Berkeley chemist Stephen Leone, Ph.D.
Stephen Leone, Ph.D., a professor of chemistry and physics at the University of California, Berkeley, will give the Jean Dreyfus Lecture at 7–8 p.m., Tuesday, March 12 in Newton 202 on SUNY Geneseo’s campus. In his lecture, “X-ray Eyes,” Leone will discuss the broad realm of X-rays, from their discovery and uses in medicine, to science fiction and exciting new experiments in the chemistry lab. A 6–7 p.m. reception in Newton will immediately precede the event. Leone’s talk is free and open to the public.
The discovery of X-rays transformed medicine by providing a powerful means to diagnose bodily injuries and disease when used with care. In the comics, Superman was imbued with the benefit of having X-ray vision, while the 1963 science fiction horror movie, The Man with the X-ray Eyes, emphasized the consequences of supposed scientific experiments with X-ray vision that went horribly wrong.
While the scary sci-fi movies of the 50s and 60s seem hokey today, we are still suspicious of X-ray radiation because of its well-known dangers. How can something in small doses be so beneficial, while in high doses it is extremely dangerous?
In chemistry, physics, and biology, X-rays provide unique information. Using X-rays for diffraction researchers can measure the precise distances between atoms to understand molecular structures better. In spectroscopy, X-rays probe the chemical environment surrounding atoms, providing new information about chemical transformations and dynamics.
Leone’s lecture is made possible by a Jean Dreyfus Lectureship that was awarded to professor and chair of Geneseo’s Department of Chemistry, Kazushige Yokoyama, by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation.
In addition to the public lecture, Leone, who also holds the John R. Thomas endowed chair in physical chemistry at Berkeley, will teach a technical seminar for students and area faculty, “Attosecond Electron Dynamic: From Atoms to Semiconductor Solids,” at 2–3 p.m., Monday, March 11, in Doty Recital Hall. A reception will follow.