How did Walter Lincoln Hawkins impact the world? For his invention and contribution to the commercialization of long-lived plastic coatings for communications cable that has saved billions of dollars for telephone companies around the world; and for his leadership in encouraging minorities to pursue science and engineering careers.
What did Walter Lincoln Hawkins invent?
Walter Lincoln Hawkins (March 21, 1911 – August 20, 1992) was an African-American scientist and inventor who, while working at Bell Laboratories in the 1940s, made universal service possible. Hawkins developed a plastic to cover telephone wires ; a new material that was lightweight,and less expensive than the lead sheathing used at that time.
What obstacles did Walter Lincoln Hawkins face?
Growing up in the early 20th century, Walter Lincoln Hawkins faced immeasurable obstacles as an African-American, orphaned at a young age, attempting to gain an education to pursue his passion of math and science.
What did James Hawkins do for Education?
Throughout his career Hawkins made enormous contributions as a mentor and educator. He became the first chairman of the American Chemical Society’s Summer Educational Experience for the Economically Disadvantaged (SEED) program. Additionally, he served as a board member at several educational institutions.
What did Walter Hawkins do in WW2?
During World War II Hawkins helped develop synthetic substitutes for rubber, a vital wartime resource that was largely controlled by Axis powers. Among his numerous technical achievements, he designed a lab test to predict the durability of a plastic surface using spectroscopy.
How did Hawkins help make universal telephone service possible?
Hawkins helped make universal telephone service possible by developing a durable plastic to cover telephone wires– a new material that was lightweight and less expensive than the lead sheathing used at that time.
Who was the scientist who worked at Bell Labs?
Hawkins, who worked at Bell Labs for 34 years, became assistant director of their chemical research lab in 1974. He became an expert, not only in making plastics last longer, but in recycling these seemingly indestructible products. By the end of his career, Hawkins had received 18 U.S. and 129 foreign patents.
What was Walter Lincoln Hawkins's education?
Growing up in the early 20th century, Walter Lincoln Hawkins faced immeasurable obstacles as an African-American, orphaned at a young age, attempting to gain an education to pursue his passion of math and science.
Is Hawkins wire coating toxic?
Previous wire coatings were costly, toxic, or too easily worn down by the weather. Hawkins’ polymer, which was made from plastic with a chemical additive composed of carbon and antioxidants, was cheaper, safer to use, and resistant to extreme weather conditions.
Where was Walter Hawkins born?
He faced a difficult upbringing in a world where it was difficult for African Americans to find adequate encouragement in education and at work. He attended the acclaimed, all-black Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., where he showed promise in math and science and developed a sense of self-confidence that propelled him toward his dreams.
When was the first black engineer inducted into the National Academy of Engineering?
In 1975, he became the first black engineer to be inducted into the National Academy of Engineering. Bell Labs’ annual W. Lincoln Hawkins Mentoring Excellence Award is named in his honor. In 2010, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Is Hawkins plastic still used?
It is still used today to protect fiber optic cable. Hawkins was named Head of Plastics Chemistry R&D at Bell Labs and later, Assistant Director of the Chemical Research Laboratory. In 1963, he became Bell Labs' Supervisor of Applied Research, and in 1972, he was promoted to department head.