DR. LONNIE JOHNSON
ENGINEER
Dr. Lonnie Johnson is perhaps most well known for being the inventor of the Super Soaker! Dr. Johnson, a nuclear and mechanical engineer, was working on a heat pump for a spacecraft for NASA. When water from the pump shot across the room, the idea of the Super Soaker was born. The story is a fascinating one - we highly recommend reading all about it!
Dr. Johnson is a high accomplished engineer who has worked for the US Air Force and NASA’s Jet Propulsion lab. Today, he founded and leads Johnson R&D, which develops products in a wide range of technology disciplines, including environmentally friendly power generation.
Dr. Johnson promotes outreach and education efforts through the Johnson STEM Activity Center.
Further Resources
(Some links repeat from above)
Dr. Johnson’s TEDx Talk: Revolutionary Designs for Energy Alternatives”
Johnson R&D, Dr. Johnson’s research center
Buy it! “Whoosh!” A children’s book
Johnson STEM Activity Center: Dr. Johnson’s nonprofit
Follow him on Twitter: @LonnieGJohnson
Short STEM Star Interview!
Q: What was your favorite subject K-12?
A: Math
Q: Who inspired your growing up? Why?
A: My dad. He believed in me and encouraged me. He was always tinkering with appliances around the house.
Q: Do you have children, nieces or nephews?
A: I have 2 daughters and 2 sons. Both of my sons, and one of my nephews work at my lab.
Q: What is the weather like where you live? Is there anything interesting about it?
A: Atlanta is very hot and humid
Q: What is your favorite non-work activity, hobby or way to relax?
A: Invent