Anthony G. San Pietro

Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington

Professor San Pietro came to IU in 1968 from the Kettering Research Institute. He came here to chair the Department of Plant Sciences and made the transition with complete success; he directed its activities and development until it became part of the newly formed Department of Biology in 1977. As a chemist and biochemist who appreciated the contributions of taxonomists and evolutionists, he played an important role in moving what was a relatively classical department in the direction of modern plant biology.

While serving as Chairman, he maintained an active laboratory for investigating the mechanisms of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis and has published over 160 papers. Clearly, his expertise and interests are multifaceted. His outstanding research achievements have attracted postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists worldwide.

In 1980 San Pietro was appointed Science Adviser to the Office of the President of IU. Throughout his career, he has tirelessly promoted many avenues of scholarly communication. His editorship of the photosynthetic volumes of Methods in Enzymology, his role in organizing numerous national and international meetings, and his service with international programs of the National Science Foundation and the National Research Council will long be remembered by his colleagues. They have placed Indiana University prominently on the international map.

In 1975 IU honored him by the appointment as Distinguished Professor of Plant Biochemistry and at the national level for his outstanding scientific achievements by election to the National Academy of Sciences in 1983.

As a consultant to the Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Education, IUPUI, he helped to guide the University's efforts to develop a community, state and national alliance for enhanced minority enrollment in science and engineering education. His efforts have had a significant impact on the University.

In 1992, Purdue University honored him by award of the degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa.

Home: (812) 332-4650; Office: (812) 855-4115; Fax: (812) 855-6705; E-mail: sanpietr@indiana.edu