Chemistry plays a critical role in shaping our communities and the world we live in. As a highly interdisciplinary field, it has applications in various aspects of everyday life, from the products we use, to the food we eat and the environment we inhabit.
One individual who has dedicated his career to promoting the importance of chemistry in our communities is John D. Coyle. A chemist and educator, Coyle has been at the forefront of ensuring that the chemical sciences are accessible, understood, and appreciated by individuals from all walks of life.
Born in the United States, Coyle received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Indiana University in 1975, followed by a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1979. He then went on to work in a pharmaceutical research lab before becoming a professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada.
Coyle’s passion for chemistry in the community is evident in his numerous publications and presentations, both nationally and internationally. He has written several books, including Chemistry in the Community which has been translated into multiple languages and is widely used as a textbook in high schools and colleges. Through this book, Coyle presents chemistry as a key tool for understanding and solving real-world problems such as pollution, energy shortages, and global health issues.
In addition to his work as an author and educator, Coyle has also been an active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) for over 30 years. He served as the President of the ACS in 2007, making him the first President from outside the US in the society’s 140-year history. Coyle continues to be involved in various outreach and advocacy activities, working closely with organizations such as the Canadian Society for Chemistry and the Chemical Institute of Canada.
Coyle’s efforts to promote chemistry in the community have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious John C. Polanyi Award for Chemistry Education from the Canadian Society for Chemistry in 2010.
Through his work, John D. Coyle has shown that chemistry is not just limited to the laboratory, but it has real-world relevance and impacts our daily lives in significant ways. He has been a strong advocate for engaging the public in science and promoting scientific literacy for all. His contributions to the field of chemistry in the community have made a lasting impact and will continue to inspire future generations.
