Dr. Roger Kautz, Principal Research Scientist and Director of the NMR Facility in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, passed away over the weekend. He leaves behind his wife, Karen, and two children. Roger has been a much-loved member of the Northeastern Community for nearly all his professional career, joining the department in 1997. His love for science, writ large, was evident to anyone immediately upon talking to him, and his knowledge and perspective was broad and deep. He enriched the chemistry department in so many ways, and he leaves quite a void.
Roger was a passionate researcher and teacher of NMR spectroscopy techniques and was an active member of the Department of Chemistry and Barnett Institute communities. You could always expect him at seminars, meetings, and departmental activities, often camera-in-hand.
Perhaps his proudest and most gratifying experience was in teaching undergraduate students about NMR spectroscopy, creating instructional materials and qualification tests so that student could gain access to the 400 MHz instrument for both course work and senior research projects. When students turned to him to answer a question or help with a problem regarding the NMR, he worked hard to teach for understanding of what they were doing, so that they would be able to apply the knowledge in the future. That is the mark of a true educator.
Two weeks ago, the College of Science established the Roger Kautz Prize in the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology. This award will be made to an undergraduate student who demonstrates talent, expertise, and, indeed, passion for NMR spectroscopy. If you are interested in contributing to this Prize fund created in Roger’s honor, please contact Rich Pumphrey ([email protected]).
It is clear that Roger was close to many in the department, and he affected us all during his time here. If you need support during this sad time, know that confidential counseling is available for students and staff dealing with this loss. Students can contact University Health and Counseling Services located on Forsyth Street or by calling 617.373.2772. Student support is also available from the Center for Spirituality Dialogue and Service at 617.373.2728, and from the We Care team in Student Affairs at [email protected] or 617.373.4384. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Program at 877.739.3989 or register for online services at their website: www.wellnessworklife.com.
Dr. Roger Kautz, Principal Research Scientist and Director of the NMR Facility
