Jerome Wiesner: Science Advisor and Founder of NASA
The name Jerome Wiesner is synonymous with innovation, leadership, and patience. His intelligence, passion, and knowledge of science, combined with his will to push forward and make a difference, have made him an instrumental figure in American history. From his work on cutting-edge technologies along with President John F. Kennedy to his active role in the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Jerome Wiesner was a physicist and scientist who made a lasting impact.
Early Life and Career
Jerome Wiesner was born in Detroit, Michigan in a Jewish family on October 11, 1915. He attended the University of Michigan and received his B.S. in 1939 and his Ph.D. in Physics in 1942. Wiesner worked on the Manhattan Project throughout WWII which gave him invaluable experience in the emerging disciplines of energy, communication, and nuclear physics.
He then went on to teach at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and during this time he started to join the work of the Radiation Laboratory. During his time at MIT, he worked with his graduate students to develop the first microwave tubes, which were the basis for all digital communications. These devices are still used today in computers, televisions, and telephones.
Wiesner also served as President and then Vice President of Research related to the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1952. In 1956 he became Dean of Science at MIT.
Science Advisory to President John F. Kennedy
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy asked Wiesner to become the Science Advisor to the President, as a way to bridge the gap between the government and scientific community. During his time as Science Advisor, Wiesner worked to make advances in areas such as space technology, atmospheric physics, energy, and nuclear security.
He was instrumental in the creation of the Peace Corps and the establishment of the President’s Scientific Advisory Council. Wiesner was a close confident and advisor to President Kennedy and helped him to make informed decisions on scientific matters.
Establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
In 1962, President Kennedy issued a challenge to America to put a man on the moon and return him safely by the end of the decade. This challenge was a monumental task, so with the help of Jerome Wiesner, President Kennedy gathered several of the leading space engineers and experts in the country to establish the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Wiesner was a key figure in the development of NASA and his input was invaluable in shaping the policies and regulations that would govern the new agency. He helped to ensure that NASA was able to provide proper guidance and oversight of the space exploration program, while still allowing the scientific community the freedom to pursue research and innovation.
Jerome Wiesner’s Legacy
In 1972, Wiesner left his post as Science Advisor and returned to his old post at MIT, where he taught until 1982. Throughout his life, he was focused on progress and was passionate about ensuring that the world moved forward and continued to make scientific advances. In addition to the work he did to create NASA, Wiesner was a big advocate for arms control, nuclear non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Overall, Jerome Wiesner is remembered as an inspirational scientist and leader who was instrumental in the creation of NASA and the advancement of the world of science. He strived to increase understanding between the world of science and government, and advocate for the peaceful use of science. Many of his achievements are still remembered today, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
Jerome Wiesner was an inspirational scientist and leader who was instrumental in the creation of NASA and the advancement of science. He was a strong advocate for arms control, energy, and the peaceful use of nuclear technology, and his work paved the way for many of the scientific advances made today. His legacy lives on through the work he did to bridge the gap between the world of science and government and make sure that the world moved forward and continued to make progress. His achievements are still remembered today, and will continue to be for years to come.
