Alex J. Dessler Academic Papers

Alexander J. Dessler, Professor Emeritus of Space Physics and Astromony, is known for founding the world's first university department of space science at Rice University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from California Institute of Technology and a Doctorate in Physics from Duke University. He served three terms as Chairman of the Dept. of Space Physics & Astronomy and Professor of Space Physics & Astronomy from 1963. He held positions fo Director of Space Science Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, President of the Universities Space Science Assoc., Science Advisor of the National Aeronatics & Space Council, as well as Senior Scientist at Lockheed Missles and Space Co. His awards include the American Geophysical Union Macelwane Award, Soviet Geophysical Committee Medal for Contributions to International Geophysics, Rotary National Award for Academic Development, Fleming Award, and the Arctowski Medal.