Grubbs studied chemistry at the University of Florida where he was awarded a B.S. and an M.S. . He worked with Merle Battiste in Florida University , and Columbia University , where he obtained his Ph. D. in 1968 . Grubbs studied chemistry at the University of Florida ( B.S. and M.S. ) , where he worked with Merle Battiste , and Columbia University , where he obtained his Ph. D. under Ronald Breslow in 1968 .