Bronk, Detlev W. (Detlev Wulf), 1897-1975

Scientist and educator, Detlev W. Bronk was born in New York City in 1897. He received the B.A. from Swarthmore College in 1920, the M.S. in physics in 1922, and the Ph.D. in physics and physiology, both from the University of Michigan. From 1928 to 1929, as a Fellow of the National Research Council, he conducted studies with English scientists E.D. Adrian and A. V. Hill on the mode of discharge of impulses by motor nerve cells and shed light on many problems of sensory physiology and synaptic transmission. From 1942 to 1946, Bronk served as Coordinator of Research in the Air Surgeons Office of the U.S. Army Air Forces where he worked on improvements to night vision, pressure suits, and oxygen masks for pilots flying at high altitudes.

and speeds. Bronk served as President of Johns Hopkins University (1949-53) and Rockefeller University in New York City (1953-68). His professional activities included terms as Chairman of the National Research Council (1946-50), President of the National Academy of Sciences (1950-62),Chairman of the Board of the National Science Foundation (1956-64), and member of the President's Scientific Advisory Committee (1956-63).

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