2008 Woodie Awards
Chemistry professor publishes novel
Ashley Hopkins
Issue date: 1/13/05 Section: Culture
A member of UTC's chemistry department has published a response to issues such as global warming and energy production in the form of a novel, called "Forbidden Light."
Tom Rybolt said a Zen poem about the cycle of water made him think about how the conversion of water to its component parts of hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight would change our future from one in which we will run out of coal, oil and natural gas into a sustainable future.
"What if someone accidentally discovered this ultimate reaction?" Rybolt said.
After reading the poem, the characters developed in his mind and Rybolt constructed a story line about a graduate student who discovers this reaction, but faces obstacles to understand what he has done and how he can share this knowledge.
"'Forbidden Light' is an example of the genre that some have referred to as 'science-in-fiction,' as distinct from science fiction," Rybolt said. "First, [I wrote the book to] tell an interesting story. Second, to explore aspects of self-discovery and scientific discovery. Third, to present an environmental message that we are headed in the wrong direction and we need to look to renewable energy sources to have a viable and sustainable future."
Gretchen Potts, a fellow professor in the chemistry department, said: "I think most college students would enjoy it. 'Forbidden Light' throws some curves which keep readers guessing what will happen next. In one summer, the student solves a murder mystery, falls in love and discovers a reaction that will end the world energy crisis. It has something for everyone."
Gail Meyer, also a professor in the chemistry department, said: "Dr. Rybolt is a very pleasant and easygoing person whom his students like a great deal. He is known for his dry sense of humor. He can make anything, even an introduction to a class or a speaker, funny."
Rybolt has a doctorate's from Georgia Tech and has been at UTC for 24 years. "Forbidden Light" is the first novel Rybolt has written, but he has co-authored 17 books, including science books for children. Rybolt has also written seven encyclopedia articles and more than 50 journal articles.
"Writing a novel is such a time commitment that I wouldn't advise anyone to do it just because you want to, but only because you cannot stop yourself," Rybolt said.
Potts said: "I hope he writes another novel soon, but he tells me this book was 20 years in the making."
"Forbidden Light" is available at the UTC bookstore, can be ordered from any bookstore or at many online book services, including www.amazon.com.
Tom Rybolt said a Zen poem about the cycle of water made him think about how the conversion of water to its component parts of hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight would change our future from one in which we will run out of coal, oil and natural gas into a sustainable future.
"What if someone accidentally discovered this ultimate reaction?" Rybolt said.
After reading the poem, the characters developed in his mind and Rybolt constructed a story line about a graduate student who discovers this reaction, but faces obstacles to understand what he has done and how he can share this knowledge.
"'Forbidden Light' is an example of the genre that some have referred to as 'science-in-fiction,' as distinct from science fiction," Rybolt said. "First, [I wrote the book to] tell an interesting story. Second, to explore aspects of self-discovery and scientific discovery. Third, to present an environmental message that we are headed in the wrong direction and we need to look to renewable energy sources to have a viable and sustainable future."
Gretchen Potts, a fellow professor in the chemistry department, said: "I think most college students would enjoy it. 'Forbidden Light' throws some curves which keep readers guessing what will happen next. In one summer, the student solves a murder mystery, falls in love and discovers a reaction that will end the world energy crisis. It has something for everyone."
Gail Meyer, also a professor in the chemistry department, said: "Dr. Rybolt is a very pleasant and easygoing person whom his students like a great deal. He is known for his dry sense of humor. He can make anything, even an introduction to a class or a speaker, funny."
Rybolt has a doctorate's from Georgia Tech and has been at UTC for 24 years. "Forbidden Light" is the first novel Rybolt has written, but he has co-authored 17 books, including science books for children. Rybolt has also written seven encyclopedia articles and more than 50 journal articles.
"Writing a novel is such a time commitment that I wouldn't advise anyone to do it just because you want to, but only because you cannot stop yourself," Rybolt said.
Potts said: "I hope he writes another novel soon, but he tells me this book was 20 years in the making."
"Forbidden Light" is available at the UTC bookstore, can be ordered from any bookstore or at many online book services, including www.amazon.com.
