John Berry
WISL Faculty Fellow

Lester R. McNall Professor in Chemistry
University of Wisconsin-Madison

The thrill of scientific discovery and an emotional connection to music were what led John Berry to not only complete simultaneous undergraduate degrees at Virginia Tech in the two disciplines, but to continue to mix science and the arts throughout his professional career. John went on to further his education by earning a PhD in chemistry from Texas A&M; his specialty is synthetic inorganic chemistry, and his research at UW involves using metal-metal bonds to make new transition metal compounds. His awards include the NSF Career Award and the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Graduate Assistant Award for Research. His musical career started at age 10 when he began playing the violin, and he continues to perform with string instruments today.

Professor Berry’s appreciation for both science and music makes him a valuable WISL Fellow, and he continues to share both chemistry and music with appreciative crowds at various Science is Fun presentations including Concert at Chemistry, where his Sonata for Tuba and Piano had its world premiere. In 2012 he was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. In 2015 he was promoted to full Professor. In July 2016, he was named the Lester R. McNall Professor in Chemistry. Congratulations John!

In his spare time, John enjoys music composition and performance, especially chamber music, orchestral music, and opera. He plays the violin, viola, and piano.

Learn more about John by visiting his Web site.

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