51Ç鱨վ

By Tiffany Whitfield and Maya Reid

Internationally recognized scientist Professor Patrick Hatcher has taught chemistry classes at 51Ç鱨վ since 2005. As the Frank Batten Endowed Chair in Physical Sciences, he leads an intensive research effort in environmental chemistry. His love for chemistry developed at an early age and his quest to support emerging science students is at the core of his teaching and research.

"I was hooked on chemistry since taking a summer college-level chemistry course in high school and my parents encouraged me by giving me a chemistry set for Christmas," said Hatcher. During high school he encountered a turning point. "My desire to excel in science came when my high school guidance counselor tried to discourage me away from science. She suggested it was too difficult and I would not be successful even though I was in the top 10% of my high school graduating class," said Hatcher. This ignited his determination to prove the counselor wrong. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from North Carolina State University. He then pursued a Master of Science in Marine Chemistry from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. in Chemistry specializing in Geochemistry from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Hatcher's standing among the top one-percent of scientists worldwide based on a recent poll conducted by Stanford University and his recognition with the two highest awards in the field of geochemistry have certainly proved his guidance counselor wrong.

Hatcher believes that chemistry is the "central science and understanding how physical, biological, and chemical reactions play a huge role in life and earth processes is the essence of the field of chemistry." His research seeks to understand how plant matter is biologically transformed to organic carbon-containing matter in soils, natural waters, atmospheric aerosols, and marine sediments. "These carbon reservoirs play a central role in controlling climate change," said Hatcher. Also, he is researching the production of hydrocarbon-based biofuels from algal and plant biomass and the role of non-biological reactions in the conversion of plant matter to black carbon (soot and charcoal-like organic matter).

As a distinguished professor, he is responsible for cultivating the next generation of budding scientists. "Teaching students to become independent thinkers with the credentials to qualify for the best jobs is what I enjoy the most," said Hatcher.

51Ç鱨վ has made significant investments in research facilities in the College and Chemistry Department with the opening of the New Chemistry Building. "No doubt that the new facilities will attract high-quality students and faculty who will increase the recognition of our research success both nationally and internationally," said Hatcher. With his deep passion for chemistry and research, it was important for him to contribute to the new building. He named an element on the periodic table located on the first floor of the new academic building. "I have benefited greatly in my research achievements at 51Ç鱨վ and wanted to give back to an avenue for support of students," said Hatcher.

Not only has Hatcher left his mark inside the new building, but he continues to challenge his students in their research efforts. "Students recognize that having access to state-of-the-art facilities burnishes their research credentials and helps attract top faculty who can take advantage of the facilities," said Hatcher. "Maintaining these outstanding facilities allows the College and Department to build upon their strengths in existing areas of faculty excellence while growing excellence in other areas."