Announcing the establishment of the Charles and Carolyn Knobler Endowed Term Chair

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We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Charles and Carolyn Knobler Endowed Term Chair, thanks to a generous gift from UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty member Emeritus Professor Charles “Chuck” Knobler and his wife, Dr. Carolyn Knobler, a long-time research chemist in the department. The Knobler Chair will support a faculty member in the UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, with a preference for those specializing in Physical Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry.

Charles “Chuck” Knobler, who began his distinguished career at UCLA in 1964, is a revered figure in the department. His tenure at UCLA is marked by his exceptional contributions as a mentor, educator, and leader. Notably, he remains the only faculty member to have served twice as Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, first in 1985 and then again in 1995. After his retirement in 2004, Chuck served as the Associate Dean Physical Sciences for five years, and he has continued to be actively involved in the department, offering guidance and support to both students and faculty alike.

Carolyn Knobler, who joined the department as a research chemist in 1964, has also left an indelible mark on the department. Over her over four-decade career, she collaborated with numerous esteemed faculty members, including Nobel Laureate Donald Cram, M. Frederick Hawthorne, Kenneth Trueblood, and Omar Yaghi. She conducted extensive research abroad at universities in the Netherlands, France, and New Zealand. Carolyn’s contributions to structure-solving research have significantly advanced the field, earning her recognition as a key figure in the department’s scientific community.

The Knoblers have been cherished members of the UCLA community for over five decades, leaving an extraordinary impact as both scholars and benefactors who have shaped the department into what it is today. The establishment of the Charles and Carolyn Knobler Endowed Term Chair stands as a testament to their enduring legacy and commitment to advancing science and education at UCLA. This endowed Chair will ensure that the department continues to attract and retain top-tier faculty, solidifying UCLA’s position as a leader in Physical Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry. The department extends its deepest gratitude to Chuck and Carolyn for their remarkable generosity and lifelong dedication to the UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.