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James Tour

Professor at Rice University

James Tour is a prominent chemist and nanotechnologist at Rice University. Here are the key details about his background and accomplishments:

Academic Positions

James Tour is currently:

  • T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry
  • Professor of Computer Science
  • Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering

He has been at Rice University since 1999.12

Research Focus

Tour's research areas include:

  • Nanoelectronics
  • Graphene electronics
  • Silicon oxide electronics
  • Carbon nanovectors for medical applications
  • Organic synthesis
  • Chemical biology
  • Nanomaterials synthesis13

He is particularly known for his work on carbon materials and nanotechnology. Some of his notable achievements include developing the "nanocar" - single-molecule vehicles with rotating wheels.2

Accomplishments

  • Over 650 research publications and 200+ patents
  • H-index of 129 with over 77,000 citations
  • Named "Scientist of the Year" by R&D Magazine in 2013
  • Ranked among top 10 chemists worldwide in the 2000s by Thomson Reuters
  • Elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2024123

Education

  • B.S. in Chemistry from Syracuse University
  • Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic and Organometallic Chemistry from Purdue University
  • Postdoctoral work at University of Wisconsin and Stanford University12

Other Activities

Tour has been involved in science education initiatives like developing the NanoKids concept for K-12 nanoscience education. He has also started several companies based on his research.13

James Tour is widely regarded as one of the leading chemists and nanotechnology researchers in the world, with a highly distinguished career spanning decades at Rice University.

Highlights

Feb 6 · news.rice.edu
Rice's James Tour named to National Academy of Engineering
Rice's James Tour named to National Academy of Engineering
Feb 14 · ricethresher.org
Focus on the science - The Rice Thresher

Related Questions

What are some of James Tour's most notable achievements in nanotechnology?
How did James Tour develop the NanoKids concept for K-12 education?
What is the SciRave program that James Tour created?
What are the main areas of research James Tour focuses on at Rice University?
How has James Tour's work impacted medical applications?
James Tour
James Tour, photo 1
James Tour, photo 2
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Location

Houston, Texas, United States