Professor Robert Bau passed away on December 28, 2008, in the early evening. He had suffered a series of medical problems, and he passed peacefully, attended by family members. At his wish, Bob’s remains will be cremated and a memorial service held for him.
Professor Bau was an esteemed faculty member of the Chemistry Department for nearly 40 years. He was a distinguished researcher in the field of X-ray crystallography and neutron diffraction. Bob was the recipient of numerous awards, which include Fellow for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1982), the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship (1974-76); the Alexander van Humboldt Foundation U.S. Senior Scientist Award (1985); and an NIH Research Career Development Award (1975-80). He was president of the American Crystallographic Association (2006). Bob was also an inspiring, dedicated, and popular teacher of chemistry. USC recognized his achievements in research and teaching by giving him the Associate Awards for Excellence in Research (1979) and Excellence in Teaching (1974).
Professor Bau is survived by his wife, Margaret Churchill; three children from his first marriage, daughter, Christina; sons, Alexander and Philip, of Los Angeles; and his Mother, Maria Lourdes Bau of Hong Kong.
Bob’s untimely passing is a great loss to all of us: his family his students, and his many friends and colleagues in the department, the university, and the scientific community. Bob touched so many people and we have all lost a great friend and colleague.
The Chemistry Department would like to celebrate and honor Bob’s life and has established this website as a tribute to him.
Published Obituaries and Tributes
In Memoriam: Robert Bau, USC News
Bau Neutron Diffraction Award, a triennial award recognizing “exceptional research achievement in neutron diffraction”, American Crystallographic Association
“Weak intermolecular interactions and molecular aggregation in isostructural dihaloperfluoroethanes” an article dedicated to Robert Bau’s memory