In memoriam: Frederick Greene, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
Professor Troy Van Voorhis: “He was a constant source of joy to those who interacted with him and his commitment to students and education was legendary”
Frederick Greene, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, died on March 22 at the age of 97. Greene worked in the field of physical organic chemistry and free radicals.
In an email to the Chemistry Department, Department Head Professor Troy Van Voorhis praised Greene for his “dedication to teaching, mentorship, and the field of physical organic chemistry.” Van Voorhis added that “he was a constant source of joy to those who interacted with him and his commitment to students and education was legendary.”
MIT News featured several graduate students who had known Greene; all spoke highly of his teaching and mentorship capabilities. Professor of Chemistry Rick Danheiser stated that Greene’s “counsel and mentoring” was “invaluable” as they taught 5.43 (Advanced Organic Chemistry) together. The Frederick D. Greene Teaching Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions in chemistry teaching by undergraduates, has been named after Greene since 1993.
Greene is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on April 5 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Winchester, Massachusetts.