Julian Earls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julian Earls
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Earls in 2016
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| Born | November 22, 1942 |
| Alma mater | Norfolk State University University of Rochester University of Michigan Harvard University |
| Awards | NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | NASA |
| Thesis | Radiation protection guides for long range space missions; Radiological health aspects of fabricating operations with thoriated metals. (1975) |
Julian Manly Earls, born on November 22, 1942, is an American physicist. He worked for NASA for more than 40 years. He earned two special awards called the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal. He was also recognized by two US Presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, for his important work in the government's Senior Executive Service.
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Early Life and Education
Julian Earls was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on November 22, 1942. His mother, Ida, was a seamstress, and his father, James, worked on the railroads. Both his parents and his first-grade teacher encouraged him to study hard in school.
High School and College
He went to Crestwood High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. While there, he participated in science and math fairs. Julian was the first person in his family to go to college. He chose to study physics at Norfolk State University because they did not have an engineering program. He earned his first degree in 1964. In 1963, he joined a fraternity called Kappa Alpha Psi.
Graduate Studies and Early Career
After college, Julian was encouraged to continue his studies. He went to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and earned a master's degree in 1965. In the same year, he started his career at NASA. He also spent a summer working at the Brookhaven National Laboratory.
NASA's Lewis Research Center hired him as a medical physicist. They supported him as he earned his doctoral degree in radiation physics from the University of Michigan. Later, he became the Head of Health Physics and Licensing. He also served as the Radiological Safety Officer, making sure everyone was safe from radiation.
Supporting Students in Science
In 1983, Dr. Earls started something very important. He created the Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology. This fund helps black students financially so they can study science and technology at historically black colleges and universities.
Research and Career at NASA
After getting his doctorate, Dr. Earls returned to NASA. He continued to work in Health Physics. At the same time, he also studied business at Harvard University.
Leadership Roles at NASA
His career at NASA included many important leadership roles. In 1983, he became the Chief of the Health, Safety, and Security Division. Then, in 1988, he was promoted to Director of the Office of Health and Services.
In 2003, he became the Director of the Glenn Research Center. This was a very big job! He was in charge of technology, research and development, and creating new systems. He managed a budget of over a billion dollars and led a team of 4,500 people. He was even part of the team that helped launch the Apollo 13 lunar program.
Breaking Barriers and Teaching
During his time at NASA, Dr. Earls achieved many "firsts." He was the first African-American man to be appointed as a section head, office chief, division chief, and deputy director. He also wrote the first two health physics and environmental guides for NASA. Besides his work at NASA, he taught math, physics, and radiation biology at Capital University.
Retirement and Later Work
In 2005, after a career of 40 years, Dr. Earls retired from NASA. After retiring, he joined Cleveland State University as an Executive in Residence. He also became a member of the Board of Trustees for Alabama A&M University in 2005. He also serves on the Board of Directors for ANSER.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Earls has received many awards and honors for his achievements:
- 1988: Inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.
- 1999: Inducted into the Senior Executive Service by President Bill Clinton.
- 2004: Inducted into the Senior Executive Service by President George W. Bush.
- 2005: Received the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal.
- 2007: Received an Honorary Degree from Howard University.
- 2015: Received an Honorary Doctorate from Cleveland State University.
- 2017: Received the Laurel Wreath from Kappa Alpha Psi.
He also holds several other honorary degrees. These include a doctorate of science from the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. He also has a degree in pedagogy from Nova Southeastern University. He received an honorary degree in humane letters from North Carolina A&T State University. The Dr. Julian M. Earls College Scholarship is given out every year by the National Technical Association to help students.
Personal Life
Julian Earls is married to Zenobia, who is a public school teacher in Cleveland. They have two sons. Their son, Julian Earls Jr., is a neurologist. Their other son, Gregory Earls, is a filmmaker who lives in California. Dr. Earls also has two granddaughters.
Dr. Earls is also an athlete. He has completed 27 marathons, which are very long running races. In 2002, he was chosen to be a torch bearer for the Salt Lake City Olympic Games.
