Year: 1980s

Who: Dr. Thomas Mensah

Where: Allentown, Pennsylvania

In the early 1980s, Dr. Thomas Mensah, a Ghanaian-American chemical engineer, achieved a remarkable feat that would cement his place in history. Joining Corning Glass Works in 1983, he addressed significant efficiency challenges in fiber optic manufacturing. Through innovative process improvements, Dr. Mensah increased the manufacturing speed of optical fibers from 2 meters per second to over 50 meters per second by 1985. This advancement made optical fiber cables more cost-effective than traditional copper wires, revolutionizing telecommunications and internet infrastructure.

Dr. Mensah's expertise extended beyond manufacturing efficiencies. At Bell Laboratories in 1986, he led the development of laser-guided missile guidance systems, incorporating fiber optics to enhance targeting accuracy. His innovations in nanotechnology further contributed to advancements in various defense applications. As the president and CEO of Georgia Aerospace Systems, Dr. Mensah's leadership in nanocomposite structures influenced missile and aircraft design, underscoring his role in advancing aerospace technology.

Dr. Thomas Mensah's legacy is evident in the fiber optic networks that underpin global communications today. His induction into the National Academy of Inventors in 2015 recognized his pivotal role in technological advancements. Dr. Mensah's story reflects broader themes of innovation and resilience, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science and engineering. His contributions continue to influence modern life, from the speed of internet connections to advancements in defense technology.

Sources:

Websites:

• Brachmann, S. (2015, February 1). Dr. Thomas Mensah: An innovator of fiber optics technologies. IPWatchdog. https://ipwatchdog.com/2015/02/01/dr-thomas-mensah-an-innovator-of-fiber-optics-technologies/id=54273/

• Obeng-King, S. (2022, August 15). Meet Dr. Mensah, Ghanaian engineer with many patents. GhScientific. https://ghscientific.com/mensah-the-ghanaian-with-many-patents/