Thomas Holme

1999 Helen M. Free Award Winner

Thomas A. Holme, Professor of Chemistry at Iowa State University, received the Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach in 1999. Holme had a 5 year relationship with WTMJ-TV where he appeared as a regular guest on the news program "Live at 11". These were often associated with special events such as National Chemistry Week, or segments on how to find good science toys during the Christmas shopping season. During the summer he did a weekly segment on science projects for kids: “Fun science you can do on a rainy day.”

Dr. Holme received his B. S. in Chemistry and Physics from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1983 and his Ph. D. in Chemistry from Rice University in Houston, Texas in 1987.

At Iowa State University Holme and his students carry out computational modeling studies of physiological implications of molecules that include main group elements such as boron and silicon. He is currently the Director of the Examinations Institute of the ACS. Holme also has a significant interest in research that focuses on how to assess the learning of chemistry. The application of emerging information technologies in the assessment of student knowledge comprises one area of his research interests in chemistry education.

Dr. Holme was Exchange Professor at Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea in 2000 and Fulbright Lecturer, University of Zambia in 1989-1990. He has 37 refereed publications, 96 contributed papers, and 135 invited presentations.