Mario Molina (Mexican Chemist) Age, Death, Wife, Birthday, Kids, Family, Awards, Education, and Facts

Mario Molina Bio:- Mario Molina was a Mexican chemist who gained international recognition for his groundbreaking work in atmospheric chemistry. He is best known for his research on the depletion of the ozone layer, which earned him a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995.

In the 1970s, Molina and Rowland published several papers that detailed their research on the effects of CFCs on the ozone layer. Their work showed that CFCs, which were commonly used in refrigerants, aerosol sprays, and other industrial applications, could break down the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Their research helped to raise awareness about the dangers of CFCs and led to international efforts to phase out their use.

How did Mario Molina Die?

Mario Molina, a renowned Mexican chemist, passed away on October 7, 2020, at the age of 77. Molina was known for his groundbreaking research on the chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere. As per the official sources, he died because of a heart attack. Molina’s death was a loss for the scientific community and the world at large.

His groundbreaking research on the chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere helped to shape our understanding of the impact of human activity on the environment. His legacy will live on through the continued efforts of those who work to protect the Earth and combat climate change.

Birthday and Age

Born on March 19, 1943, in Mexico City, Molina was the eldest of four children. He grew up in a close-knit family and was interested in science from a young age. Molina’s work on ozone depletion earned him numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995.

He also served on numerous scientific advisory boards and was a member of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Throughout his life, Molina remained committed to promoting scientific education and raising awareness about environmental issues. He worked to encourage young people, especially those from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in science and engineering

School and Education

Molina’s journey toward becoming a renowned chemist began in Mexico City. He received his primary and secondary education in his hometown and was a bright student who had an interest in science and mathematics from a young age. Molina’s parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion for science.

In 1958, Molina enrolled at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America. He studied chemical engineering at UNAM and graduated with honors in 1965. Molina’s academic performance during his undergraduate studies was exceptional, and he was awarded a scholarship to continue his studies in Europe.

In 1967, Molina moved to Germany to pursue a master’s degree in physical chemistry at the University of Freiburg. He completed his master’s degree in 1968 and then continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1972.

Mario Molina Biography

Career – As a Chemist

After completing his doctoral studies, Molina worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Irvine. In 1973, he joined the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, as a research scientist. At JPL, Molina conducted research on the chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere, focusing on the depletion of the ozone layer. His research led to the discovery of the role of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in ozone depletion.

In 1982, Molina and his colleague, Sherwood Rowland, published a groundbreaking paper in the journal Nature, in which they predicted that CFCs could cause significant depletion of the ozone layer. Their research attracted worldwide attention and led to the adoption of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which called for a global phase-out of CFCs.

In 1989, Molina joined the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a professor of atmospheric chemistry. He continued to conduct research on atmospheric chemistry and environmental issues and was a strong advocate for policies to address climate change.

Net worth Details

Despite his groundbreaking work and numerous accolades, Molina’s net worth was not a topic of public discussion. As a scientist, he likely earned a comfortable salary from his academic positions and research grants. Molina held various teaching positions throughout his career, including at the University of California, Berkeley, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of California, San Diego.

Reportedly, he had a net worth at his death time was US $ 6-7 Million. In addition to his research on atmospheric chemistry, Molina was also a dedicated advocate for science education and outreach. He founded the Mario Molina Center for Energy and Environment, a non-profit organization that works to promote sustainable development and reduce the impact of climate change in Mexico and other Latin American countries.

Awards and Achievements

• Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement (1983)
• Newcomb Cleveland Prize (1987)
• NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal (1989)
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1995)
• Willard Gibbs Award (1998)
• UN Environment Programme Sasakawa Environment Prize (1999)
• Heinz Award in the Environment (2003)
• Volvo Environment Prize (2004)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2013)

Facts About Mario Molina

• Molina was the first Mexican citizen to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
• He was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Barack Obama in 2013.
• Molina was married to Guadalupe Álvarez until her death in 2017. They had two children together.
• Molina passed away on October 7, 2020, at the age of 77.

Mario Molina Family and Siblings

Mario Molina was born on March 19, 1943, in Mexico City to his parents, Roberto Molina-Pasquel and Leonor Henríquez de Molina. His father was a lawyer and diplomat who served as an ambassador to Ethiopia, Australia, and the Philippines. Growing up, Mario was exposed to different cultures and languages, which would later shape his scientific career.

As a child, Mario was fascinated with science and often conducted experiments in his family’s kitchen. His mother, Leonor, was the family manager and supported Mario’s curiosity by providing him with the necessary resources to pursue his scientific interests. She would often purchase chemistry sets for him and help him set up makeshift laboratories in their home.

Mario’s father, Roberto, was also instrumental in his academic success. Roberto was a firm believer in education and encouraged Mario to pursue higher education. In 1960, Mario was awarded a scholarship to study chemical engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where he excelled in his studies.

Wife and Kids

Mario Molina met his wife, Luisa Yturralde, while he was studying chemical engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The two fell in love and eventually got married in 1973. Luisa Tan was also a scientist. The couple’s shared love of science was one of the things that brought them together and helped to strengthen their relationship over the years.

Molina and Tan had a child together, a son named Felipe Molina Tan. In 2005, the couple broke up. Later, Mario got wedded to Guadalupe Álvarez in 2006, and was together until the death of the scientist.

Social Media Accounts

Q/A of Mario Molina