UCI Professor Named to National Academy

UC Irvine chemistry professor Larry E. Overman was recently named a member of the National Academy of Sciences, considered one of the highest honors that can be earned by an American scientist or engineer, according to university officials.

The National Academy was established in 1863 by Congress and acts as an official advisor to the federal government on science and technology. Overman is one of 60 new members elected to the academy. There are currently 1,760 active members, including 15 UCI faculty members.

Overman, a synthetic organic chemist, is developing new methods for chemically duplicating natural substances. His research is being used for the development of new neurological and cardiovascular drugs.

Overman joined UCI in 1971 and has conducted extensive research in trying to find ways to manufacture pharmaceutical products more economically. He won the American Chemical Society’s Award for Creative Work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry in 1995.