Walter Kohn

Date of Birth: March 9, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: April 19, 2016

Biography

Walter Kohn was an Austrian-born American theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to the field of quantum chemistry. He was born on March 9, 1923, in Vienna, Austria, and later moved to the United States, where he completed his education and developed his career. Kohn is most renowned for his development of density functional theory (DFT), for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998, sharing it with John A. Pople. His work on DFT revolutionized the way scientists understand the electronic structure of atoms, molecules, and solids, making computational chemistry an essential tool in scientific research. Kohn’s academic journey began at the University of Toronto, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics. He then pursued a Ph.D. at Harvard University, where he studied under Julian Schwinger, a future Nobel laureate in physics. During his career, Kohn held faculty positions at several prestigious institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California, San Diego. In 1979, he joined the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he served as the founding director of the Institute for Theoretical Physics. Walter Kohn’s work extended beyond his scientific achievements; he was also an advocate for social justice and environmental sustainability. He remained active in research and public discourse until his passing on April 19, 2016, in Santa Barbara, California.

5 Interesting Facts about Walter Kohn

1. Walter Kohn fled Nazi-occupied Austria as part of the Kindertransport, a rescue mission that saved thousands of Jewish children.

2. He was initially interned in Canada as an “enemy alien” during World War II but was later allowed to serve in the Canadian Army.

3. Kohn was a passionate advocate for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and was involved in efforts to control the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

4. He was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1988 for his contributions to the field of physics.

5. Kohn was a dedicated environmentalist and promoted the use of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walter Kohn

1. “The opportunity to do what I do is a great gift, and I try to use it well.”

2. “Science is a wonderful, creative, and ennobling occupation.”

3. “I believe that scientific research, by its very nature, transcends national boundaries.”

4. “Our work on density functional theory has allowed us to better understand the properties of matter at the quantum level.”

5. “Education is the most powerful weapon we have to improve the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Walter Kohn’s net worth is not publicly documented, but his contributions to science and his Nobel Prize signify a high level of professional accomplishment and recognition.