Walter Lincoln Hawkins
Born March 21, 1911 – Died Aug. 20, 1992
Pioneering Chemist
Education: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1932), Howard University, McGill University
Awards: National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Polymer Cable Sheath, U.S. Patent No. 2,967,845
Inducted in the National Inventors Hall of Fame 2010
Dr. Walter Lincoln Hawkins, a prominent American chemist and engineer, is celebrated as a trailblazer in polymer chemistry. During his distinguished thirty-four-year tenure at Bell Laboratories, he spearheaded groundbreaking research that revolutionized telecommunications infrastructure. In collaboration with his colleagues, Hawkins invented a durable plastic coating for telephone cables, ensuring their longevity and reliability. This innovation facilitated the widespread introduction of telephone services, particularly benefiting rural communities across America. Beyond his scientific contributions, Hawkins was a passionate advocate for minority students, dedicating himself to fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. His leadership extended to academia, where he served as the chairman of Montclair State University in 1973. Among his many accolades, Hawkins made history as the first African-American elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1975. His remarkable legacy was further honored with the prestigious National Medal of Technology, bestowed upon him by President George H. W. Bush shortly before his passing in 1992.
Dr. Walter Lincoln Hawkins was born on March 21, 1911, in Washington, D.C., to a family deeply rooted in education and professional achievement. His father, a lawyer at the U.S. Census Bureau, and his mother, a dedicated science teacher, instilled in him a passion for learning and exploration from an early age. Growing up alongside his brother, David Brown, and sister, Hawkins exhibited a keen curiosity about the world, often dismantling and reassembling toys to understand their inner workings.
Despite the challenges of the segregated schooling system during the Jim Crow Era, Hawkins excelled academically and developed a fascination with science and technology. His journey towards becoming a pioneering chemist began at Washington’s Dunbar High School, where he drew inspiration from his physics teacher, Dr. James Cowen, who had invented a revolutionary self-starter mechanism for automobiles. This encounter sparked Hawkins’ interest in the potential of engineering and innovation to shape the world.
Upon graduating from high school, Hawkins pursued his higher education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1932. Undeterred by the challenges of the Great Depression, he continued his academic pursuits at Howard University, obtaining a master’s degree in chemistry in 1934. His passion for research and academic excellence led him to pursue a doctorate at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he specialized in cellulose chemistry and earned his Ph.D. in 1938.
Hawkins’ illustrious career in research and innovation began to blossom when he joined Bell Laboratories in 1942, becoming the first Black technical staff member at the renowned institution. Over the years, he distinguished himself as a leading figure in polymer chemistry, contributing significantly to the development of groundbreaking materials and technologies. Notably, Hawkins played a pivotal role in designing a durable plastic coating for telephone cables, revolutionizing telecommunications infrastructure and expanding access to phone services, especially in rural areas.
Throughout his tenure at Bell Labs, Hawkins remained committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, actively supporting initiatives to empower minority students and aspiring engineers. His advocacy efforts extended beyond the laboratory, as he played key roles in establishing programs such as the Bell Laboratories Summer Research Program for Minorities and Women, which provided invaluable opportunities for underrepresented groups in science and engineering.
After retiring from Bell Labs in 1976, Hawkins continued to make significant contributions to academia and minority advocacy efforts. He served as the director of research at the Plastics Institute of America and dedicated himself to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. His leadership and vision paved the way for numerous advancements in polymer chemistry and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in STEM disciplines.
Tragically, Hawkins passed away on August 20, 1992, in San Marcos, California, leaving behind a profound legacy of scientific achievement and social impact. His pioneering work earned him numerous accolades and honors, including induction into the National Academy of Engineering and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. President George H. W. Bush awarded him the prestigious National Medal of Technology in a White House ceremony, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to science and innovation. Today, Hawkins is remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers, inspired generations, and transformed the landscape of polymer chemistry with his visionary research and unwavering dedication to excellence