Rory Waterman

Professor of Chemistry

Innovation Hall
82 University Place
Burlington, VT 05405

Phone: (802) 656-0278

Email: rory.waterman@uvm.edu

Office: E334 Innovation Hall
Lab: W319D Discovery Hall

AppointmentsAssistant Professor of Chemistry, University of Vermont, 2007-2012
Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Vermont, 2012-2016
Professor of Chemistry, University of Vermont, 2016-present
Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Vermont, 2016-2022

Training

B. S. in chemistry (1999), University of Rochester
Ph. D. in chemistry (2004),The University of Chicago
postdoctoral research (2004-2006), University of California, Berkeley
ResearchSynthetic and mechanistic inorganic/organometallic chemistry, catalysis

The core of my research program is using metals as catalysts to build chemical bonds. There are interesting molecules featuring elements such as phosphorus or silicon, but the routes to making these molecules are difficult, inefficient, or produce large amounts of waste. My goal is to discover efficient ways to make these kinds of main-group molecules that may have application as materials with unique electronic properties for energy-related applications. Recently, my program has expanded to include small-molecule activation, particularly carbon dioxide as a substrate, and the synthesis of semiconductor ceramics via a low-temperature process.

For more information on this work, see the group research or UVM faculty pages.

Teaching
Interests

inorganic chemistry
organometallic chemistry
science literacy
energy
OutreachFaculty professional development
Undergraduate research access (see guide or book for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences, CUREs) 
K-12 teacher pre- and ion-service professional development
Research opportunities for high school students
K-12 classroom support
Co-organizer of the Champlain Area Chemistry Symposium

Awards

University Scholar, 2023
Sigma-Aldrich Lecturer, University of Tokyo, 2023
Invited Fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 2022
Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2020
Fellow, American Chemical Society, 2019
Leadership Enrichment And Development (LEAD) Award, 2017
Cottrell Scholar Lecturer, 2017
Fellow, American Institute of Chemists, 2016
Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2015
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship for Experienced Researchers, 2013
UVM Sustainability Fellow, 2010
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship, 2009
Research Corporation for Science Advancement Cottrell Scholar Award, 2009
US National Science Foundation CAREER Award, 2008
Miller Institute for Basic Research in Science Fellowship, 2004