A memorial fellowship fund has been established at Clarkson University in memory of Yuzhuo Li, who was a chemistry professor at Clarkson for more than 20 years.

The Yuzhuo Li Memorial Fellowship Fund has received donations totaling more than $25,000 from family, friends, colleagues and associates of Li.

Born in a humble working family in China, Li became the first in his family to earn a college degree from a leading national university, Nankai University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Li joined the chemistry faculty at Clarkson University in 1990 and was recognized with many honors, including the Outstanding New Teacher Award in 1993, the John W. Graham, Jr. Faculty Research Award in 1996, the Outstanding Advisor Award in 1997 and the CUSA Outstanding Teaching Award in 1998.

He mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students and was also the author and editor of more than 100 publications and the inventor of over 60 patents.

Li was a leading expert in the area of chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). He was on extended leave from Clarkson serving as head of research and development for CMP, Global Business Electronic Materials at BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany, from 2008 to 2010. He then worked as head of research and development for the entire Global Business Electronic Materials division at BASF from 2010 until his passing in November 2012.

“Dr. Li was a truly committed faculty member and scientist,” said Clarkson President Tony Collins. "He epitomized our Clarkson values, which provide the foundation for the learning and living that guide the personal and professional growth of every Clarkson student. His determination, wisdom, and caring nature are greatly missed by the Clarkson community."

The Yuzhuo Li Memorial Fellowship Fund hopes to raise $100,000 to establish an endowment, which will annually award support for an undergraduate chemistry student who will conduct summer research with a Clarkson chemistry faculty member.

"The positive impact this award will have on many Clarkson students in years to come will serve as a truly meaningful tribute to the memory of Dr. Li, a wonderful mentor to many students who have since become highly successful professionals," said Collins.

To donate to the fund visit www.clarkson.edu/e2e/make_gift.html for instructions or contact April Grant, director of donor relations, at 268-7709 or agrant@clarkson.edu.