Robert A. Alberty

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Robert A. Alberty

Robert A. Alberty (June 21, 1921 – January 18, 2014) was an American biophysical chemist known for his contributions to the field of enzyme kinetics and thermodynamics. He was a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and authored several influential textbooks in the field of physical chemistry.

Early Life and Education

Robert Arnold Alberty was born on June 21, 1921, in Shelby, Nebraska. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1943. He then went on to obtain his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1947, where he worked under the supervision of Henry Eyring.

Academic Career

After completing his Ph.D., Alberty joined the faculty at the University of Michigan as an assistant professor. In 1960, he moved to MIT, where he became a full professor in the Department of Chemistry. He served as the head of the department from 1967 to 1971.

Research Contributions

Alberty made significant contributions to the understanding of enzyme kinetics and biochemical thermodynamics. His work on the thermodynamics of biochemical reactions provided a deeper understanding of how enzymes function and how energy is transferred within cells. He developed mathematical models to describe the behavior of enzymes, which have been widely adopted in the field of biochemistry.

Publications

Alberty authored several important textbooks, including "Physical Chemistry of Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions" and "Thermodynamics of Biochemical Reactions." These works have been used extensively in academic courses and have influenced generations of chemists and biochemists.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Alberty received numerous awards and honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Personal Life

Robert A. Alberty was married and had three children. He passed away on January 18, 2014, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Legacy

Alberty's contributions to the fields of enzyme kinetics and thermodynamics have had a lasting impact on the study of biochemistry. His textbooks continue to be valuable resources for students and researchers alike.

See Also

• Enzyme kinetics
• Thermodynamics
• Biochemistry
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• National Academy of Sciences