Background
Born in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, he grew up in Northampton, Massachusetts. His father was a professor of physics at Smith College.
Born in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, he grew up in Northampton, Massachusetts. His father was a professor of physics at Smith College.
Alan also became a physicist, doing his undergraduate and doctoral work at Princeton University, from which he obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in 1916.
He later became a professor at Yale University, and moved to North Haven, Connecticut in 1929. During World World War II, he took leave of absence from Yale to become director of field operations for the Office of Scientific Research and Development, and the family moved to Cambridge, Master of Arts. He continued his government work and became deputy chief of the Office of Naval Research. In 1950, he was appointed by President Truman as first director of the United States. National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).
He died in 1967.
Alan and Mary had six children: Alan Junior., an atmospheric physicist who taught at Stanford University, Neil, Barbara, Anne, and Guy, writer, climber, and conservationist. A daughter Mary died in childhood. He believed in public service.
He had a fine voice and singing together was a family ritual.
An avid outdoorsman, Doctor Waterman canoed the rivers and lakes of northern Maine during extensive summer trips in the 1930s and 1940s. Doctor Waterman was known to say that becoming a licensed Maine Guide meant possibly more to him than his National Science Foundation appointment.
The crater Waterman on the Moon is named after him, as is Mount Waterman in the Hughes Range of Antarctica.
Possessed of a gentle nature, Alan Waterman was known for his calm and reasoned point of view.
Member National aeronautics Member Federal Council for Science and Technology Member Distinguished Civilian Service Awards, Board, 1957-1960.
Member American Institute of Elctrical Engineering, Washington Academy Science, Philosophical
Member editorial board, American Journal
Married Mary Mallon, August 1917. Children: Alan Tower, Neil John, Barbara (Mistress Joseph R. Carney), Anne (Mistress William C. Cooley), Guy van Vorst.