However, Herschbach does not begrudge the new demands on his time since his big win. He says he enjoys the opportunities to address subjects of broad importance.

"In particular, I feel very strongly about preaching the importance of education," Herschbach says. "Nobody asked me to do any preaching on that subject before the Nobel Prize."

While he enjoys researching the complexities of chemistry, Herschbach also enjoys teaching the basic principles of chemistry in Chem 10, traditionally populated with a healthy population of first-years.

When he chaired the chemistry department, Herschbach says he had all introductory chemistry courses taught by senior Faculty, and he continues to practice what he preached.

"Every freshman is either in one of the freshman chemistry courses or has a roommate in one," Herschbach said. "And if the students in the course have a really good experience that impacts on the way all the other students view the academic side of the work."

"What we know is enough to show us how much we don't know and how much is there for the next generation," Herschbach says. "I hope they come out with a sense that science is a very human exploration."

Herschbach jokes that his own research in chemistry is comparable to "molecular football," an unusual comparison for a tenured chemistry professor, certainly, but Herschbach did have other career options.

During his college years, Herschbach was invited to try out for the Los Angles Rams.

"Nowadays someone in my position would almost surely do it, because the salaries are so astronomical," Herschbach said. "They weren't then and I'm glad I didn't go that way."