Founder C. Harry Knowles Inducted into the Engineering and Science Hall of Fame
Founder C. Harry Knowles Inducted into the Engineering and Science Hall of Fame for Landmark Achievements as an Engineer, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
Moorestown, N.J., November 22, 2024 – The Knowles Teacher Initiative is pleased to announce that our co-founder, the late C. Harry Knowles, was inducted into the Engineering and Science Hall of Fame (ESHF) on November 13, 2024. Mr. Knowles joins a distinguished list of 71 renowned scientists and engineers, including George Washington Carver, Charles Drew, Henry Heimlich, Grace Hopper, Linus Pauling, Jonas Salk, Glenn Seaborg, Nikola Tesla, and the Wright Brothers. In addition to Mr. Knowles, this year’s class of inductees includes Shuji Nakamura, inventor of the blue and green LED that led to the creation of white LEDs and his receipt of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics, and Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, a prolific airplane designer including the SR-71 Blackbird which still holds many height and speed records for flight.
Mr. Knowles was recognized for his groundbreaking inventions such as the first usable theory for fast variable-capacity PN junctions, multiple unique transistors, and hundreds of patents that drove the development of barcode technology now widely used in healthcare, retail, and transportation industries. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of Metrologic Instruments and, later, the Janet H. and C. Harry Knowles Foundation, which now operates as the Knowles Teacher Initiative.
Affectionately known as “Harry,” he was nominated for this prestigious honor by a group of Knowles Senior Fellows—Dr. Katey Shirey, Charley Sabatier, Heather Buskirk, Shannon Morey, Emily Berman, and Nicole Hubbard—who were inspired not only by Harry’s achievements but also by his unwavering support of teachers.
The induction ceremony occurred in Dayton, Ohio, at the Engineering and Science Hall of Fame. Harry’s widow, Dr. Lucy Rorke-Adams, accepted the award via video presentation, and Harry Knowles II, C. Harry Knowles’ son received the medallion on his father’s behalf. Dr. Katey Shirey, a Knowles Senior Fellow and one of Harry’s nominators, introduced Harry to the assembled audience. Dr. Shirey spoke of the technology he developed that has shaped everyday products, likely affecting every person in the room, and shared her memories of conversations with Harry while she was a Fellow. Additionally, she highlighted Harry’s dedication to education and philanthropy, which led to the creation of the Knowles Teacher Initiative.
“Harry was a man who amplified the signals that bring us closer, the light that illuminates our world, and the dreams that will inspire generations to come,” stated Dr. Katey Shirey. “I was honored and proud to represent the Foundation and Knowles Fellows in celebrating Harry’s legacy—not only for his inventive contributions but also for his dedication to supporting teachers and education.”
Dr. Katey Shirey, along with the other inductees and their representatives, presented inspirational lectures the following morning to over 200 high school STEM juniors, seniors and educators who were inspired by the inductees’ achievements to consider careers in STEM and related fields.
About the Knowles Teacher Initiative
The Knowles Teacher Initiative is a nonprofit organization that supports a national network of mathematics and science teachers who are collaborative, innovative leaders improving education for all students in the United States. We strive to create an educational system that is led by teachers who are equipped to solve difficult problems and respond to local challenges in order to serve all of our nation’s students. For more information, visit www.knowlesteachers.org.
About the Engineering Science Hall of Fame
The Engineering Science Hall of Fame (ESHF) is a 501.c.3 organization established to honor engineers and scientists who, by using and applying scientific and engineering principles, have made significant contributions to the benefit of mankind on a global basis. Accordingly, it maintains a web-based archive of 71 honorees to support the continuing education of students, educators, their families and the public. The full list of inductees and summaries of their accomplishments is available at Inductees – Engineering & Science Hall of Fame