Former University of Houston chemistry professor Simon Bott has passed away. According to his obituary in the United Kingdom, Dr. Bott battled Motor Neurone Disease for 11 months.
While at UH, Dr. Bott served as an instructional professor at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He was the Undergraduate Chair for the Department of Chemistry for more than a decade, co-directed teachHOUSTON, and Director of the Honors Program in Health Professions.
During his time at UH, he received several awards, including the Provost Faculty Advising Award and the Piper Professor award for his excellence in chemistry education.
Dr. Bott moved to Swansea University in the UK in 2016, where he founded the chemistry department. He served as the Vice-Chair of the South Wales West section of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
According to the Daily Cougar, he was a student favorite and was considered an “icon.” He also founded the UH PALS and Cougar Trading Card programs.
UH President Renu Khator posted a heartfelt message on social media saying, “Professor Simon Bott passed away this week, leaving a hole in our hearts. He left the University of Houston to take a position in the UK, but his heart remained here with the Cougars. He always wrote me after games and after every academic milestone UH received. Simon, you will be missed.”
Many commented on President Khator’s posts, with sentiments that describe him as a “true Coog legend,” remembering him for his unwavering Cougar pride.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked donations be made in his memory to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) or to Ty Olwen at Morriston Hospital, Swansea through the funeral notices.
