University of Virginia Library

Beams Receives AEC Citation
For Work In Physics Centrifuge

University Physics Prof.
Emeritus Dr. Jesse W. Beams
has been named to receive a
citation from the U.S. Atomic
Energy Commission for his
"outstanding" contributions to
the nuclear energy program.

Selected for Centrifuge Work

Mr. Beams is one of three
scientists selected to receive
AEC citations at AEC
headquarters in Germantown,
Md. on Nov.2. He was selected
for his work in the
development of the gas
centrifuge for separating
isotopes.

The citation honors Mr.
Beam "for his outstanding
contributions to the nation's
atomic energy program as a
pioneer in the field of gas
centrifugation; for his creative
and dynamic leadership of the
University of Virginia's
wartime effort on the gas
centrifuge process; for his
continued research which
culminated in expansion of the
Atomic Energy Commission's
research and development
program; for his expert
guidance of the General
Advisory Committee; as a
member of the Committee of
Senior Reviewers and as a
consultant."

Mr. Beams graduated from
Fairmont College (now Wichita
State University) in 1921, and
received his physics doctorate
from the University in 1925. In
1928 he joined the University
faculty and was appointed full
professor in 1930. Mr. Beams
was named chairman of the
Physics Department in 1948.

After his retirement in
1969, Mr. Beams was named a
Professor Emeritus of Physics
and senior research scholar by
the University's Board of
Visitors.

In 1968 Mr. Beams was
awarded the National Medal of
Science, the government's
highest award for distinguished
achievement in science,
mathematics and engineering.
President Lyndon B. Johnson
presented the award honoring
him for his work with
centrifuges.

Mr. Beams is a member of
the National Academy of
Sciences and served as the
American Physical Society's
President in 1958-59. During
World War II, his research
also included work with jet
propulsion systems for guided
missiles.