Curt Wittig

Curt Wittig is the Paul A. Miller Professor of Letters, Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), holding a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry within the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois (1970) and completed postdoctoral work at USC, Cambridge University, and UC Berkeley. His research focuses on physical chemistry and chemical physics, particularly in gaseous and condensed phases, including photoinitiated reactions, molecular energy transfer, and dynamics in superfluid helium droplets and amorphous solid water (ASW). Notable projects include the Cold Water Project, investigating ASW's unique properties, and studies on tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium photoionization.

Wittig has received numerous honors, including Fellowships from AAAS and the American Physical Society, and has advised over 20 graduate students. He has held leadership roles such as Chair of the Chemistry Department and Director of the Center for the Study of Fast Transient Processes. His work spans experimental and theoretical collaboration, with a focus on molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics, and astrochemical applications.

Education: B.S. (1966), Ph.D. (1970) from University of Illinois. Research highlights include contributions to molecular energy transfer, helium cluster dynamics, and ASW's role in astrobiology. His group's interdisciplinary approach combines experimental and computational methods, emphasizing student independence and innovation.