Robert Henry Bragg Jr. facts for kids

Robert Henry "Pete" Bragg Jr. was a very smart scientist and professor. He was born on August 11, 1919, and passed away on October 2, 2017. He taught at the UC Berkeley College of Engineering. He worked in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He was known for being the first African-American to lead an engineering department at Berkeley.

Early Life and Education

Robert Bragg grew up in Chicago. He went to Tilden Technical High School. Later, he attended Woodrow Wilson Junior College.

During World War II, Bragg served in the military. After the war, he used money from the G.I. Bill. This program helped soldiers pay for college. He decided to study physics at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT).

Bragg earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science (BS), in 1949. He then got his Master of Science (MS) degree in 1951. After that, he worked at a company called Dover Electroplating. He also worked at the Portland Cement Association Research Laboratory.

He continued his studies and earned his PhD in physics in 1960. This was also from the Illinois Institute of Technology. From 1960 to 1969, he worked at the Palo Alto Research Laboratory. This lab was part of the Lockheed Missiles and Space Company.

Career as a Professor

In 1969, the University of California at Berkeley hired Dr. Bragg. He became a full professor there. He also worked as a main researcher at the Materials and Molecular Division. This division was at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.

Dr. Bragg's research focused on several interesting areas. He studied X-ray crystallography, which helps scientists understand how crystals are built. He also looked into eutectic solidification. This is about how certain materials mix and cool down. He also researched the properties of carbon materials.

While at Berkeley, Dr. Bragg helped students and faculty. He was on a board that advised the Black Studies program. He also managed a special program called the Chancellor's Fellowship Program. This program helped create opportunities for minority faculty members.

Dr. Bragg retired from Berkeley in 1987. He had a long and successful career there. From 1978 to 1981, he was the head of his department. At that time, he was one of only six Black faculty members at the university.

Later Years and Awards

Even after retiring, Dr. Bragg continued his important work. In 1992, he received a Fulbright fellowship. This allowed him to do research in Nigeria at the University of Ife.

He also helped create an exhibit for the Museum of African American Technology. This museum is located in Oakland.

In 1995, Dr. Bragg was honored by his peers. He became a fellow of the National Society of Black Physicists. This is a special recognition for physicists who are Black.

It is important to know that Robert Henry Bragg Jr. was not related to the famous British Bragg family of scientists.