Robert T. Conlin ’70

Rob died Nov. 10, 2003, from complications of multiple sclerosis.

After graduating from Phillips Academy, Rob entered Princeton. His love of science led to a degree in chemistry. After graduation he entered a PhD program at Washington University in St. Louis. Upon receiving his doctorate in 1976, he held postdoctoral fellowships at Reading University in England and the University of Utah. In 1979, he was appointed assistant professor of chemistry at the University of North Texas, where he remained until his retirement in 1997.

While at North Texas, Rob continued his research in the field of organosilicon chemistry, becoming an internationally recognized expert in the field. Although he began to exhibit the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis in the 1980s, Rob never tired, continuing to teach and conduct groundbreaking research for another 15 years. During this period, he was promoted to a tenured associate professorship.

When not engrossed in research or delivering results of research, Rob was a student of Mayan culture and architecture. He traveled often to Central America and Mexico to explore Mayan ruins and visit museums of Mayan artifacts.

Rob is survived by his father, Thomas; his brother, James; sister Nancy; and a niece and two nephews. To them all, the class extends deep sympathy.

The Class of 1970