College of Chemistry announces the passing of Professor Phillip Geissler

Phillip Geissler (1974-2022)

A message from College of Chemistry Dean Douglas S. Clark:

Our community has been jolted by the news that Professor Phillip Geissler, 48, has died.  Phill was hiking in Utah at the time of his death.

Phill was the Aldo De Benedictis Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and a renowned physical chemist, but many of us will think first of his easy smile and his deeply engaging personality.

Headshot of Phillip Geissler standing in front of Evans Hall on a sunny day.
Phillip Geissler. Photo credit: Annie Lin.

Phill was a truly remarkable person–a brilliant researcher and scholar, a phenomenal teacher and mentor, and a dear friend to so many. His students found him to be both accessible and caring. He received numerous awards during his career, but he was proudest of his UC Berkeley Distinguished Teaching Award that he received in 2011.

I send my sincere sympathies to his family, colleagues, and friends.

We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Doug

Douglas S. Clark

Dean, College of Chemistry
UC Berkeley