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It is a tradition each June for the Chicago Section of the American Chemical Society to recognize the importance of education. Although it is important to educate each new generation of chemists, it is equally important for the entire population to understand the importance of chemistry in everyday life. Dr. Thomas Kucera is an inspirational leader for the chemical profession. This Profile in Chemistry will highlight Dr. Kucera's background and describe some of the activities leading to award last December of the American Chemical Society's Salute to Excellence.
Education. Inspired by a "good teacher," young Tom became interested in chemistry during high school. An intense interest led him to read his entire chemistry textbook in two days; this interest was further intensified by a Gilbert Chemistry Set...a very hands-on experience. Tom extended this interest by earning a B.S. from Loyola University, a M.S. from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and then a Ph.D. from Purdue University. Graduate School was not easy; Tom worked as a chemist during the day and as a student at night. He earned a prestigious fellowship with the Office of Naval Research, and traveled to New Zealand as a Fulbright Scholar for a year, working in the area of natural products.
Dr. Kucera Becomes a Leader In Industry. Dr. Kucera credits the ACS with helping him land his first chemistry job -- a job as a resins polymer chemist with Miner Laboratory. (It is notable that Dr. Miner was also a very active former Chicago Section Chair.) After his education, Dr. Kucera worked for Midwest Laboratory in Chicago, and then Charles Bruning Company, where he made important contributions to sensitized films and papers including the then new RCA paper and the equipment to process it. While working independently as a consultant, he provided services for such companies as Xerox for patent intelligence work, to paper companies, to pigment manufacturers, NJ Zinc, and for diazonium
compounds, Fisons Ltd. He was also a consultant to the Illinois Department of Revenue on chemical taxation.
Disaster struck in 1964. Dr. Kucera was injured in an automobile accident. The injury led to a deteriorating condition requiring first the use of crutches, and then confinement to a wheel chair. During this time he was hired by American Photocopy Equipment Company (APECO), where he provided outstanding leadership of this $135 million company, which owned factories around the world. His career led to the position of Vice President and Technical Director. Dr. Kucera has also authored a chapter on reprography in the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, and continues to work as a consultant and expert witness. Tom's career has taken him around-the-world four times -- "twice in each direction."
American Chemical Society Leader. Among some of the positions that Dr. Kucera has served for the Chicago Section are: Chairman; Trustee; Long Range Planning Chair; Chemistry Day Chair; Chemical Exposition Leader; Chemical Bulletin Editor, and many others. He served as the first Chair of the ACS Committee on Chemists with Disabilities. Dr. Kucera still attends all National ACS meetings as a Chicago Section Councilor; he remains one of the most active members. He was recognized for shepherding National Chemistry Week in Chicago since its inceptions 16 years ago and for his efforts to spread the word about chemistry to the general public, especially to children. This activity led to an ACS Salutes to Excellence Award, which recognizes positive impact by a chemist on everyday life.
Dr. Kucera’s advice to students interested in chemistry: “Don’t decide your career based on money,” and “do the best that you can. Chemistry is very interesting and is a worthwhile career.” Tom is proud of his three very successful daughters. One is a Ph.D. astrophysicist working at the NASA Goddard Space Center on an international solar flare UV characterization program. In addition, Dr. Kucera's other daughters are equally successful; one as a Ph.D. child psychologist, and the other as a marketing manager for a major financial institution.
Written by RUSS JOHNSON
PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR
Updated 3/13/07