Award Recognizes Exceptional Contributions to Physics

Eric Bittner, John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Chemical Physics at the University of Houston, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS).

The APS is dedicated to advancing and diffusing the knowledge of physics through its research journals, scientific meetings, and education, outreach, advocacy, and international activities. With more than 53,000 members, the APS is made up of physicists in academia, national laboratories and industry in the United States and throughout the world.

APS Fellows are selected for their exceptional contributions to physics, with annual elections limited to no more than one half of one percent of the membership.

Bittner, a faculty member in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, was nominated by the APS Division of Chemical Physics. The certificate recognized him “for developing theoretical and computational descriptions of quantum dynamics in molecular systems, especially for their use in understanding the migration of energy and charge in molecular electronic excited states.”

David Hoffman, chair of the Department of Chemistry, commented, “Eric’s selection as a Fellow of the American Physical Society reflects the creative theoretical chemical physics Eric has done over the years.  Since beginning his career at UH as an assistant professor, Eric has proven that he is an outstanding research scientist and superb teacher.  My colleagues and I are proud to have him on our faculty.”

In addition to being elected an APS Fellow, Bittner was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the United Kingdom’s professional society dedicated to advancing excellence in the chemical sciences. Entry to Fellow status is granted to professional chemists who have made significant contributions to advancing their field.

- Rachel Fairbank, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics