Alumnus Funds Nanotech Revolution
Alumnus Funds Nanotech Revolution Heading link
Christopher Bieniarz BS ’74, PhD ’82 spent his entire research career in pharmaceutical research and development, first at Abbott Laboratories Diagnostics Division and later in drug discovery. After retiring from Abbott Laboratories in 2003 as Volwiler Research Fellow, he joined a start up cancer diagnostics company in Tucson, Arizona, as senior director of chemistry and innovation technology. After a successful career, Bieniarz retired in 2016. Now, he is leaving a legacy at UIC with $3 million gift from his trust for the Dr. Christopher Bieniarz Endowed Chair that he hopes will help put UIC at the forefront of nanotechnology.
Bieniarz’s life followed an unconventional path. Born in Poland, he moved with his family to Uruguay at age 15 where he finished high school. Several years later he followed his father to Chicago. His father was a professor of medicine at University of Chicago, but Bieniarz enrolled at UIC for its affordable tuition. He says he felt supported at UIC by faculty members such as Professor Emerita Cynthia Jameson. “She was crucial in helping me navigate my path during the initial stages of my graduate school, providing support and much needed encouragement” he says.
Although trained as an organic chemist, Bieniarz delved into other areas of chemistry and science in general, particularly nanotechnology, a branch of science dealing with manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers — a nanoscale. He and his team of scientists developed ultra-sensitive detection technologies which enhanced early detection of various types of cancer.
Bieniarz says he is firmly convinced that process of scientific research is crucial for the future, and that is why he hopes his generous donation will enable UIC to hire a professor in areas bridging nanotechnology, organic chemistry and material science.
“It is my earnest desire that this gift will bear fruit in advancing the horizons of science, nurturing a rich environment of learning and innovation at UIC” says Bieniarz.