Richard B. Kaner

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From his inspiring lectures to hundreds of freshmen to his individual instruction with undergraduate and graduate researchers, Richard Kaner has had a great impact on the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Enhancing his lectures with contemporary topics and with demonstrations from his research on solids, Professor Kane enables his students to learn and retain fundamental principles better because they are illustrated by the latest developments in science. This ability to show the beauty of the physical world by using clear, exciting, novel demonstrations and examples sets him apart.

Over the past six years Ric Kaner has supervised twelve graduate students and has been instrumental in the development of several new graduate courses. At the same time, he has been a faculty liaison to Reiber Hall, an undergraduate advisor for chemistry majors and has participated in the Dykstra Meets the Professors program.

He always has one or two undergraduates participating in the Student Research Program sponsored through Honors and Undergraduate Programs and gives seminars at top schools around the country to attract the best and brightest students to UCLA.

Unusually sensitive to his students’ abilities, Ric Kaner has an innate ability to convey new ideas as he lectures. Answering questions, his responses are filled with insight – satisfying and enlightening but never embarrassing to the student.

Richard Kaner is a natural teacher whose efforts are warmly appreciated by the students, who respond by rising to the high standards he sets.