Frank Crossley (materials scientist) facts for kids

Frank Crossley (born February 19, 1925 – died April 15, 2018) was an amazing American engineer. He was a pioneer in working with a strong metal called titanium. He made history as the first African-American to earn a PhD in metallurgical engineering. This field is all about studying and working with metals.

Education and Early Life

Frank Crossley was inspired to study science by an African-American chemist named Lloyd A. Hall. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), in Chemical Engineering in 1945. He also studied art! All his degrees came from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

He continued his studies, earning a Master of Science (M.S.) in 1947. Then, in 1950, he achieved his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Metallurgy. A Ph.D. is the highest degree you can get in a specific field. Frank Crossley was the very first person to get a Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering from his university. He was also the first person of African ancestry to earn a Ph.D. in metallurgy anywhere! His Ph.D. research focused on creating new types of titanium.

During World War II, Frank Crossley was part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program. This program helped pay for his college tuition. He also became an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1945.

Research and Career Highlights

Frank Crossley served as an officer in the U.S. Navy on the ship USS Storm King. After his military service, he became a professor at Tennessee State University from 1950 to 1952. There, he led the foundry engineering department.

He then worked at the Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute for many years, from 1952 to 1966. Later, he joined Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in 1966. At Lockheed, he spent 20 years studying titanium. He worked in different important roles, like managing departments for missile parts and being a consultant engineer.

From 1986 to 1991, he worked at Aerojet. This company works on aerospace technology, like rocket engines. He was a research director for materials used in propulsion.

Frank Crossley wrote more than 60 scientific papers and received seven patents for his inventions. After retiring in 1991, he continued to share his knowledge. He gave presentations about his career and tutored young students in math and science. His amazing work and dedication are still remembered today. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) created a diversity award in his name to honor his legacy.

Awards and Recognition

Frank Crossley received many awards for his important contributions:

• American Society for Metals, International Fellow
• Who’s Who in America, editions 41–62 (1980–2008)
• Professional Service Award of the Northern California Council of Black Professional Engineers (1981)
• GenCorp Aerojet, R. B. Young Technical Innovation Award (1990)
• Illinois Institute of Technology Alumni Medal (2009)
• TMS Fellow (2019)