A professor emeritus kept a month-long secret when he received what is considered, amongst the chemistry community, a coveted form of recognition.

When the American Chemical Society (ACS) named Richard Keiter a 2013 ACS Fellow in June, the organization was acknowledging Keiter’s accomplishments in scientific research. More specifically, the organization recognized Keiter’s contributions particular to the coordination of polydentate phosphines. 

Keiter had previously served two terms on the ACS advisory board for the Petroleum Research Fund and was hesitant to sensationalize his achievement. 

“It’s not the Nobel Prize,” he said. 

His research in the coordination of polydentate phosphines—a topic, which Keiter said captivates only a small audience—is not unlike the give-and-take process of being a scholar.

In comparison, the topic of his research is a lot like holding hands.  

He explained that if he were in between two people, holding both of their hands, the two people on the outside would eventually find themselves holding each other’s hands.

The goal of Keiter’s research is to learn how that exchange would occur and how long it would take, he said. 

“One at a time they become attached,” he said.

One at a time, Keiter’s successes have also come together, leading up to the moment he said all academics look forward to: independence. 

“I always say there are two kinds of scientists,” Keiter said. “There is the spectator, or there is the one who actually finds things out for themselves. It doesn’t get interesting until you cease being a spectator.”

He said that every professional begins in a state of observation and mimicking of others’ research. For Keiter, this process began 46 years ago, with the publication of his first academic article, one year before marrying his wife. 

The Albert Einstein bobble head and dinosaur comic strip coffee mug set on the top of his cabinet however, suggest there is more to Keiter than just chemistry.

He admitted that he, like every young person, went through “phases” of things he felt passionate about.

In the ‘70s it was chess. 

For five years it was being the co-author of a textbook used by first-year graduate students. 

At various points in his life it was baseball. 

Recently, visiting his two children and spending time with his family during his time away from Eastern, has become a welcomed priority in Keiter’s life. He said he enjoys the intimate family time he is able to share now that his research has become more independent.

One at a time, the elements of Keiter’s life are coming together, like his research. 

Keiter, however, said he feels that his work is far from finished and the writing he described as tedious and consuming is a continuing factor in his life. 

 “There is always one more paper I want to write,” Keiter said. 

Katie Smith can be reached at 581-2812 or kesmith2@eiu.edu.