Cellphone Inventor: | “Henry Sampson Jr.: The Inventor of the Cellular Phone and More”

Abstract: Henry Sampson Jr. was an African-American engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of nuclear engineering and the creation of the cellular phone. He was the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and was recognized with numerous awards for his work. In addition to his engineering career, Sampson was also a writer, film historian, and documentary film producer. This article will explore Sampson's life, career, and contributions to various fields.

Introduction:

Henry Sampson Jr. was a pioneer in the field of engineering and a prominent figure in the African-American community. He was known for his work in nuclear engineering and his contribution to the creation of the cellular phone. Sampson was also a writer, film historian, and documentary film producer who focused on the African-American presence in the film and entertainment industries.

Career and Contributions:

Sampson attended Morehouse College and transferred to Purdue University, where he received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He went on to obtain a master's degree in engineering from the University of California and an MS in nuclear engineering and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois.

In 1971, Sampson was awarded a patent for the "gamma-electric cell," which was used in the cellular phone. This technology helped to revolutionize the telecommunications industry and paved the way for the creation of the modern-day cellular phone.

Sampson was also recognized for his work in nuclear engineering, receiving numerous awards for his contributions to the field. He was awarded the Atomic Energy Commission Award from 1964 to 1967 and was named a fellow in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1964. In 2008, he was honored among the "Twenty Chemical Engineers in Other Pursuits" at the AIChE Centennial Meeting in Philadelphia.

Aside from his engineering work, Sampson was also a writer, film historian, and documentary film producer. He wrote five books about the portrayal of African Americans in movies, cartoons, and on radio. He also produced several documentaries that focused on the African-American presence in the film and entertainment industries.

Personal Life:

Sampson was married to Laura Howzell Young-Sampson, a professor at California State University-San Bernardino. Together, they were working on a biography before Sampson's passing.

Conclusion:

Henry Sampson Jr. was a trailblazer in the fields of engineering, telecommunications, and entertainment. His work in nuclear engineering and the creation of the gamma-electric cell helped to revolutionize the telecommunications industry and paved the way for the modern-day cellular phone. Sampson's contributions to the African-American community through his work in film history and documentary film production are also noteworthy. His legacy continues to inspire and influence future generations of engineers, inventors, and writers.