Benjamin Boussert’s legacy continues to shine in the University’s Department of Chemistry.
The department hosted the Benjamin Pierre Boussert Lecture and window unveiling in remembrance of Boussert, a University alumnus, in late September.
Delia Milliron, an associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and a Henry Beckman Professorship fellow, delivered the Boussert lecture on Sept. 23. Milliron and Boussert were graduate students together in the Alivisatos Laboratory at the University of California at Berkeley.
The lecture was followed by a reception and the unveiling of a new gift to the chemistry department from the Boussert family — a stained glass window created by local artist Mary Ann Caffery. The work, named “Benjamin’s World” is located in the Benjamin P. Boussert Conference Room on the first level of the LSU Chemistry and Materials Building.
Boussert, a 1999 LSU University Medalist who graduated with dual degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, conducted four years of research under Robin McCarley, the Barbara Womack Alumni Professor of Chemistry.
McCarley was Boussert’s adviser and continues to organize many University events in Boussert’s memory.
“I am sure if he were here today, he would be leading the charge to help us with such important endeavors during the uncertain times that we face,” McCarley said.
Boussert’s interest in nanoscience and sensing technologies sent him to UC Berkeley where he worked toward a Ph.D. in physical chemistry alongside Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering Paul Alivisatos.
Boussert studied the spectroscopy of single nanocrystals. He quickly gained a reputation as a deep thinker and a strong voice for social and environmental issues, becoming involved with the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“Ben had a sense of humor that was quite dry, but it was extremely effective in situations where those around him were either taking themselves too seriously, or more often than not, when those around him were not living up to their potential,” McCarley said.
At 27 years old, months before he was supposed to defend his dissertation and begin his career in public policy, Boussert and two friends, Jason Choy and Giulia Adesso, were killed in a car accident.
“I can still see his smiling face and caring eyes, immediately after making some remark that made those around him think about what they were doing or saying,” McCarley said. “I miss seeing that smile in person, but it quickly pops into my head when I reminisce about the times I spent with him.”
A scholarship to honor Boussert’s memory and legacy at the University has been established by family, friends and colleagues. His parents, Anne and Christian, and his brother and sister-in-law, Joel and Kelly, have also created an endowment to support the Dr. Benjamin Boussert Lecture Series for Chemistry.
The Benjamin Boussert Memorial Award will be presented at commencement to a graduating doctoral student who best exemplifies Bousssert’s commitment to creating positive social or environmental change. These contributions may have been realized either through the nominee’s dissertation research or through other methods, such as science policy or educational outreach projects.
The $2,500 award will be made directly to the student to use for whatever they embark upon in the next phase of their life, whether it’s for travel to a conference, moving expenses or another purpose.
“To me, Ben’s legacy is his belief that we all, especially students who have been provided an opportunity to obtain a higher education degree, to learn more about the science, engineering, sociological, and philosophical topics of the day. This is an underlying tenant of LSU and the Boussert family sponsoring the Benjamin Boussert Lecture Series in a field very dear to Ben’s heart,” McCarley said.