Rate Professor Richard O'Hair

Professional Summary: Professor Richard O'Hair

Professor Richard O'Hair is a distinguished chemist and academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a globally recognized career in mass spectrometry and gas-phase ion chemistry. His research and teaching contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of chemical reactivity at a molecular level, particularly in organometallic and bioinorganic systems.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor O'Hair earned his academic credentials from esteemed institutions, reflecting his strong foundation in chemistry:

• BSc (Hons) - University of Adelaide, Australia
• PhD in Chemistry - University of Adelaide, Australia, under the supervision of Professor John H. Bowie

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor O'Hair's research primarily focuses on the following areas:

• Mass spectrometry and its applications in understanding chemical reactivity
• Gas-phase ion chemistry of organometallic and bioinorganic systems
• Catalysis and reaction mechanisms at the molecular level
• Development of new methodologies for studying transient intermediates in chemical reactions

Career History and Appointments

Professor O'Hair has held several prestigious positions throughout his career, demonstrating his leadership in the field of chemistry:

• Professor of Chemistry - School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne (current position)
• Associate Professor and Reader - University of Melbourne, prior to full professorship
• Postdoctoral Fellow - University of Colorado Boulder, USA, under Professor Veronica M. Bierbaum and Professor G. Barney Ellison

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor O'Hair's contributions to chemistry have been recognized through numerous accolades:

• Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
• David Syme Research Prize - University of Melbourne (2004), awarded for outstanding research in the sciences
• Morrison Medal - Australian and New Zealand Society for Mass Spectrometry (ANZMS), for contributions to mass spectrometry

Key Publications

Professor O'Hair has authored and co-authored numerous influential papers in high-impact journals. A selection of notable publications includes:

• 'Gas-Phase Chemistry of Organometallic Anions' - Chemical Reviews, 2006 (with G. N. Khairallah)
• 'Direct Observation of the Gas-Phase Hydrolysis of a Phosphodiester' - Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2003 (with N. L. Kilah)
• 'Catalysis in the Gas Phase: Structure and Reactivity of Organometallic Ions' - Accounts of Chemical Research, 2010 (with T. Waters and A. G. Wedd)
• 'Mass Spectrometric Studies of Metal Cluster Anions' - International Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 2000 (with various co-authors)

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor O'Hair's pioneering work in mass spectrometry has provided critical insights into the mechanisms of chemical reactions that are otherwise difficult to study in solution. His research on gas-phase ion chemistry has influenced fields ranging from catalysis to bioinorganic chemistry, offering tools and methodologies adopted by researchers worldwide. He has also mentored numerous students and early-career researchers, contributing to the next generation of chemists.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor O'Hair is actively involved in the academic community through various roles:

• Regular speaker at international conferences on mass spectrometry and ion chemistry, including keynote addresses at events organized by the Australian and New Zealand Society for Mass Spectrometry (ANZMS)
• Member of editorial boards for prominent journals such as Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
• Active contributor to committees within the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and other professional bodies