Contributions to experimental chemistry earn Joe Nibler Lifetime Achievement in Science Award

After he graduated from Oregon State, Nibler benefited from National Science Foundation fellowships as he earned his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley. He later pursued postdoctoral research at Cambridge University, where he briefly explored theoretical chemistry but found the computational tools of the time were not yet powerful enough to match experimental precision. Although he would supplement his work with more advanced computers much later, at the time Nibler decided to refocus on experimental research and enter his faculty career at OSU in 1967.

At Oregon State, he focused on understanding how atoms bond and move within molecules, particularly small systems that reveal fundamental chemical behaviors. He began with infrared spectroscopy and matrix isolation techniques, freezing molecules in solid argon to simplify their spectra. Later, he explored Raman spectroscopy, which was initially limited by weak signal strength — until the arrival of high-powered lasers.

This technological leap led to one of Nibler’s most significant contributions: the development and application of Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering. During a sabbatical at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., he helped pioneer the CARS method, which uses pulsed lasers that can perform spectroscopy experiments in mere nanoseconds. The result was a million-fold increase in signal strength, allowing researchers to study molecules in extreme environments with unprecedented clarity.

“It uses high-powered lasers with very short pulses. Typically a green and a tunable red laser are brought to a common focus in a sample and, when the green-red frequency difference matches a molecular frequency, all of a sudden an intense blue beam shoots out of the sample, like a laser,” he described.

The discoveries CARS allowed for were nothing short of thrilling. “We were one of the very first to get into that field, and we did things that nobody had done ever before.”

With NSF support, Nibler built the first CARS laboratory at OSU and conducted groundbreaking research for over three decades. His lab became known for its high-resolution spectroscopy, enabling studies of molecular rotations, vibrations, and structures with remarkable precision. He and his students explored reactive radicals, nanoclusters and phase transitions in supersonic jets, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in molecular spectroscopy.

Beyond his research, Nibler is dedicated to teaching and mentoring the scientists of tomorrow. In his words, those relationships have been some of the most rewarding aspects of his work.

“Probably the biggest luck I've had was the students that I got to work with,” he said, emphasizing their shared joy in solving scientific puzzles together.

Nibler has always fostered a sense of community, often taking students water skiing, snow skiing and rafting, building lifelong friendships beyond the lab. He and his wife Karen continue to stay in touch with many of them.

His mentorship extended into teaching, where he enjoyed guiding first-year chemistry students and developing new courses at Oregon State. Nibler also co-authored the widely used textbook Experiments in Physical Chemistry, contributing new experiments and insights over nine editions. The book became a staple for chemistry majors across the U.S. and abroad, further extending his impact on science education.

“Teaching was a delight because the students were always so bright, eager and a lot of fun,” he recalled.

In honor of his 80th birthday, a fund was established in his name to support student-led innovation in chemistry labs, ensuring his legacy of mentorship continues to inspire future scientists.

Reflecting on a lifetime

Nibler’s career is a testament to the power of curiosity, mentorship and lifelong learning. Looking ahead, he is excited about the future of molecular spectroscopy. The work of colleagues at OSU such as Chong Fang, the Patricia Valian Reser Endowed Faculty Scholar and Chemistry Department Head Wei Kong is especially inspiring, he said.

As he reflects on receiving the Lifetime Achievement in Science Award, Nibler dedicates it to his late colleague Darrah Thomas, a brilliant scientist and close friend. He also acknowledges the many colleagues and students who enriched his journey, emphasizing that the field is a collaborative effort. For those entering the wide, exciting world of science, Nibler’s advice is simple, but profound:

“Find something you really enjoy and go with it,” he said, encouraging young scientists to embrace challenges, pursue their passions and focus on the joy that science can bring.