A member of the Florida State University faculty has been elected to a distinguished scientific organization for his contributions to magnetic resonance, a scientific occurrence recognized widely for its significance in facilitating magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI — the non-invasive technique that produces images of the internal components of the human body, assisting in better diagnoses and treatment strategies for patients.
Rob Schurko, leader of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Facility at the FSU-located National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has recently been appointed a fellow of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance (ISMAR) for his advancements in the realm of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
“Being chosen as an ISMAR fellow was an unexpected delight,” expressed Schurko. “I am truly thankful to be included in this group, as the other four fellows I was nominated alongside are remarkable individuals. To be associated with these scientists and the rest of the distinguished fellows within this organization is a privilege. Gaining such acknowledgment from my colleagues fills me with gratitude.”
ISMAR serves as a worldwide scientific organization that encompasses a wide array of magnetic resonance investigations including NMR, MRI, and electron paramagnetic resonance. These methodologies, among other magnetic resonance techniques, serve as vital research instruments across various disciplines such as physics, chemistry, life sciences, material studies, and medicine.
Schurko, who received his nomination from current ISMAR fellows, was acknowledged for his worldwide leadership in advancing high-magnetic field NMR science and applications. He was also celebrated for his creativity in solid-state NMR and his excellence in both theoretical and experimental aspects of chemistry, material science, quantum chemical computations, and spectroscopy.
“I am elated about Dr. Schurko’s selection as an ISMAR fellow,” said Wei Yang, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “He is a top-tier NMR spectroscopist and has devised numerous pioneering approaches to determine chemical signatures of intricate materials through insightful configurations of NMR pulse sequences. Beyond being a truly deserved honor for Dr. Schurko, this also showcases the department’s vision and efforts in recruiting and nurturing our exemplary scholars.”
In the laboratory, Schurko investigates the molecular configurations of materials consisting of platinum group elements (PGEs), which are some of the most elusive and costly elements found on Earth. PGEs such as iridium, osmium, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium are essential in various sectors, including transportation, smartphone technology, medical instruments, medical treatments, and defense mechanisms.
“By examining the molecular frameworks of PGE substances, my research seeks alternatives that could replace them,” explained Schurko. “Given the rarity and high cost of PGEs, identifying more abundant substitutes may increase the availability and cost-effectiveness of new innovative materials.”
ISMAR also recognized Schurko for being a devoted educator and a champion for the upcoming generation of scientists in both academia and industry.
“Dr. Schurko possesses a great enthusiasm for classroom instruction,” Yang noted. “He is exceptional at elucidating complex ideas, particularly those of a quantitative nature, making them visually comprehensible for students with remarkable clarity.”
As the NMR facility director, Schurko was instrumental in establishing the MagLab’s Summer School on Solid-State Spectroscopy, a program that organizes tours, workshops, and lectures for graduate and advanced undergraduate students from FSU and other institutions to familiarize them with the high-caliber research conducted at a national lab.
“Much of my instruction in NMR methods occurs at the graduate level via workshops and training students on laboratory instruments,” Schurko mentioned. “A primary objective of mine has been to also engage undergraduate students with these techniques, which is where the summer school plays a vital role. By providing these opportunities for hands-on training and exposure to lectures by renowned scientists, we are creating favorable experiences that encourage students to consider magnetic resonance methods as a viable scientific career.”
Fellows of ISMAR are chosen based on their impacts on the field through their research contributions to magnetic resonance and their efforts to enhance the appreciation of magnetic resonance within the wider scientific community. Being a fellow of ISMAR entails a responsibility to advocate for the magnetic resonance discipline.
For more information about FSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, please visit chem.fsu.edu. To discover more about the NMR and MRI Facility and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, go to nationalmaglab.org.
Bella Bozied also contributed to this article.
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