The Pomona College Chemistry Department Presents the 62nd Robbins Lecture Series
February 24-27, 2026
Kendall N. Houk
Distinguished Research Professor, UCLA
Professor Kendall N. Houk is widely viewed as the foremost expert on theoretical and computational organic chemistry. He has pioneered the use of computer calculations and simulations to study chemical transformations, establishing computation as one of the central tools for exploring reaction mechanisms in organic, inorganic, and biochemical systems. Among his current interests are the theoretical investigations of mechanisms and design of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, the quantitative modeling of asymmetric reactions used in synthesis, and the dynamics and properties of supramolecular nanomachines, as well as his lifelong interest in the mechanisms and dynamics of pericyclic reactions. Over 1650 publications describe work from his group.
Professor Houk grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and received his A.B. (1964), M.S. (1966), and Ph.D. (1968) degrees at Harvard University, working with R. B. Woodward on experimental tests of orbital symmetry selection rules. After stints on the faculties of Louisiana State University and the University of Pittsburgh, he moved to UCLA in 1986, where he is currently Distinguished Research Professor. From 1988-1990, he was Director of the Chemistry Division of the National Science Foundation.
Elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2010, Professor Houk has received numerous awards and honors, including the 1991 ACS James Flack Norris Award in Physical Organic Chemistry, the Tolman Medal of the Southern California Section of the ACS in 1999, the 2009 ACS Arthur C. Cope Award, and the 2012 Robert Robinson Award of the Royal Society of Chemistry. In 2021, he received the ACS Roger Adams Award, the society’s highest award in organic chemistry.
"Computational Organic and Biological Chemistry"
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.
"Computational Chemistry - How it Developed and What it Can Do"
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
"Exploring Organic Reactions with Computational Chemistry"
Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
"Pericyclic Reactions - Theory, Mechanisms and Synthetic Applications"
Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
"Pericyclases - Enzymes That Catalyze Percyctic Reactions"
The lecture series will be held at:
Seaver North Auditorium
645 N. College Avenue
Claremont, California
(The cross streets are College Avenue & 7th Street)
All lectures are free and open to the public.