Dr. James Collman

Professor

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Biography

Professor Emeritus James Collman made landmark contributions to inorganic chemistry, metal ion biochemistry, homogeneous catalysis, and transition metal organometallic chemistry. He pioneered numerous research tools that reveal key structural and functional details of metalloenzymes essential for respiration and energy, particularly in hemoglobin and myoglobin, which are critical for oxygen transport in blood. Born in Beatrice, Nebraska, he studied chemistry at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and completed his doctoral work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After joining Stanford University in 1967, he developed powerful synthetic strategies and created functional analogs of hemoglobin and myoglobin. His research focuses on the reactivity of metal centers and protein-metal interactions, leading to insights into biological function. Collman has earned several honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and recognition as California Scientist of the Year. His influential textbook, "Principles and Applications of Organotransition Metal Chemistry," has seen multiple editions, and he is recognized for his contributions to biomimetic chemistry.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor of Chemistry

1967-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Tenured faculty member focusing on research and teaching in inorganic chemistry.

Professor of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry

1966-01-01 — 1967-01-01

University of North Carolina • Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Conducted research in organic and inorganic chemistry and taught undergraduate and graduate courses.

Associate Professor

1962-01-01 — 1962-01-01

University of North Carolina • Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Advanced research in the field of chemistry.

Assistant Professor

1959-01-01 — 1962-01-01

University of North Carolina • Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Developed introductory and advanced chemistry courses.

Instructor

1958-01-01 — 1959-01-01

University of North Carolina • Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Taught foundational courses in chemistry.

Awards

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Ronald Breslow Award for Achievement in Biomimetic Chemistry

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Alfred Bader Award in Bioinorganic and Bioorganic Chemistry

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Pauling Award

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Honorary Doctorate

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Docteur Honoris Causa

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California Scientist of the Year

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Member

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Member

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Award in Inorganic Chemistry

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ACS California Section Award

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International Award in Coordination Chemistry

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Oesper Award

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Fellow

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Hans Fischer Award in Porphyrin Chemistry

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Basolo Medal

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Joseph Chatt Lectureship

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John C. Bailar Jr. Medal

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Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry

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Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award

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Guggenheim Fellow

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Guggenheim Fellow

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.