Boris I. Yakobson is an expert in theory and computational modeling of materials and nanostructures, of synthesis, mechanics, defects, transport, electronics, optics. Presently, Karl F. Hasselmann Endowed Chair in Engineering, professor of Materials Science and Nano-Engineering, and professor of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas. Boris was born in Moscow (USSR), raised in Odessa (Ukraine), obtained first BS/MS degrees in Novosibirsk (Russia), PhD 1982 in Physics and Applied Mathematics, from Russian Academy of Sciences. 1982-1989, Head of Theoretical Chemistry lab at the Institute of Solid Materials of the Russian Academy. 1990 in Columbia University, New York, Chemistry. 1990-1999, Research Professor, with tenure at the Department of Physics, North Carolina State University. Boris’ insight in nano-mechanics has set off a close collaboration with Richard Smalley (Nobel Laureate, 1996), and in 1999 Yakobson joined Rice’s School of Engineering. (One aspect of that early study gave rise to what became known in literature “Yakobson Paradox”.) Over 450 papers, eight patents; US Department of Energy Hydrogen Program Award, NASA Nano 50 Innovator Award, Royal Society Professorship Award, Department of Energy R&D Award, NASA Faculty Award. Mentors PhD students and postdoctoral associates, plays piano and enjoys travel, at normal times.