"Walter Lincoln Hawkins" {March 21,1911-August 20,1992}

Was an African American scientist and inventor who,while working at Bell Laboratories in the 1940s,helped to make universal telephone service possible.He developed a plastic to insulate telephone wires a new material that was lightweight,durable,and less expensive than the lead sheathing used at the time.Walter studied chemical engineering Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy,New York,he graduated in 1932.After that he complete a master's degree in Chemistry at Howard University,and from there,a doctoral degree at McGill University in Montreal.His specialization was cellulose chemistry.With partner Victor Lanza,Walter invented a polymer in 1956 that had all the desired characteristics.This polymer was essentially a plastic containing a chemical additive composed of carbon and antioxidants that prevents the the material,from deteriorating,even in severe hot or cold weather conditions.The new material,today is known as "plastic cable sheath,"went into production in the 1960s,and became widely used as an inexpensive;durable,and safe coating for telecommuncations wire.It is still used today to protect fiber optic cable.He published three books,more than 50 scientific papers,and earned 18 U.S. and 129 foreign patents.Upon his retirement from Bell Labs in 1976,Walter began teaching and encouraging college students to study science and engineering.In 1981,he became a member of the National Academy of Engineering.In 1981,he became the first chairman of Project SEED (Support of the Educationally & Economically Disadavantage)An American Chemical Society program designed to promote science careers for minority students.Walter also helped to set up a program at Bell labs and AT &T to recruit African-American scientists and engineers.In a 1992 White Ceremony,he received The National Medal of Technology from President George Bush.