Knowles was also able to develop a unique method to enable him to examine the three-dimensional or stereochemical changes in molecular structures that takes place during an enzyme reaction.

His third major contribution to the study of enzymes looked at the resistance of bacteria to penicillin. Bacteria develop a resistance to penicillin by producing an enzyme that makes the antibiotic harmless.

Knowles and his researchers examined the mechanism of how the enzyme blocks penicillin and helped develop a drug to prevent the enzyme from functioning.

Knowles compares his work to that of a bombing mission. "If your bombers are being shot down, you can either develop higher flying bombers or you can knock out the anti-aircraft guns and use the old bombers," says Knowles. By rendering the enzyme inoperable, Knowles effectively knocked out the "anti-aircraft guns."

Will Miss Grad Students

Knowles says the excitement of making new findings is a big part of the joy he finds in his research. But the biochemist says the part of his job he will miss the most is teaching his graduate students.

"Seeing a graduate student come in raw and go out, after four or five years, a fiercely independent thinker is a tremendous pleasure," Knowles says.

As a result of his new position, the biochemist has had to place many of his younger grad students into other programs.

Prior to his appointment as dean there were 20 graduate students and post-doctoral researchers working in his group. Now there are only 13 people working in Knowles's group.

"It is improper for me to supervise new students," Knowles says. "I do not believe in doing two things badly."

Knowles will continue to run his lab until all of his graduate students finish their studies, which will at least be two years.

While Knowles's contributions to bio-organic chemistry were unmatched during his three decades of researching, colleagues say, the biochemist saw a need for his talents elsewhere in the University.

"I think Jeremy was looking for new worlds to conquer," Westheimer says. "I think he will be marvelous. He has a great breadth of knowledge and interests. I think he will be able to do wonderful things for Harvard."

While Corey admits it is for the greater good of the University that Knowles gave up the academic life for the administrative, he is saddened by the biochemist's departure.

"It is certainly a loss for the department," says Corey. "Jeremy is irreplaceable."