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ferrofluid with nanomagnets

The Iron Man of UF

UF Professor of Chemistry Honored for Life’s Work

If you thought electronics couldn’t get any smaller or more powerful, you might be surprised to learn that physics research at UF is contributing to yet more advancements in nanotechnology. UF chemistry professor George Christou has received acclaim for his discovery of single-molecule magnets and metal-oxo clusters—microscopic, long-lasting substances with applications to medical, computing, and industrial technologies. The United Kingdom’s Royal Society of Chemistry awarded Christou the 2016 Nyholm Prize for Inorganic Chemistry for his pioneering work.

man holding molecular model sitting in front of bookshelf
George Christou in his office with a model of a single-molecule magnetRachel Wayne

Christou has also been appointed to the Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars, an honorary organization of exceptional professors and the advisory board to the Provost’s Office. The Academy offers policy guidance to encourage academic excellence through the confluence of teaching and research. Indeed, Christou was also UF’s Teacher-Scholar of the Year for 2015–2016.

Cyprus-born Christou is well versed in these complementary practices, having published over 560 articles and taught at several esteemed institutions in both the U.S. and the U.K. He is the Drago Chair of Chemistry at UF, and has won other awards from the Royal Society of Chemistry. Given his trans-Atlantic impact, knack for charismatic teaching, and his tremendous experience in the technology of metal, one might call him the Iron Man of UF.