Background
Olson, Walter Theodore was born on July 4, 1917 in Royal Oak, Michigan, United States. Son of Oscar Thomas and Edith Margaret (Ketcham) Olson.
Olson, Walter Theodore was born on July 4, 1917 in Royal Oak, Michigan, United States. Son of Oscar Thomas and Edith Margaret (Ketcham) Olson.
AB, DePauw University, 1939. Master of Science, Case Institute of Technology, 1940. Doctor of Philosophy, Case Institute of Technology, 1942.
Instructor, Case Institute Technology, 1941-1942; research scientist, Lewis Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, 1942-1945; chief combustion branch, Lewis Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1945-1950; chief chemistry and energy conversion research division, Lewis Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1950-1963; assistant director, Lewis Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1963-1972; director technical utilization and public affairs, Lewis Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1972-1981; distinguished research associate, Lewis Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1981-1982; private consultant, since 1981. Member numerous government advisory committees.
Director Build Up Greater Cleveland Program, 1981-1991. Vice chairman United Appeal Greater Cleveland, 1965-1973. Chairman legislation affairs Ohio Association Gifted Children, 1969-1976.
Trustee Blue Cross Northeast, Ohio, 1972-1984, Northeast Ohio Transit Coalition, since 1992. Member industry advisory committee College Engineers, Cleveland State University, 1975-1985, chairman, 1975-1976. Member Ohio Public Works Commission, 1988-1989.
Fellow American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (director 1969-1975, Distinguished Service award Cleveland-Akron section 1966, 75, Exceptional Service award 1981, other awards), American Association for the Advancement of Science. Member Combustion Institute (director since 1954), American Chemical Society, Sigma Xi, Phi Gamma Delta. Clubs: Cosmos (Washington).
City (Cleveland).
Married Ruth Elisabeth Barker, October 28, 1943. 1 child, David Paul.