David H. Waldeck was awarded 2024 Edward W. Morley Medal

The University of Pittsburgh’s David Waldeck, professor of chemistry and director of the Gertrude E. and John M. Petersen Institute of Nanoscience and Engineering, was awarded the 2024 Edward W. Morley Medal by the Cleveland, Ohio, section of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

The medal recognizes significant contributions to chemistry in the region of roughly a 250-mile radius of Cleveland, including through achievements in research, teaching, engineering, research administration and public service or outstanding service to humanity or industrial progress.

Waldeck began his career at Pitt in 1985, rising through the ranks and serving as department chair for more than a decade. Waldeck has made foundational contributions across a range of chemistry fields, including chemical physics and chemical education.

Along with Ron Naaman of the Weizmann Institute, Waldeck discovered the chiral-induced spin selectivity effect (CISS) in 1999. The findings were published in Science and have become a leading new theme in physical chemistry, growing in prominence in the fields of redox biochemistry, electrochemical synthesis, condensed matter physics and prebiotic chemistry.

He has published over 260 papers and holds two patents. Waldeck has also been engaged in professional societies, especially in the Pittsburgh area, including the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh, the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, the Society for Applied Spectroscopy and the ACS Pittsburgh section.