CCB's Gregg Tucci is a Harvard Hero

April 10, 2018
Gregory Tucci

 

The program, Harvard's highest form of staff recognition, honors the University's unspoken heroes.

 

Gregg Tucci, CCB's Director of Undergraduate Studies and Senior Lecturer on Chemistry and Chemical Biology, started his Harvard career as a graduate student in our department. Now, his dedication to chemistry has earned him the well-deserved title of Harvard Hero. Only 60 heroes--or 0.5% of staff--receive this high distinction.

Gregg is invaluable to our department. As confirmation of his worthiness, seventeen of our faculty members contributed their names and anecdotes to his nomination. Below, you can read the essay that explains--in brief--why Gregg deserves this honor and our gratitude.

 

Tucci shows summer school students how to make ice cream with liquid nitrogen
 
Tucci shows summer school students how to make ice cream with liquid nitrogen

 

Dr. Gregory Tucci, Director of Undergraduate Studies and Senior Lecturer on Chemistry and Chemical Biology, is an exceptional teacher, advisor, mentor, and Harvard community member. During his time in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Gregg has pioneered curriculum innovation, endowed undergraduates with a passion for the sciences, and dedicated time and ceaseless energy to ensure students receive ample guidance, advice, and support to bolster their studies in chemistry and beyond. His consistent and extraordinary commitment to our students and their success is one of many qualities that make him a Harvard Hero. 

Perhaps most remarkably, Gregg developed, and now teaches, Life and Physical Sciences A (LPSA), an exceptionally successful introductory chemistry course. He co-teaches Physical Sciences 11 with Professor Jim Anderson, co-developed and teaches a graduate level practicum in teaching for first year graduate students in chemistry and led a non-credit year-long tutorial on "Heavy Metals and Autism" for two years. Gregg also teaches general chemistry to post-baccalaureate pre-medical students in the Harvard Extension School and Summer Schools.

But Gregg is not just prolific. His talent for teaching has earned him awards from both the college and the extension school. The Harvard Undergraduate Council presented him with the John R. Marquand Award for Exceptional Advising and Counseling of Harvard Students. And, for his pursuit of the perfect peach pie, Gregg earned the Derek Bok Center Golden Spatula Award in 2006. With his bright, positive attitude, Gregg welcomes all challenges—from teaching and advising to baking—with an open, excited mind.

 

 
"Tucci makes chemistry loveable"
- Harvard Crimson
Gregory Tucci

 

As further testament to his value, seventeen of our faculty members contributed their names and anecdotes to this nomination. Brian Liau, now Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology in our department, has known Gregg since he was a freshman at Harvard in 2003: “[Gregg] has provided me invaluable advice and guidance at every stage of my career. I owe a lot to him, as I'm sure countless others here do as well.”

In a Harvard Crimson article, titled “Tucci Makes Chemistry Loveable,” Gregg expressed his hope to make chemistry not just approachable but exciting and fascinating. And yet, he encourages the best academic path for each individual student. For example, he guided Maille Radford ’17 to accomplish a first in Harvard history: joint degrees in chemistry and history of art and architecture. To Professor Eric Jacobsen, “the most amazing thing about Gregg is the infinite time and energy he seems able to give each and every one of our undergraduate students.”

Gregg’s dedication not only benefits students. Our faculty rely on his expertise and partnership. “Gregg is always positive, upbeat, and has been incredibly generous with his time,” said Assistant Professor Emily Balskus. “After talking with him, I always come away more energized and excited about tackling new challenges in the classroom. We are so lucky to have Gregg as part of CCB.” A seminal colleague, leader, teacher, and selfless citizen, Gregg exemplifies the title Harvard Hero.