Background
Owen Saunders was born in Streatham, London, the only son of Alfred George Saunders, an engineer, and Margaret Ellen Saunders (née Jones).
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Owen Saunders
Edit Profileengineer magician mathematician
Education
Saunders was educated at Emanuel School in south London (1913-1919). He continued his studies in parallel, gaining a first class Bachelor of Science in special mathematics and an Master of Science in physics.
Career
From 1926-1932, Saunders started work as a scientific officer at the Fuel Research Station, part of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, in Greenwich. In 1932, Saunders joined Imperial College as a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In 1937, he became the first Clothworkers Reader in Thermodynamics.
He researched aircraft piston engines and jet engines.
In 1942, during World World War II, he joined the Ministry of Aircraft Production. He undertook research into turbine engines, working with Sir Harold Roxbee Cox and Sir Frank Whittle.
In 1946, he returned to Imperial College as Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Between 1964-1966, Saunders was the Dean of the City and Guilds College.
In 1966, he became Acting Rector of Imperial College after the sudden death of Sir Patrick Linstead, then the Rector.
From 1967-1969, he was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London. In 1985, as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Holloway College, he oversaw its merger with Bedford College.
Achievements
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Saunders was a Fellow of the Royal Society (elected 1958) and the Royal Academy of Engineering. He was President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 1960 and was made an Honorary Fellow in 1965. He was created a Knight Bachelor for his services in 1965. He won the Max Jakob Memorial Award in 1966.
Membership
Royal Society.
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Born
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Died
October 10, 1993 (aged 90) -
Nationality
English