Letters to a Young Chemist

What's it really like to be a chemist?
Leading chemists share what they do, how they do it, and whythey love it.
"Letters to a young ..." has been a much-lovedway for professionals in a field to convey their enthusiasm and therealities of what they do to the next generation. Now, Lettersto a Young Chemist does the same for the chemical sciences.Written with a humorous touch by some of today's leadingchemists, this book presents missives to "Angela," afictional undergraduate considering a career in chemistry. Thedifferent chapters offer a mix of fundamental principles,contemporary issues, and challenges for the future. Marye Anne Fox,Chancellor of the University of California San Diego, talks aboutlearning to do research and modern physical organic chemistry.Brothers Jonathan and Daniel Sessler explain the chemistry ofanesthetics that make modern surgery possible while Elizabeth Nolantalks about biological imaging. Terry Collins talks about greenchemistry, a more sustainable way of doing chemistry, while severalauthors including Carl Wamser, Harry Gray, John Magyar, and PennyBrothers discuss the crucial contributions that chemists can makein meeting global energy needs.
Letters to a Young Chemist gives students andprofessionals alike a unique window into the real world ofchemistry. Entertaining, informative, and full of honest andinspiring advice, it serves as a helpful guide throughout youreducation and career.
"The different chapters describe both the wonders ofthe molecular world and the practical benefits afforded bychemistry ... and if any girl out there thinks that chemistry is aman's world, this book should be a good antidote."--Marye Anne Fox, Chancellor of the University of California,San Diego, and winner of the 2009 US National Medal of Science
"Letters to a Young Chemist offers significantammunition for motivating young people to consider chemistry as acareer. ... This book should also be required reading for allfaculty members who teach chemistry in high schools, colleges, anduniversities." --Stephen J. Lippard, Arthur AmosNoyes Professor of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology, and winner of the 2006 US National Medal of Science