Black Scientific Renaissance at Bell Labs at Morven 5.17.22 – intro: Shirley Satterfield [Video]

Moderated by William Massey – Introduction Jill Barry Morven Museum & Garden Executive Director, Q&A Debra Lampert-Rudman
Panelists:
Clyde G Bethea
In 1970, Clyde G. Bethea earned an Electronics Technology (AASET) degree from New York Technical College. He was recruited by the Research Division of Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, NJ, where his research career spanned over 35 years. He demonstrated innovation and expertise in the areas of advanced non-linear optics and laser physics addressing many complex challenges in industry. Throughout his career, Bethea received extensive training in Quantum Physics, Advanced Mathematics and Advanced Optical Systems at Stevens, NJIT and Bell Laboratories.
Bethea has over 30 domestics patents (over 100 worldwide) and over 180 authored/co authored peer-reviewed publications in the field of lasers, imaging, and quantum electronics. Bethea was awarded Black Engineer of the Year Award in 1989 for Outstanding and Innovative Technical Contributions, and Best Paper Award in 1988 from IEEE for his work on QWIP detectors. Bethea also received an award from the Association of Electrical Engineers of Italy for his work on picosecond time-domain reflectometers.
In 2001, he was inducted into the Space Foundation Hall of Fame (sponsored by NASA and U.S. military) for his invention of the Quantum Well Photodetector (QWIP) camera. Throughout his career, Bethea has mentored students in Science and Engineering at all educational levels including graduates/PhDs.
As Executive Vice President of Quantum Technologies, Consultants, LLC, Bethea is currently conducting research on laser imaging for (non-invasive) early-detection of breast cancer tumors (patent-pending).
Marian Croak
Dr. Marian Croak leads the center of expertise on responsible AI within Google Research as a VP. The center is responsible for ensuring Google develops artificial intelligence responsibly and that it has a positive impact. For almost seven years, she’s been a VP at Google working on everything from site reliability engineering to bringing public Wi-Fi to India’s railroads. Marian joined Google in late 2014 after retiring from AT&T as an SVP responsible for advanced research and innovation, and designing and developing one of the world’s largest wireless and broadband networks. She managed over 2,000 world-class engineers and computer scientists.
Marian holds over 200 patents, mostly focused on IP technology. Marian has received numerous awards, including the 2013 and 2014 Edison Patent Awards, and was inducted into the Women in Technology International’s Hall of Fame in 2013. She is a strong supporter of STEM initiatives, served on many boards including NACME and Catalyst, and personally mentors many individuals in STEM. She is currently a member of the Corporate Advisory Board for the University of Southern California’s School of Engineering, and the Schwartz Reisman Institute Advisory Board. Marian was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and National Academy of Engineering in 2022.
William A. Massey
In 2001, Dr. Massey accepted the position of Edwin S. Wilsey Professor of Operations Research and Financial Engineering at Princeton University, making him the first tenured African American mathematician at an Ivy League University. He is currently a Full Professor.
In 1995, Dr. Massey founded the Council for African American Researchers in the Mathematical Sciences (CAARMS), an organization hosting its 24th meeting this summer hosted by Princeton University and The Institute for Advanced Science. The CAARMS meetings provide a forum where minority researchers in the mathematical sciences can meet each other and find out about their work across different mathematical fields. This forum also serves as a place to meet and mentor minority graduate students as well as encourage them to obtain doctoral degrees.
In 2006, Dr. Massey won the Blackwell-Tapia Award for his “outstanding record of achievement in mathematical research and his mentoring of minorities and women in the field of mathematics”. In 2013, he became a member of the inaugural class of American Mathematical Society Fellows.
James West
In 1962, James West and Gerhard Sessler patented the electret microphone while working at Bell Laboratories. The microphone became widely used because of its high performance, accuracy, and reliability, in addition to its low cost, small size, and light weight.
West was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia. While attending Temple University, he interned at Bell Labs during his summer breaks and upon his graduation in 1957, he joined the company and began work in electroacoustics, physical acoustics, and architectural acoustics.
West, who is a Fellow of IEEE and a recipient of the George R. Stibitz Trophy, is the recipient of over 200 U.S. and foreign patents. He has also been honored with the 2006 National Medal of Technology. West is also an advocate for science education, particularly among minority students.