Loyola University Chicago

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Robert Hanrahan






It is a pleasure to turn the spotlight on Bob Hanrahan, a native Chicagoan, who started his professional career as a student in Loyola’s Chemistry Department where as an undergraduate he studied under physical chemists Ward Evans and George Rotariu.  His senior research made him a coauthor, with Rotariu and Fruin, of his first paper, which was published in JACS in 1954.   He then spent a short time in industry working in the research department for the Pure Oil Company.  He then entered the University of Wisconsin where he received his Ph.D. in 1957. 

 

 

 

He received a postdoctoral position at the University of Leeds in England.  Following his post doctorial experience, he accepted an Assistant Professorship at the University of Florida where he worked his way up through the ranks and is currently an active Emeritus Professor.  He has lived a busy academic life wherein he has been a member of the teaching faculty, directed 20 Ph. D. theses, served as chairperson or member of the many committees needed to make a university work.  In addition he has served as Chairman of the Physical Chemistry Division of the University of Florida Chemistry Department 1977 - 1986. He has been active in the American Chemical Society on both the local and national levels.  Additionally, in 1976 he found time to be a Visiting Scientist at the Hahn–Meitner Institute in Germany.

 

 

 

As he describes it, his research areas have been: (1) Photoelectrochemistry of hydrogen halides and metal – halide complex ions (2) Pulse radiolysis of metal halide complex ions (3) Pulse and steady state radiolysis of tetraphenylborate ion and (4) A search for practical solar – thermal chemical reaction systems.  He has received grant support for around two million dollars. 

 

 

 

 

On the personal side Dr. Hanrahan is married.  Spouse: Mary Ellen Hogan.  Children:  Ann Marie, Sheila, Robert, Jr. and Pegeen. Dr. Hanrahan enjoys photography, travel, family history, and listening to Irish music.