Chemistry Professor Wins Prize

James G. Anderson, professor of atmospheric chemistry, received the first E.O. Lawrence Award in environmental science and technology yesterday in Washington, D.C.

Anderson won the award for his work in detecting the molecules responsible for depleting ozone in the upper atmosphere. Ozone, a derivative of oxygen, absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun which can cause skin cancer.

The E.O. Lawrence Award consists of a gold medal, a citation and $10,000. Six other scientists, mostly physicists, won the award for 1993.

The award is given in seven categories, including material science and nuclear technology, to researchers who have made "outstanding contributions in the field of atomic energy."

Anderson identified chlorine monoxide (CIO) as the molecule primarily responsible for the ozone "hole" that resides over Antarctica every summer, said Ron Cohen, a postdoctoral fellow in Anderson's research group.

"His measurements established the smoking gun,"said William Klemperer, professors of chemistry.

Chlorine monoxide is derived from a generalclass of compounds called chlorofluorocarbons, orCFCs, which are commonly found in air conditionersand refrigerators.

Klemperer, who called himself a "dilettante" inatmospheric chemistry, said scientists used tomeasure levels of molecules in the stratospherefrom the ground using columns of light-absorbingmaterial.

"[Anderson's] measurements differ from those ofothers in that he does direct measurements in theatmosphere," said Klemperer.

Anderson has since measured the levels ofatomic oxygen, atomic chlorine, hydroxyl radicalsand bromine monoxide in the stratosphere.

Anderson, who Klemperer called a "bright funguy" and an "outstanding physical chemist," is nowworking on miniaturizing the detection system foruse in remote-controlled aircraft

"His measurements established the smoking gun,"said William Klemperer, professors of chemistry.

Chlorine monoxide is derived from a generalclass of compounds called chlorofluorocarbons, orCFCs, which are commonly found in air conditionersand refrigerators.

Klemperer, who called himself a "dilettante" inatmospheric chemistry, said scientists used tomeasure levels of molecules in the stratospherefrom the ground using columns of light-absorbingmaterial.

"[Anderson's] measurements differ from those ofothers in that he does direct measurements in theatmosphere," said Klemperer.

Anderson has since measured the levels ofatomic oxygen, atomic chlorine, hydroxyl radicalsand bromine monoxide in the stratosphere.

Anderson, who Klemperer called a "bright funguy" and an "outstanding physical chemist," is nowworking on miniaturizing the detection system foruse in remote-controlled aircraft