NYU Chemistry alumnus Philip S. Baran is the recipient of a 2013 MacArthur Fellowship. These awards, informally known as "genius" grants, are among the most prestigious honors available to those with intellectual and artistic pursuits. Each of the 24 "exceptionally creative" awardees will receive a no-strings-attached grant of $625,000, based on "a track record of achievement and potential for even more significant contributions in the future." Since the funding comes without stipulations, the recipients have maximum freedom for creativity.
Phil earned his bachelor's degree at NYU Chemistry in 1997. He conducted research in the laboratory of Professor Emeritus David Schuster, and the two
MacArthur Fellows Profile on Phil Baran
http://www.macfound.org/fellows/884/
MacArthur Foundation Press Release
http://www.macfound.org/press/press-releases/24-macarthur-fellows-announced/
Washington Square News article
http://nyunews.com/2013/09/26/macarthur/
New York Times, Arts Section
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/arts/macarthur-genius-award-winners-named.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=arts&adxnnlx=1380123616-8yPiA8aXTzejt3evKOQEOA
The Baran
http://www.scripps.edu/baran/html/home.html