George Edward Alcorn, Jr
By
John C Abercrombieo
Pioneer in the fields of aerospace and semiconductor devices. A noted academic and administrator,
George Edward Alcorn, Jr. is a noted pioneer in the field of semiconductor devices and one of the top inventors in the field of aerospace.
In 1979 he joined NASA and invented a well known X-ray spectrometer which had a wide range of applications including information about remote solar systems and other space objects.
George was born March 22, 1940 to George and Arletta Alcorn, Sr who instilled in him and his younger brother Charles the value of an education. Both were excellent students and George went to Occidental College in Los Angeles, California on an academic scholarship. He was a great athlete and received a letter in Baseball and Football each year.
He graduated with honors in Physics in 1962. He then enrolled in the Nuclear Physics at Howard University, completing his master’s degree in1963.
Occidental College is a private liberal college founded in 1887 as a coeducational college by the Presbyterian Church. It became non-sectarian in 1910 and is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast.
Howard University is a private, federally chartered historically Black University (HBCU). HBCU does not mean that it only has Black students, but these great schools were formed when it was impossible or nearly so for Blacks to enroll in other institutions of higher learning. They are on par with any other school.
Successful people don’t avoid the challenge, they step up and take it! Alcorn worked the summer of 1962 and 1963 for North American Rockwell working on analysis of orbital mechanics and launch technologies. He worked on the Titan and Saturn Rockets for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
He applied for a Nasa research grant and worked on this research in 1965 to 1967 while enrolled in the Physics program at Howard University, receiving his PhD in Atomic and Molecular physics in 1967.
He married his wife Marie DaViller in 1969.
George Alcorn worked For Philco-Ford developing satellite tracking systems for NASA’s manned space program, later working for Perkin Elmer a multinational technology corporation. In 1973 he was selected to teach as an IBM visiting professor in Electrical /engineering at Howard University.
He ultimately became a full professor and also taught at the University of the District of Columbia as a full professor.
Busy people can and are often successful people. Idle minds, no schedule, no discipline, lead to failure. In 1978 Alcorn joined NASA pioneering imaging X-ray spectrometry, which could be used to get information about remote solar systems and other space objects of interest.
He received a patent for the device in 1984. Because of his work, he was awarded the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center inventor of the year award. Never one to rest on his laurels, he developed an improved method of making and using laser drilling. Success breeds success.
NASA promoted him to management as deputy project manager for advanced development of the new technologies for use in the International Space Station, Freedom. In 1990 he was named manager for advanced programs and in 1992 to head the Office of Commercial programs as Goddard Space Flight Center. He also ran the Evolution program which oversaw the development and running of the space station.
In 1994 he was in charge of the shuttle experiment which utilized the “Robot Operation Material Program System” to conduct the manufacturing of material in the microgravity of space.
In 1999 George Alcorn was awarded the Government Technology Leadership award followed 2 years later by a special congressional recognition for his work aiding businesses in the Virgin Islands employing technology.
2005, he was named the Assistant Director for Standard Excellence in Applied Engineering and Technology Directorate at Goddard.
During his career, Alcorn secured over 25 patents and is recognized as a pioneer in the field of plasma semiconductor devices. His “plasma etching” has become a standard in the industry.
He is also recognized for his commitment to recruit minorities and women to NASA and to encourage inner-city children to focus on science in school. For this Alcorn was awarded the NASA EEO and honored by Howard University with its Heritage Greatness award.
Over his career, Alcorn created numerous noteworthy inventions and secured more than 25 patents. He is seen as a pioneer in the field of plasma semiconductor devices. His concept and implementation of “plasma etching” has become a standard in the industry. He also served his community well over the years, involving himself in programs aimed at recruiting minorities and women to NASA as well as programs to encourage inner-city children to focus on science. In 1984, Alcorn was awarded the NASA-EEO medal for his efforts and was honored by Howard University with its Heritage of Greatness award. A Shout out to Howard University Alma Mater of Vice-president Kamala Harris. A Shout out to ALL HBCU’s. ** As you scroll down through the books and videos, you will encounter some value offers. These take you directly to Amazon where you can do all your shopping. We encourage you to use our links as we receive a small royalty without cost to you. These funds help us continue to provide you with quality information.
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#GeorgeEdwardAlcorn #blackinventors Biography Of George Edward Alcorn
The Biography Of George Edward Alcorn Welcome to the biography of George Edward Alcorn . Please like, share, subscribe, and support the channel by purchasing the following related products. Visit my website above for free audio articles of any subject. I have also a service on which I can turn your articles into an audio file with English, French, German Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and many more. You can listen to these article audio files on your phone, car, computer, stereo, etc.
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Education and Teaching
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African-American Inventions That Changed The World: Influential Inventors and Their Revolutionary Creations
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George Alcorn, Jr was an example of a person who concentrated on his studies, but what is more remarkable is that he was able to use that knowledge in a practical manner. Alcorn did work in areas that we often overlook because we do not work on broadening our experiences and exposures. The same inquisitive mind that explored the possibilities is what led him his personal level of success. If you develop an interest, explore the possibilities, put in the work. Seek success! Electronic Components and Home Audio The area of interest that we have is varied. There are no limits on a mind that has been stimulated by subjects that inspire them to learn. If that interest is in this area, this is the place to start your exploration, using our Amazon affiliate link below
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Ivy’s Interview with Dr. George Alcorn
Ivy did a phone interview with Dr. George Alcorn. This is a few of the questions that he answered. We both appreciate Dr. Alcorn taking time out of his Saturday to do the interview with Ivy.
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George Alcorn JR: pioneer in aerospace and inventor of several inventions for space exploration
This video is about George Alcorn JR. A Pioneer in aerospace, and an inventor who helped make space exploration more advanced. REFERENCES:
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2015 NIHF Inductee – George Alcorn
George Alcorn is a pioneering physicist and engineer noted for his aerospace and semiconductor inventions. His x-ray imaging spectrometer, patented during his career at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), allowed for the detection of radio signatures at a more distant and accurate rate than previously possible and influenced the continued evolution of imaging devices. Learn more: http://www.invent.org/honor/inductees…
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Jaxon’s Magical Adventure with Black Inventors and Scientists is the first book in the series, Just Imagine…What If There Were No Black People in the World? A children’s chapter book about African American inventors and scientists. It is historical fantasy fiction – the main character has a magical necklace that allows him to see and talk to African American inventors and scientists from the past. A children’s chapter book about African American inventors and scientists. It is historical fantasy fiction – the main character has a magical necklace that allows him to see and talk to African American inventors and scientists from the past.
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George Edward Alcorn Jr. (imaging X-ray spectrometer.)
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George Alcorn was an amazing inventor because he developed an interest in finding how things work. He then studied to learn more about his interests. Not everyone has a scientific interest and that is ok, it is a matter of pursuing YOUR interests. It all starts with exploring subjects to find your interest and the freedom to explore those interests. There is much freedom available using such services as Kindle and Audible, your school library, the public library. The important thing is to pursue your interests. Best wishes on your journey to success. You are capable of amazing things. Believe in yourself!