James Tour

James Tour is a prominent chemist and nanotechnologist at Rice University. Here are the key details about his background and accomplishments:

Academic Positions

James Tour is currently:

• T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry
• Professor of Computer Science
• Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering

He has been at Rice University since 1999.12

Research Focus

Tour's research areas include:

• Nanoelectronics
• Graphene electronics
• Silicon oxide electronics
• Carbon nanovectors for medical applications
• Organic synthesis
• Chemical biology
• Nanomaterials synthesis13

He is particularly known for his work on carbon materials and nanotechnology. Some of his notable achievements include developing the "nanocar" - single-molecule vehicles with rotating wheels.2

Accomplishments

• Over 650 research publications and 200+ patents
• H-index of 129 with over 77,000 citations
• Named "Scientist of the Year" by R&D Magazine in 2013
• Ranked among top 10 chemists worldwide in the 2000s by Thomson Reuters
• Elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2024123

Education

• B.S. in Chemistry from Syracuse University
• Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic and Organometallic Chemistry from Purdue University
• Postdoctoral work at University of Wisconsin and Stanford University12

Other Activities

Tour has been involved in science education initiatives like developing the NanoKids concept for K-12 nanoscience education. He has also started several companies based on his research.13

James Tour is widely regarded as one of the leading chemists and nanotechnology researchers in the world, with a highly distinguished career spanning decades at Rice University.