George Pake | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 1, 1924 |
| Died | March 4, 2004(2004-03-04) (aged 79) |
| Alma mater | Carnegie Institute of Technology Harvard University |
| Awards | IRI Medal(1986) National Medal of Science(1987) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physicist |
| Institutions | Washington University in St. Louis Xerox PARC Institute for Research on Learning |
| Doctoral advisor | Edward Mills Purcell |
George Edward Pake (April 1, 1924 – March 4, 2004) was a physicist, academic, and research executive primarily known for helping foundXerox PARC.
Pake was raised inKent, Ohio.[1] His father was an English instructor atKent State University.[2]: 3 His mother was a schoolteacher.[citation needed]
Pake was exempted from service in theUnited States Armed Forces during World War II due toscoliosis. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from theCarnegie Institute of Technology and his doctorate in physics atHarvard University in 1948.
Much of his early research at Harvard University focused on the topic ofnuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. There, he discovered the multiplet structure produced by the dipolar coupling of two nuclear spins.[3] In his honor, this multiplet is now known as thePake doublet and forms the basis for NMR-based inter-atomic distance measurements and molecular structure determination.
After four years as aphysics professor atWashington University in St. Louis, Pake became the head of the physics department at age 28.[4] He later went on to become provost of the university from 1962 to 1970 before leaving to serve as founding director ofXerox PARC.
Pake served on thePresident's Science Advisory Committee (1965-1969).[5] He was president of theAmerican Physical Society in 1977.
PARC assembled a first-rate collection of research talent, especially in the area of computer science. During Pake's years running Xerox PARC, the research center invented thelaser printer and pioneered the use of a computer "desktop" which functioned by clicking on "icons." This has since become the computer industry standard.
Despite advocacy by Pake, theXerox Corporation never chose to open a personal computer division. Pake left Xerox in 1986 to direct the nonprofitInstitute for Research on Learning in Palo Alto.[6] He remained director emeritus until the time of his death.[7]
Late in life, Pake began writing two different books, both with the collaboratorAndrew Szanton. Pake's death, of heart failure on March 4, 2004, inTucson, Arizona, interrupted both book projects.
In 1986, Pake was awarded theIRI Medal from theIndustrial Research Institute for recognition of his leadership in the field of technology and innovation. Pake was also a recipient of theNational Medal of Science in 1987 and continued to visit PARC long after his 1986 retirement from Xerox.
Since 1984, theAmerican Physical Society has been awarding the George E. Pake Prize, endowed in 1983 by the Xerox Corporation, to recognize outstanding work by physicists combining original research accomplishments with leadership in the management of research or development in industry.[8]
Pake married Marjorie Semon on May 31, 1947; they had four children.[2]: 20
