Kevin Greenaugh facts for kids

Kevin Charles Greenaugh (born May 15, 1956 – died December 17, 2023) was an important American nuclear engineer. He worked as a top leader at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in Washington, D.C., USA. He helped keep our country safe by working with nuclear science.

Early Life and Learning

Kevin Greenaugh was born in the United Kingdom. He grew up as part of a US military family. He lived in Berlin during the Cold War, a time of tension between countries. Later, his family moved to Augusta, Georgia, in the United States. There, they faced the difficulties of segregation, which meant people were kept apart because of their race.

Greenaugh's Education Journey

Greenaugh went to school in Berlin. He later made history by becoming the first African American to earn a special degree called a doctorate in nuclear engineering. He earned this degree from the University of Maryland.

He also earned other degrees along the way. He got a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Mercer University. He earned two master's degrees from the University of New Mexico: one in nuclear engineering and another in public policy. He also studied at the University of Arizona and received an engineering certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Kevin Greenaugh's Career

Kevin Greenaugh had a very important job at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). He was the Assistant Deputy Administrator for Strategic Partnership Programs. This means he helped manage important projects that worked with other groups. He also advised the NNSA Administrator on important decisions.

Working with Government Leaders

Greenaugh often spoke with members of the US Congress. He gave them information and answered their questions. He even spoke at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee meeting. He also briefed the Senate Armed Services Committee about nuclear science and how it helps keep the country safe.

Protecting Earth from Space

Greenaugh was involved in managing the Planetary Defense Coordination Office. This office studies objects in space that are near Earth. Their goal is to understand these objects and help prevent them from hitting our planet.

He also worked at the MITRE Corporation and Los Alamos National Laboratory. At these places, he did research on energy and how to prevent nuclear weapons from spreading.

Teaching the Next Generation

For more than 25 years, Greenaugh was a professor at Howard University. He taught engineering students there. He also shared his knowledge at the United States Air Force Academy, helping to educate future leaders.

Awards and Recognition

Kevin Greenaugh received many awards for his hard work and achievements.

Special Honors

• Mercer University named him a Distinguished Alumnus, which is a high honor for former students.
• In 2006, he won the Black Engineer of the Year award for his work in government. This award was given by Career Communications and recognized by the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland.
• He received the Centennial Award for Science from the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in 2011.
• He also earned the National Trail Blazer Award in Science.

The Kevin C. Greenaugh Award

To honor his many achievements, the A. James Clark School of Engineering created a special award. It is called the Kevin C. Greenaugh Award. This award is given to people who show great leadership, professional success, and make a big impact in technology.

Passing Away

Kevin Greenaugh passed away on December 17, 2023. He had been battling pancreatic cancer for nine months.