Michael Kasha

Michael Kasha (December 6, 1920 – June 12, 2013) was an American physical chemist and molecular spectroscopist who was one of the original founders of the Institute of Molecular Biophysics at Florida State University .^[2]

Education and early work[]

Born in Elizabeth, NJ to a family of Ukrainian immigrants, he studied chemical engineering at the Cooper Union for two years before transferring to the University of Michigan, where he completed his bachelor's degree. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from University of California at Berkeley in 1945, working with renowned physical chemist G.N. Lewis.^[3] He joined the Chemistry department at Florida State University as a faculty member in 1951.^[4]

Awards and honors[]

Kasha was a Distinguished University Research Professor at Florida State University. He was elected member to the National Academy of Sciences in 1971, the first Floridian to be so honored.^[5] He was inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (in 1963),^[6] as well as the International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science.

Important contributions[]

The research in his molecular spectroscopy laboratory focused on the discovery and elucidation of excitation mechanisms, with particular application to photochemical and biophysical problems. His most important achievements include identifying triplet states as source of phosphorescence emission, formulating the Kasha rule on fluorescence, and his work on singlet molecular oxygen.

Kasha is also known for his interest in improving the sound quality and durability of the acoustic guitar and the classic string instruments. His guitar design is patented ^[7] and is known as the "Kasha guitar". A 30-year collaboration with luthier Richard Schneider led to a series of innovative changes to the traditional classical guitar.^[8]

Literature[]

• R. Hochstrasser, J. Saltiel. Research Career of Michael Kasha. J. Phys. Chem. A, 2003, 107 (18), pp 3161–3162
• Michael Kasha - Editorial, Biographical Sketch, Summary of Research Contributions, Research Associates, and Publications list J . Phys. Chem., 1991, 95 (25), pp 10215–10220

References[]

External links[]

• Florida State University faculty profile
• Michael Kasha Lecture Video Lecture provided by the Vega Science Trust.
• Memorial website to Michael Kasha from the Institute of Molecular Biophysics at Florida State University
• The Kasha Guitar
• 2004 Video Interview “In Conversation with Michael Kasha” : Nobel Laureate Sir Harry Kroto interviews Dr. Michael Kasha about his life and career

Guitar bracing: [1]