Andrew Sessler

1.1. Birth and Education

Andrew Marienhoff Sessler was born in New York City on December 11, 1928. He pursued his higher education at prestigious institutions, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Harvard University. He then continued his studies at Columbia University, where he completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in physics. His doctoral dissertation was titled Hyperfine structure of ³He, indicating his early focus on quantum mechanics and atomic structures.

1.2. Early Professional Life

Following the completion of his doctoral studies, Sessler embarked on his professional career. From 1954 to 1959, he held a faculty position at Ohio State University. This period allowed him to develop his academic and research skills before he transitioned to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he would make many of his most significant contributions.

2.1. Research Contributions

At the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Andrew Sessler established himself as a leading expert in several critical areas of physics. His primary fields of expertise included the physics of particle accelerators, particle physics, and plasma physics. In addition to his extensive work in accelerator physics, he also published significant theoretical contributions in quantum-theoretical statistical mechanics, atomic physics, and superfluidity. His diverse research interests and publications underscored his broad scientific acumen and his ability to contribute across various sub-disciplines of physics.

2.2. Tenure as Laboratory Director

Andrew Sessler's leadership capabilities were recognized when he was appointed the third Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He held this esteemed position from 1973 to 1980. During his directorship, he oversaw the laboratory's research initiatives and strategic direction, playing a crucial role in shaping its scientific priorities and fostering an environment of innovation. His leadership helped solidify the laboratory's reputation as a world-renowned center for scientific research.

3.1. Major Research Fields

Andrew Sessler's research significantly advanced the understanding of particle accelerator physics, a field crucial for high-energy physics experiments. His work extended to fundamental particle physics and the complex dynamics of plasma physics. Beyond these applied areas, he also delved into the theoretical underpinnings of quantum-theoretical statistical mechanics, explored intricate aspects of atomic physics, and contributed to the study of superfluidity. These diverse contributions highlight his comprehensive grasp of physics and his ability to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications.

3.2. Books

Andrew Sessler authored or edited several influential books that are considered foundational texts in the field of particle accelerators and colliders. These publications served to disseminate knowledge and shape the discourse within the scientific community.

His notable works include:

• Beam Dynamics Issues of High-Luminosity Asymmetric Collider Rings (edited in 1990, published by American Institute of Physics). This book addressed critical challenges in designing and operating high-performance particle colliders.
• The Development of Colliders (edited with Claudio Pellegrini in 1995, published by Springer). This work provided a historical and technical overview of the evolution of particle colliders, detailing the advancements that led to their development.
• Engines of Discovery: A Century of Particle Accelerators (authored with Edmund Wilson in 2007, published by World Scientific). This comprehensive volume chronicled the history and impact of particle accelerators over a century, explaining their role in scientific discovery. A second edition of this book was released in 2014.

4.1. Advocacy for Peace and Disarmament

Andrew Sessler was a vocal advocate for peace and disarmament. He was actively involved in an initiative group within the American Physical Society (APS) that campaigned against the use of landmines, highlighting their devastating impact on civilian populations. His commitment to global peace also extended to his membership in the American Committee for Peace in Chechnya, where he contributed to efforts aimed at resolving the conflict and promoting human rights in the region. His engagement in these activities underscored his belief in the responsibility of scientists to address pressing global issues.

4.2. Participation in Atomic Bomb Impact Studies

Sessler played a significant role in a study group organized by the National Academy of Sciences. This group was dedicated to examining the long-term effects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. His involvement in this critical study demonstrated his commitment to understanding the profound and lasting human and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons, contributing to a broader scientific and humanitarian understanding of their impact.

5.1. Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award

In 1970, Andrew Sessler was named a laureate of the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award. This award, established by the United States Department of Energy, recognizes outstanding contributions in the fields of atomic energy, including physics, chemistry, materials science, and environmental science. His receipt of this award early in his career affirmed his growing influence and the high regard for his scientific achievements.

5.2. Enrico Fermi Award

On January 13, 2014, Andrew Sessler, alongside Allen J. Bard, was awarded the Enrico Fermi Award. This is one of the United States government's oldest and most prestigious awards in science and technology, granted for lifetime achievement in the development, use, or production of energy. The award recognized Sessler's profound and lasting impact on the field of particle accelerator physics and his broader contributions to scientific knowledge.

6.1. Personal Life and Passing

Andrew Sessler resided in Oakland, California, for a significant portion of his life. He passed away on April 17, 2014, at the age of 85, after a long illness. His death marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and advocating for peace.

6.2. Influence and Assessment

Andrew Sessler's influence extended far beyond his direct scientific research. As a former director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and president of the American Physical Society, he played a crucial role in shaping the direction of physics research and fostering collaborative scientific environments. His work in particle accelerator physics was fundamental to the development of advanced research tools that continue to enable groundbreaking discoveries.

However, Sessler's legacy is particularly notable for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and social progress. His active participation in campaigns against landmines and his involvement in studies on the long-term effects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki demonstrated a profound sense of ethical responsibility. He believed that scientists had a moral obligation to engage with the societal implications of their work and to advocate for a more peaceful and just world. This blend of scientific excellence and dedicated humanitarianism positions Andrew Sessler as a figure whose contributions transcended the laboratory, making a significant positive impact on both the scientific community and broader society.

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