The University of Florida started work in polymer chemistry in 1946 when Prof. George Butler moved to Gainesville with his wife, Josephine. His reseach offered leadership to the department for many decades, even after his retirement. In 1995 the university allowed a laboratory to be named in his and Josepine's honor, now widely known as the George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory. It consists of numeroous synthesis and characterization rooms and houses around 100 people within the Department of Chemistry, including an office to handle the workload of such a large group.<br/><br/>In the mid to late 80s, this polymer effort amounted to ~ 7 people to include one faculty member, four graduate students, a secretary, and Professor Butler as an Emeritus member. The growth to our present size is the result of hiring the right faculty and staff, a bit of good luck, and plenty of opportunity provided by the Department of Chemisry. Professor Butler had an unwavering love for polymers and the people who made it happen; he never left the program, even in retirement, up to his passing in 2007. Josephine felt the same and created a family atmosphere for us all until her passing in 2013.<br/><br/>This story of the creation of the George and Josephine Butler Laboratory forms the basis for how polymer chemistry has been taught at the University of Florida. With so many young faculty on board now, another generation is on its way to advancement in macromolecules, thereby providing an excellent platform for teaching and research for undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral scholars, preparing them for their future.

Teaching and building a polymer laboratory at the University of Florida

251st National Meeting (2016)

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