Matthew Platz

Matthew Platz is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, affiliated with the College of Natural and Health Sciences. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Mathematics from SUNY Albany (1973) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Yale University (1977). Previously, he served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UH Hilo (2013–2017) and as Director of the National Science Foundation's Chemistry Division (2010–2012). His research focuses on photochemistry of organic molecules and blood product chemistry, supported continuously by the NSF since 1979. He has mentored over 100 students, published 300+ peer-reviewed papers, and holds multiple patents.

• Education: B.Sc. SUNY Albany, Ph.D. Yale
• Roles: NSF Division Director, Ohio State University Vice Provost, Department Chair (1994–1999)
• Key Awards: Cope Scholar, Remsen Award, Distinguished Professor

Research interests span sustainable and green chemistry innovations, with leadership in NSF programs like SusChEM. Active in teaching courses such as CHEM 141 (Organic/Biochemistry Survey) and CHEM 241 (Organic Chemistry I).