of the Board of Directors of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.