Series VII: Personal , 1956 - 2015

Alexander Jack Dessler received his Bachelor of Science in Physics from the California Institute of Technology and his Doctorate in Physics from Duke University. He began his career as a senior scientist at Lockheed Missles and Space Company in CA; moved to professor in Atmospheric and Space Sciences for the Southwest Center for Advanced Studies, Science Advisor for the National Aeronautics and Space Council, President of the Universities Space Research Association, Vice President of the Internaional Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, Director of Space Science Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. He founded the first university department of space science at Rice, was professor of Space Physics and Astronomy, and chaired the department four times. He retired from Rice in 1993. His awards include the Macelwane Award from the American Geophysical Union, Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aerospace Science, Medal for contributions to international geophysics, Rotaty National Stellar Award for Academic Development, the Fleming Medal for original research and technical leadership in geomagnetism, atmospheric electricity, aeronomy; and most recently the Arctowski Medal for outstanding contributions to the study of solar physics and solar terrestrial relationships. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Geophysical Union; a member of the American Astronomical Society and foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.