He received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry at the American University of Beirut in 1953. He moved in the same year to Los Angeles, California, and at age 18, began graduate studies in physical chemistry at the University of Southern California.
In 1953, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the American University of Beirut.  He then moved to Los Angeles, California at age 18 and started his graduate studies in physical chemistry at the University of Southern California.