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Paul Barbara Obituary

Paul F. Barbara, PhD 1953 - 2010 Paul F. Barbara, PhD passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2010 in Austin from complications following a cardiac arrest. Since 1998, Paul was a Professor of Chemistry and Chemic Physics at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was the Richard J.V. Johnson Welch Regents Chair in Chemistry. Paul was a dedicated scholar, educator and researcher. He founded and directed the Center for Nano- and Molecular Science and Technology (www.cnm.utexas.edu), a multi-disciplinary research institute on the UT Campus. Throughout his career, his chief commitment was to the scientific and personal development of his many loyal undergraduate and graduate students. He raised millions of dollars for research and programs and continuously developed creative and innovative initiatives to promote bold advancements in science. In 2006 he was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. In addition to his roles as a researcher and educator, Paul served the scientific community as a senior editor for Accounts of Chemical Research, as a member of the Board of Directors for the Gordon Research Conference, and as a member of the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST). Before coming to UT Austin, Paul was the 3M-Alumni Distinguished Professor of Chemistry (1995-1998) at the University of Minnesota. He received a BA from New College, Hofstra University and a PhD from Brown University. Paul was passionately dedicated to science and how it could benefit society. He was also a dedicated husband to his wife, Sharon, a proud and loving father to his daughter, Juliet, and his son, Jason, as well as an adoring grandfather to three wonderful granddaughters, Cleo, Josephine and Freya. His sisters, Joanne Friedman and Susan Hopkins, brother Dominic and their families were always close to his heart. He will be greatly missed. Donations for a memorial graduate student scholarship can be made to the University of Texas at Austin: c/o Sharon Bugnand. 1 University Station. Mail Code A5500. Austin, Texas 78712 A memorial celebration will be announced at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Nov. 5, 2010.

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Bern Kohler

November 6, 2010

I am greatly saddened by Paul's death and my heart goes out to all in his family. From the mid-1980s when I first met him until the present, I have always relished Paul's joie de vivre, his passion for science, and his unwavering support for the next generation of scientists. Thanks for the great memories, Paul.

Robin Lammi

November 5, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with Paul's family and friends during this time of loss. Paul's energy and enthusiasm, his love of life and science have inspired me. I will carry his memory and his influence with me always.

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