Norman Hackerman
The information listed below is current as of the date the transcript was finalized.
Interview Details
Interview Sessions
Abstract of Interview
In this, his third of three interviews with James J. Bohning of the Chemical Heritage Foundation, Norman Hackerman begins by reviewing the origins of his association with The Electrochemical Society (ECS), which was related to his interest in the oxygen electrode as a student. He recalls his first paper, presented at an ECS conference and published in the Transactions of the American Electrochemical Society, and the first colleagues he met at this ECS meeting. He next describes the character of The ECS at that time, comparing it with the American Chemical Society (ACS), as well as the origins of the society's journal and his involvement in publication and editorial activities. Hackerman touches briefly upon his committee work before examining the growth, structure, membership, and functions of The ECS during his appointments. Finally he describes achievements and obstacles during his tenure as Vice President and then President, and his view of the Society's influence on electrochemistry and related fields.
Education
| Year | Institution | Degree | Discipline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Johns Hopkins University | AB | Chemistry |
| 1935 | Johns Hopkins University | PhD | Chemistry |
Professional Experience
Loyola College
Colloid Corporation
US Coast Guard
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Kellex Corporation
University of Texas at Austin
Rice University
The Robert A. Welch Foundation
Honors
| Year(s) | Award |
|---|---|
| 1956 | Whitney Award, National Association of Corrosion Engineers |
| 1964 | Joseph L. Mattiello Award |
| 1965 | Palladium Medal, The Electrochemical Society |
| 1965 | Southwest Regional Award, American Chemical Society |
| 1972 | LLD, St. Edwards University |
| 1975 | DSc, Austin College |
| 1975 | Honor Scroll, Texas Institute of Chemists |
| 1978 | DSc, Texas Christian University |
| 1978 | LLD, Abilene Christian University |
| 1978 | Gold Medal, American Institute of Chemists |
| 1981 | Mirabeau B. Lamar Award, Association of Texas Colleges and Universities |
| 1982 | Distinguished Alumnus Award, Johns Hopkins University |
| 1984 | Edward Goodrich Acheson Award, The Electrochemical Society |
| 1984 | Alumni Gold Medal for Distinguished Service, Rice University |
| 1987 | Charles Lathrop Parsons Award |
| 1987 | Philip Hauge Abelson Prize, American Association for the Advancement of Science |
| 1993 | Vannevar Bush Award, National Science Board |
| 1993 | Doctor of Public Service, University of North Texas |
| 1993 | National Medal of Science |
| 1999 | Texas Distinguished Scientist Award, Texas Academy of Science |
Table of Contents
Research at Johns Hopkins University. Association with The Electrochemical Society. First paper. Colleagues in The ECS.
Appointment as Chairman of Publication Committee. Appointment as TechnicalEditor, then Editor of journal. Evolution of journal. Editorial system of journal.
Palladium Medal. Chairman of the Corrosion Division of The ECS. Role in initiating Electrochemical Technology journal. Growth in membership of The ECS. Nature of membership and Society in general.
Influence, accomplishments, and problems as President of The ECS. Relationship of The ECS to other societies. The ECS's contributions to electrochemistry.
About the Interviewer
James J. Bohning was professor emeritus of chemistry at Wilkes University, where he had been a faculty member from 1959 to 1990. He served there as chemistry department chair from 1970 to 1986 and environmental science department chair from 1987 to 1990. Bohning was chair of the American Chemical Society’s Division of the History of Chemistry in 1986; he received the division’s Outstanding Paper Award in 1989 and presented more than forty papers at national meetings of the society. Bohning was on the advisory committee of the society’s National Historic Chemical Landmarks Program from its inception in 1992 through 2001 and is currently a consultant to the committee. He developed the oral history program of the Chemical Heritage Foundation, and he was CHF’s director of oral history from 1990 to 1995. From 1995 to 1998, Bohning was a science writer for the News Service group of the American Chemical Society. In May 2005, he received the Joseph Priestley Service Award from the Susquehanna Valley Section of the American Chemical Society. Bohning passed away in September 2011.