Arthur Halpern

Professor Emeritus of Chemistry

For many, retirement marks the end of one’s career. A chapter has closed, and it’s time to finally relax, travel, and check off long-awaited bucket list goals. But for Dr. Arthur Halpern, PhD, retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter – one defined not by rest, but by new curiosity, discovery, and scientific research.

A retired chemistry professor from Indiana State University, Halpern stepped away from the classroom in 2013 after decades of teaching and mentoring students. Yet, he never stepped away from his passion for chemistry. In fact, it has only deepened since then.

“I never stopped being curious. And I never stopped wanting to challenge myself and organizing research in a way that I could communicate it to others.”

Without access to a traditional lab space, Halpern adapted. He transformed his home office into a personal research hub, relying on his computer, the internet, and the invaluable support of Indiana State’s interlibrary loan team. “If I didn’t have library access privileges, I wouldn’t be able to do my research at home,” he says.

Since retiring, Halpern has published 18 peer-reviewed papers – ten in chemical education and eight in chemical thermodynamics, currently his primary area of  interest. His research focuses on molecular interactions, particularly how molecules transition from gas phases into condensed phases like liquids. Revisiting foundational studies from the 1940s through the 1960s, Halpern applies modern perspectives to bring new insight to classic theories.

In addition to his theoretical work, Halpern has remained active in the field of chemical education. Many of his pedagogical publications—often in collaboration with former colleagues—aim to improve how physical chemistry is taught and understood.

“I’ve been given the gift of time after I retired,” he says. “I reopened some of those projects I didn’t have time to explore while I was teaching. I could finally finish them.”

But Halpern’s post-retirement productivity isn’t just about science. It’s also about the joy of learning, the thrill of problem-solving, and the satisfaction of sharing knowledge with others. “You never stop learning. I always want to develop new knowledge and explore a new area of interest,” he expresses.

His passion for chemistry began early, sparked by a childhood chemistry set gifted by his father. From there, Halpern became fascinated with how things work. That same curiosity fueled a 40-year teaching career, during which he inspired countless students to ask questions, think critically, and believe in their potential.

“My students were always so curious to learn. Every instructor has a desire to explain why something is important, but the students at Indiana State wanted to work with their professors on individual projects. They had a passion for learning, and I enjoyed playing a small role in their journey.”

Beyond the classroom, Halpern helped launch undergraduate research initiatives at Indiana State and served as associate editor of the Journal of Chemical Education, reviewing manuscripts and shaping the field of chemistry education.

Yet, Halpern’s retirement life hasn’t all been about equations and thermodynamic models. He has also discovered a new hobby: cooking.

“I’ve been doing a lot more cooking,” he says. “My wife had always done the cooking, and after we retired, I said, ‘It’s my turn. Let me help a little.’”

He has since learned to make a variety of dishes, including baking sourdough bread, and he approaches the kitchen with the same analytical mindset he brings to chemistry. He remarks, “I look at cooking as applied physical chemistry. There’s a reason for every step in a recipe. I love figuring out why.”

His wife, Janis, also made a lasting impact at Indiana State. As director of the University’s study abroad program, she helped Sycamores travel internationally—many for the first time—to broaden their worldviews and transform their academic experiences.

“She had the greatest job imaginable,” Halpern says proudly. “She helped students see the world. We still get emails from past students who talk about how much the study abroad program benefitted their college experience. It means a lot to us.”

Reflecting on his own Sycamore journey, Halpern offers heartfelt advice to today’s students: “Focus on what challenges you and gives you satisfaction. Learn to balance your professional and personal responsibilities. The world needs young people, so keep at it.”

For Halpern, retirement has been less about slowing down and more about shifting focus – continuing to contribute to his field while embracing new opportunities. His pursuit of knowledge didn’t end when he left the classroom.

In many ways, he’s still just getting started.