Kenneth Watters

Kenneth Watters is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). He held administrative roles as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (1990-1993) and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (1993-2000). His research focuses on organometallic compounds deposited on oxide surfaces, aiming to develop novel heterogeneous catalysts and electronic materials.

Education: PhD in Chemistry from Brown University.

Research explores interactions between metal carbonyls (e.g., nickel, manganese, rhodium) and oxide supports like silica, alumina, and magnesia. Key areas include surface chemistry of organometallics, catalytic properties of supported clusters, and applications in thin film formation via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Studies revealed novel molecular species on surfaces with potential for catalyst precursors and electronic materials.

Publications (1987–1989) highlight computational studies (e.g., Extended Huckel method), surface reactions of CO, nitric oxide reduction, and rhodium carbonyl characterization. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in text.

Administrative tenure reflects leadership in academic governance. Research emphasizes bridging homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis challenges through surface chemistry innovations.