George R. Harrison

George Russell Harrison (July 14, 1898 – July 27, 1979) was an American physicist.

Harrison became Professor of Experimental Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1930, and was appointed the school's Dean of Science in 1942; he also headed MIT's Spectroscopy Laboratory. During World War II, he was chief of the Optics Division of the National Defense Research Committee, and later head of the Office of Field Service of the Office of Scientific Research and Development. He served as president of the Optical Society of America from 1945-46 and was awarded the Frederic Ives Medal in 1949. He was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1946 by President Harry Truman. He remained Dean of Science at MIT until his retirement in 1964.

Famous quotes containing the word harrison:

    [James G. Blaine’s] devotion to the public interests, his marked ability, and his exalted patriotism have won for him the gratitude and affection of his countrymen and the admiration of the world. In the varied pursuits of legislation, diplomacy, and literature his genius has added new luster to American citizenship.
    —Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901)