Background
Hurwitz, Henry was born on December 25, 1918 in New York City. Son of Henry and Ruth (Sapinsky) Hurwitz.
Hurwitz, Henry was born on December 25, 1918 in New York City. Son of Henry and Ruth (Sapinsky) Hurwitz.
He graduated from Cornell University in 1938, with an Master of Surgery in physics. He then went to Harvard University in 1939 and received a Doctor of Philosophy in quantum mechanics in 1941.
In 1943 he was recruited by Hans Bethe to help Edward Teller"s staff of researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico develop the thermonuclear reactions for the hydrogen bomb. In 1946, Hurwitz became one of the first scientists to work at General Electric"s Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Schenectady, New New York In 1947 he transferred to the General Electric Research and Development Center to become manager of the Nucleonics and Radiation Branch.
His team of scientists used advanced theta-pinch techniques to harness fusion reactions.
In 1955, a year after Fortune Magazine named him as one of the top 10 scientists in United States. industry, Hurwitz contributed to establishing the first atomic containment sphere for General Electric. The development advanced industry-wide safety protocols for enclosing nuclear reactors. He died on April 14, 1992 in Schenectady, New York of cancer, at age 73.
Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Physical Society, American Nuclear Society (Glenn Seaborg medal for research on peaceful uses of nuclear energy 1989, chairman N.E. New York section 1974-1975), New York Academy Sciences. Member Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (senior), Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, Alpha Nu Sigma.
Married Jean Klein, 1944 (divorced). 1 child, Barry I.; married Alma Rosenbaum, April 15,1951. Children: Robin Elaine, Julia Lea, Wayne Mark.