On this day of Black History Month, we proudly spotlight Engineer Henry T. Sampson — a groundbreaking nuclear engineer, inventor, and trailblazer whose scientific achievements helped shape modern technology.
Early Life & Education
Born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1934, Dr. Sampson began his academic journey at Morehouse College before transferring to Purdue University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1956.
He continued his pursuit of excellence by earning:
- An M.S. in Engineering from University of California, Los Angeles (1961)
- An M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1965), becoming one of the first African Americans to earn this distinction
- A Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering in 1967
The Gamma-Electric Cell (1971)
On July 6, 1971, Dr. Sampson and George H. Miley received U.S. Patent No. 3,591,860 for the gamma-electric cell — a device designed to convert gamma radiation into electrical energy and generate high-voltage output.
While Dr. Sampson did not invent the cellular phone, his work in energy conversion systems and advanced electronics contributed to the broader scientific progress that supports wireless communication and modern mobile technology.
Career & Impact
Dr. Sampson served as a research chemical engineer at the U.S. Naval Weapons Center and later worked at Aerospace Corporation as a project engineer and director within the Space Test Program.
His patents and research included:
- Solid rocket motor systems
- Binder systems for propellants and explosives
- Nuclear energy conversion technologies
Beyond engineering, he also supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and worked to preserve the history of early Black filmmakers.
Legacy of Excellence
Dr. Henry T. Sampson represents brilliance, perseverance, and innovation in STEM. His story reminds us that many pioneers of modern technology worked behind the scenes — laying the groundwork for the connected world we live in today.
This Black History Month, we honor Engineer Henry T. Sampson — a visionary whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
