The Wizard of Chemistry

When I called my ex-boss a couple of weeks back, I was very happy to hear his voice on the other end. The reason being, he is one cool boss I should say, with whom I could just talk about anything without even having to rehearse before I speak and it gives me a warm feeling of pride in me; the pride that he was my boss. I am talking about Dr. Seymour Lieberman, Professor, Emeritus of Biochemistry, Special lecturer in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Columbia University. I had called to congratulate him, because he had been chosen to receive the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research's Gregory Pincus Medal, given to honor the highest achievements in the field of endocrinology.

He gave me a job at the Big Apple that enriched both my professional and personal front. To this date, I am glad that I did not let go of that opportunity in my life. He is an inspirational teacher, a philosopher, guide, and friend. Not very many people rheme about their previous or current work superiors; but to have worked with a world renowned scientist as him, is one of the many facets in my life that I will always treasure. I can talk to him on any subject matter starting from the very mundane to scholarly discussions and he would give his opinion that voiced profound thoughts which I value. Even at his advanced age of 90, he still has the same vigor and the sprightliness in the science research he does.

Every morning, he takes the bus from the East side of the City to the West Side just to pursue one of his many passions, Research. His mind never ceases to think of chemical bonds, equations and steroid chemistry. He would pour into a sea of books and scientific papers and his quest for knowledge never ends. I can only hope that I have the same amount of zeal and the mental acumen to do these things he does at that age. He taught me not only to read science, but to love the way it works. I still remember that small piece of paper that hangs on the wall on his room; a quote by Richard Feynman, “Science is a way of trying not to fool yourself”. I still remember the first day of my job when he recited that quote to me. Just as I take pride in mentioning that he is my boss, he takes his pride in introducing me to people as one of his best assistants. Thinking about that gives me the goose bumps even today. G A I…that's how he would call me and that booming voice never staggered. A Commentary paper with him in a renowned journal such as The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (see link) is a true testimony of my association with him. Years from now I am sure that I can look at the printed matter and feel proud. A man of great humility, Dr. Lieberman inculcated so much self confidence in me and I am forever thankful to him for the opportunity to be associated with him and for all the great things that he had taught me.