James W. Mitchell

James W. Mitchell (born November 16, 1943) is an African American chemist and was the David and Lucille Packard Professor of Material Science at Howard University.

Early life and education James W. Mitchell was born on November 16, 1943, in Durham, North Carolina. He was one of five children born to Willie and Eunice Mitchell. His interest in chemistry began in 1960 during a summer program at North Carolina Central University that was funded by the National Science Foundation.

Career and achievements Mitchell's first job after receiving his Ph.D. was with AT&T Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey. Initially starting as a member of the technical staff, he quickly rose through the ranks to become head of the Analytical Chemistry Research Department in 1975. During his time there, he also became one of the founders for the Association of Black Laboratory Employees. He supervised the Inorganic Analytical Chemistry Research Group and though his leadership, made the department a renowned laboratory research organization worldwide.