Warren Elliot Henry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Warren Elliot Henry
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Henry performing research at cryogenic temperatures in NRL's high magnetic field facility
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| Born | February 18, 1909 |
| Died | October 31, 2001 (aged 92) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Tuskegee Institute, Atlanta University, University of Chicago |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | physics of magnetism and superconductivity |
| Institutions | Tuskegee Institute, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Howard University |
Warren Elliot Henry (born February 18, 1909 – died October 31, 2001) was an amazing American physicist. A physicist is a scientist who studies how the world works, from tiny atoms to huge galaxies. Dr. Henry was known for his important work with magnetism and superconductivity. He helped science and technology grow a lot. He also taught and guided many young scientists.
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Early Life and Education
Warren Elliot Henry was born in Evergreen, Alabama in 1909. He followed his parents' path and went to Tuskegee Institute. He studied Mathematics, English, and French. In 1931, he earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science.
Before continuing his studies, he worked as a school principal. He then earned a Master of Science degree in organic chemistry. This was from Atlanta University in 1937. While studying, he also taught at Spelman College and Morehouse College. He later earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Chicago in 1941.
A Career in Science
After finishing his studies, Dr. Henry returned to Tuskegee Institute to teach. Some of his students were part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. These were brave pilots who flew during World War II.
From 1943 to 1946, Dr. Henry worked at MIT's Radiation Laboratory. He then worked with another famous scientist, Clarence Zener, at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Henry later became a physicist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. He worked there from 1948 to 1960. After that, he worked as an engineer and scientist at Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. He then became a physics professor at Howard University. He wrote many scientific articles during his career.
Inspiring Future Scientists
Dr. Henry officially retired in 1977. But he never stopped working on research. He also spent a lot of time helping and encouraging new scientists. He traveled around the world, giving talks and presentations.
He worked for many years with a program called Minorities Access to Research Careers (MARC). This program helps students from diverse backgrounds get into science. Dr. Henry also started a committee for minorities in physics. This was for the American Physical Society. He was also an early leader of the National Society of Black Physicists.
The New York Times wrote about Dr. Henry after he passed away. They mentioned that he studied with several Nobel Prize winners. These included Dr. Arthur Compton, Dr. Wolfgang Pauli, and Dr. Robert A. Millikan. He even played tennis with Dr. Enrico Fermi, another Nobel winner!
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Henry received many awards for his important work. He was a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He was also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
In 1974-75, he was named an Outstanding Educator in America. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Science Foundation. In 1997, he got the Technical Achiever Award of the Year. This was from the National Technical Association.
Also in 1997, he received the first Annual Golden Torch Award. This was for his lifetime achievements in engineering. It was given by the National Society of Black Engineers. In 1999, his old university, the University of Chicago, honored him. They recognized his amazing work in cryogenics and magnetism.
Images for kids
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Henry performing research at cryogenic temperatures in NRL's high magnetic field facility
