John F. Berry

John F. Berry is the Lester R. McNall Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on structure and bonding in transition metal complexes, with emphasis on metal-metal multiple bonds, electronic structure analysis, and catalysis.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Texas A&M University
• Postdoctoral work at Max-Planck-Institut für Bioinorganische Chemie
• B.S./B.A. in Chemistry and Music, Virginia Tech

Research themes include: (1) elucidating novel bonding phenomena in paramagnetic systems; (2) experimental-computational correlation for reactivity prediction; and (3) developing molecular rectifiers using heterometallic extended metal atom chains (HEMACs). Current projects address ammonia economy electrocatalysis and sulfur oxidation state chemistry.

He has received major awards including the NSF CAREER Award, Vilas Mid-Career Award, and Romnes Fellowship. His students have earned doctoral degrees and prestigious grants like the PPG Travel Award.

• Ernst Haage Prize (2006)
• NSF CAREER (2008)
• Alumni Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt (2015)
• Vilas Mid-Career Investigator (2016)
• H.I. Romnes Fellowship (2017)

As co-director of the Paul Bender Chemistry Instrument Center, Berry oversees campus research facilities. Beyond chemistry, he composes music including Lament for the Victims of COVID-19 and chamber works performed internationally.