Dr. Leslie Hedrick

Biclogy Departaent

Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago 16, Illinois

Dear Dr. Hedrick:

I am very happy to comment on Dr. boris Rotnany> qualifications.

He is an outstanding research worker, with unusual facility both
in experiments]. design end exaention In a vactety of fields. Hs has
already made 9n outstanding contribution in his etulies, with Professor
Spiegelman, on the source of the aminc acid constituents of iedly syne
thesized bacterial enzymes-- I am sure that Dr. Spiegelman would be pre~
pared to admit. the principal role that Rotman played in the czarying out
of those elegant experiments. To put it in a nutshell, Rotman is just
about the ..st resourceful lab min that I know, and his experliental skill
is matched by a high order of independent Luaagination and intelligenca
in the reccghition cf probleme und in their solution. He ulsc has an
unusually highgstandard of scientific integrity, which has repeatedly
motivated him tc do that “noxt expertnent” which groves to Le one too
many, that is for the simple understanding that one might have been
Geludea inte believing. This is the main reason that Rotman has act
achieved a wider reputation, berond the circle of those who know his
work well.

Qn the negative side (and there is one for any candidate, whether it
is emphasized or not), Rotman probably would not be a very effactive
teacher in a progran that neceasitated his giving frequent lectures. He
has a definite speech impediment which is aggravated under strain. However,
Ido not beldwse this would diminish his usefulwess ss an occaaional lece
turer on special topies, or as an instructormin a laboratory course: his
really unusual abilitigs there would make hia particularly valuable in a
graduate program. It would please ms very much if a permanent position
were available for Dr. Rotman on this canupus; falling that, I hope that

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he can find himself a place for the realization of his apecial talents.

Dr/ Rotman was born in Argentina, bat was raised in Chile and considered
himeelf a Chilean National prior tc his naturalization as a U.S. citizen
recently, He has, however, been attracted by the possibility of accepting
a position on a university faculty in Chile: this might be an attractive
opportunity in some respects, though he may face considerable obstacles
in pursuing his research program. I mantion this to you primarily to indi-
cate that you should communicate with him before too long if ycu are interested
in him.

With beat regards, Yours sinceraly,

Jorshma ladarhare. Profaaanr of fanaticea