Interview of Alfred H. George by Karen Nichols Brewster
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Date
2007-12-31T19:29:50Z
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Byrd Polar Research Center Archival Program
Abstract
After college at Oregon State and three years in military service, Alfred George spent 11 years in the U.S. Forest Service, at the Mt. Hood National Ranger District. He worked in fire control and office management. He went to work for the Geophysical Institute in Alaska as an administrator prior to the IGY.
Obtaining money for the projects of the Geophysical Institute and the tracking of the projects was difficult. Examples of conflicts between the researchers and the auditors were cited. Another problem was obtaining and maintaining the specialized equipment needed by each researcher. Interaction with other federal agencies was difficult because of variations in administrative procedures. The Geophysical Institute had its own business office; George believed that this was because the people in the University business office did not comprehend research grants. He gives an example to illustrate this issue.
The qualifications for a science administrator are discussed. George felt that a scientist should study budgeting and managing people before advancing to an administrative position. He was Associate Comptroller for research at the University of Alaska for seven years and University Land Manager for eight years. He enjoyed working with people and felt that contributed to his success.
Leading Themes:
1. George wad educated in Oregon.
2. After military service in WWII, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service at Mt. Hood.
3. In 1956, he started with the Geophysical Institute and moved to Alaska.
4. He describes the role of the data reduction center.
5. The problems of processing surplus materials are discussed.
6. Some of the problems in obtaining funding from the Geophysical Institute are discussed.
7. The petroleum companies wanted drilling data but were unwilling to share data.
8. He describes the qualifications for a good science administrator.
9. Managing personnel of other cultures is discussed.
10. George briefly discusses many different scientists by name.
11. The different uses of data by scientists, industry and the Department of Defense are discussed.
Description
1. Christian T. Elvie – p. 2, 13, 14, 39, 42, 43, 54
2. Glen Stanley – p. 3
3. _ McCall – p. 3
4. Lief Aurrend – p. 14, 44
5. C. Gordon Little – p. 14, 16, 44
6. Sidney Chapman – p. 14, 23, 49
7. Catherine Chapman – p. 14, 15, 22, 23
8. Gian Carlo Rumi – p. 15, 16, 19, 45
9. Vic Hessler – p. 15, 34, 46
10. William Abbott – p. 15, 48
11. Wes Britton – p. 15-48
12. Margaret Weiss – p. 15
13. Ray Roof – p. 15
14. Brina Kessel Roof – p. 15
15. Alford Bork – p. 15, 51
16. “Tiger” – p. 21
17. Joe Cain – p. 21
18. Neil Davis – p. 21, 41
19. Al Balon – p. 21
20. Wally Murkee – p. 21
21. Howard Bates – p. 21
22. Carol Jades – p. 21
23. Bucky Wilson – p. 21, 49
24. Eugene Westcott p. 22
25. Jerry Romick – p. 22
26. Bob Leonard – p. 22
27. Harold Leinback – p. 22, 24, 50
28. Syun-Ichi Akasofu – p. 22-23
29. George Reid – p. 23
30. Senator Greening – p. 37
31. Edward Teller – p. 37
32. Robert McNamara – p. 43
33. Hildia Haight – p. 43
34. Richard Feinman – p. 51
35. Max Brewer – p. 54
36. John Schindler – p. 54
37. _ Gavorra – p. 62
The media can be accessed at the links below.
Audio Part 1: http://streaming.osu.edu/knowledgebank/byrd/oral_history/Al_George_1.mp3
Audio Part 2: http://streaming.osu.edu/knowledgebank/byrd/oral_history/Al_George_2.mp3
Audio Part 3: http://streaming.osu.edu/knowledgebank/byrd/oral_history/Al_George_3.mp3
The media can be accessed at the links below.
Audio Part 1: http://streaming.osu.edu/knowledgebank/byrd/oral_history/Al_George_1.mp3
Audio Part 2: http://streaming.osu.edu/knowledgebank/byrd/oral_history/Al_George_2.mp3
Audio Part 3: http://streaming.osu.edu/knowledgebank/byrd/oral_history/Al_George_3.mp3