James Burlitch, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology describes his early interest in science and Nature, his liberal arts education at Wheeling College in Wheeling, WV, and PhD degree in inorganic chemistry at MIT. At Cornell, his teaching concentrated on laboratory instruction in synthesis and analysis. Research explored the synthesis of organometallic compounds with bonds between main-group and transition elements and subsequently the preparation of novel inorganic materials. He guided the Department’s building projects in laboratory design and renovation. Fine-art photography is the main outlet for his creativity in retirement. The interview was conducted by long-time colleague, Professor Robert Fay. Running time: 70 minutes