At the age of 18, Lonnie Johnson was awarded first place in a national
competition for his invention of "Linex," a remote controlled robot made
from junkyard scraps.
He studied at Tuskegee University on a Mathematics scholarship, and
was elected to the Pi Tau Sigma National Engineering Honor Society.
He graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical
Engineering, and completed a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering
two years later.
As a Captain in the Air Force, he was awarded the Air Force Achievement
Medal, and received the Air Force Commendation Medal, twice.
During his career with the Air Force he received the CINC SAC Nomination
for Astronaut Training (Space Shuttle Mission Specialist).
He served as Chief, Data Management Branch of the 31st Test and Evaluation
Squadron, Strategic Air Command, Edwards AFB, California.
He served as Manager, Advanced Space Systems Requirements for Strategic
Air Command (SAC) Headquarters, Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
He served as Acting Chief, Space Nuclear Power Safety Section of the
Air Force Weapons Laboratory, Kirkland AFB, New Mexico.
During his nine year career with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL),
Pasadena, CA, he received multiple National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) achievement awards for his work toward spacecraft system design
for both the Galileo and Mars Observer Projects, and was instrumental in
the Cassini Mission to Jupiter.
In 1992, Lonnie's invention, the Super Soaker ® water gun has generated
$200+ million in retail sales.
In that same year, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce named Johnson Research & Development
"Small Business of the Year."
Johnson Research & Development was awarded a contract with NASA
to develop the Johnson Tube ®, an innovative refrigeration system that
eliminates the need for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Lonnie Johnson currently holds over 40 patents, has over 20 more pending,
and has authored 6 technical publications.
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