John F. Streib papers, 1940-1989

Professor Emeritus John F. Streib, died in Seattle on October 5, 2001 at the age of 86. He is particularly remembered for his fine teaching and the thoughtful, considerate manner of his interactions with colleagues.

John's undergraduate and graduate education was at the California Institute of Technology, where he received his PhD in 1941. From 1941 to 1943, he worked in Washington D.C. on the development of the proximity fuse. Then he moved in 1943 to the Los Alamos Laboratory where he collaborated with Seth Neddermeyer and others on the development of the implosion technique for atomic bombs.

Professor Streib joined the Physics Department in 1947 and participated in the construction and installation of the 60-inch cyclotron, which for a number of years was the department's prime facility for experimental research. His teaching contributions were recognized by his selection as the first recipient of the award for "Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction in Physics" when it was established by students in 1969. After his formal retirement in 1980, John continued to teach for a number of years on a part-time basis, including substitute teaching in at least 19 different courses — a reflection of his breadth of knowledge, his dedication to teaching, and his helpful nature.