On the occasion of Alexis T. Bell's fiftieth year at Berkeley, we are honored to discuss a few aspects of his extensive contributions to catalysis, reaction engineering, and understanding of molecular-scale structure in catalytic processes. The illustrations provided here help reveal some of his traits most valued by our community: a drive to employ the best methods of instrumentational and computational analysis available; the instinct to search for the essence of the most important problems at hand, and the skill to write about them with exceptional clarity; and the formation and nurturing of collaborative teams to focus on the most essential questions
