Finn brings something special to this new role.

ATLANTA - Georgia Tech Chemistry and Biochemistry’s Professor M.G. Finn is the new interim chair of the school. With a range of interests from immunology to organic synthesis to materials science, Finn brings something special to this new role.

“We have an important dual mission at Georgia Tech, to educate students at all levels and to do world-class research,” shared Finn. “The chair’s office can be strongly enabling to both endeavors. I look forward to working with the remarkable faculty and staff of the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. We have a lot of exciting things to do.”

Finn will take over from the current chair, Professor Andrew Lyon.

Finn works in a variety of fields within chemistry and biochemistry. He uses powerful methods of molecular synthesis to advance the field of medicine through the development of vaccines, antiviral agents, diagnostic agents, and drugs to combat tobacco addiction. Finn realizes the potential at the interface between chemistry and biology to greatly benefit human health and uncover important fundamental insights into how molecules behave. With his experience in polymer synthesis, bioanalytical chemistry, and immunology, his ideas are sure to encourage those in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry to connect to other fields and applications.

"In M.G. Finn we are fortunate to have world-class science, a passion for education, and vision that includes a focus on empowering Georgia Tech research efficiently through first-rate shared facilities," said Paul Goldbart, dean of the College of Sciences. "My colleagues and I are truly delighted to welcome him to the college's leadership team."

Before being recruited to Georgia Tech in 2012 in chemical biology, Finn spent fourteen years with the Scripps Research Institute, exploring viruses and molecules that have high potential for drug development. From 2000 to 2010, Finn ranked as the 33rd most highly cited chemist in the world and has since continued publishing from his labs in the Molecular Science and Engineering and Boggs Buildings.

Finn received his B.S. from the California Institute of Technology in 1980 and his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1986.