From classroom to catalyst: The Liu legacy

• 

Professor Robert S. H. Liu, with the tremendous support of Mrs. Regina S. R. Liu, had a distinguished research and teaching career at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in the Department of Chemistry from 1968 to 2009. He and his group made many significant contributions to the fields of photochemistry and bio-organic chemistry, including sensitization from upper triplets (T2), the “hula-twist” mechanism of photoisomerization of the rhodopsin chromophore, and the application of 19F NMR to study protein-substrate interactions.

In teaching, he endeared himself to his students using pop culture, a showman’s flair, and a wry sense of humor to present seemingly abstract concepts in very relatable and understandable ways, most notably in undergraduate organic chemistry.

He is one of a small number who have received the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Research (1986) and Excellence in Teaching Award (1988).

Please join us in honoring the Professor and Mrs. Liu with a gift to the Robert and Regina Liu Endowed Scholarship to support motivated undergraduate students who have successfully completed undergraduate organic chemistry and are pursuing degrees in the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.