In Memoriam

Peter M. Hierl

May 17, 1941 - Feb. 18, 2022

Emeritus Professor Peter Hierl passed away on February 18, 2022, at the age of 80. Peter joined the faculty at KU in 1969 where he taught for 45 years before retiring in 2014. Peter is survived by his wife Janet; his children Julia and her husband Jeff, Emily, Erika (now deceased), Annie and her fiancé Brooks, Gretchen, and Ian; his grandchildren Ryan, Jeremy, Bryer, Tes, and Aaliyah; his brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Karyn; his in-laws Wally and Paula; his brother-in-law David; and his nieces and nephew Katrina, Alexander, Marina, and Suzanne. He was preceded in death by his children Katy and Michael, and his nephew Christopher.

Peter was born in Brooklyn, New York, and he earned his undergraduate degree from MIT in 1963. He carried out his doctoral studies at Rice University, earning his Ph.D. in 1966. Following postdoctoral studies at Yale University and the University of Colorado, he began his independent career in the Department of Chemistry at KU in 1969. He remained at KU for his entire career where his research focused on the gas phase reactions of ions and molecules.

Peter liked to travel with his family and was especially fond of the Rocky Mountains. At home, he surrounded himself with his family and beloved dogs and cats. He enjoyed reading, especially American history, and was a gifted photographer. In the department, Peter was known for his collegiality, good humor, and dedication to teaching. He will be greatly missed.

Theodore “Ted” Kuwana

Aug. 3, 1931 - Jan. 1, 2022

Emeritus Distinguished Professor Theodore “Ted” Kuwana passed away on January 1, 2022 at the age of 90 from complications due to pneumonia. Ted was a pioneer in the development of spectroelectrochemistry, leader in bioelectroanalytical chemistry, and founder of the Analytical Sciences Digital Library. He is survived by his wife Jane, son Eric, and daughter Ellen. Ted and Jane have four granddaughters: Claire, Camille, Mikka, and Kira.

Ted received his B.S. degree in chemistry from Antioch College in 1954 and his M.S. degree from Cornell University in 1956. He came to KU to study under the direction of Prof. Ralph N. Adams and became Ralph’s first Ph.D. awardee in 1959. Following postdoctoral studies with Prof. Fred Anson at the California Institute of Technology, he joined the faculty at the University of California, Riverside in 1960 as a Visiting Assistant Professor. He moved to Case Western Reserve as an Associate Professor in 1965 and was promoted to full Professor in 1968. In 1971 he moved to Ohio State University. Ted joined the faculty at KU in 1986 as Regents Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Director of the Center for Bioanalytical Research. Ted published more than 200 journal articles, held three patents, and won numerous awards including the J. Calvin Giddings Award for Excellence in Education (2004). He trained over 70 graduate students using the often stated motto: “I’m not teaching chemistry, I’m teaching students how to think.”

Ted was tremendously influential in shaping our department and his philanthropic support in retirement helped us launch several new programs. In particular, he and Dr. Don Leedy initiated a fund that established the annual Ralph N. Adams Lectureship and supports graduate student travel to conferences. Ted was a friend and colleague who will be truly missed.

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