Ralph Gardner-Chavis

Ralph Gardner-Chavis (December 3, 1922 – March 27, 2018) was an African American researcher, chemist, and educator. He is best known for his involvement in the Manhattan Project, where his research on plutonium would be used to develop the Fat Man atomic bomb. After working on the Manhattan Project, he became a professor at Cleveland State University. He was a major proponent of diversity and racial inclusion in academic studies. He died at age 95 on March 27, 2018.

Early life and education Ralph Gardner-Chavis was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 3, 1922. He attended both Bolton Elementary School and Audubon Junior High School. Gardner-Chavis was part of a small handful of black scientists who dedicated their time and effort to the Manhattan Project. His research in plutonium led to the development in America's first atomic bomb, the Fat Man, which was used to end WW II in 1945. As a college professor, Gardner-Chavis expressed interest in early childhood learning and development. As a result, started a program with his adult program with his students advocating the importance of reading to infant children. Gardner-Chavis also proposed that African American and multi-racial studies should be taught at CSU, and he fervently battled for these courses to be taught. Gardner-Chavis also worked in a research lab for the Molecular Technology Corporation. While working for the Molecular Technology Corporation, he became a member of their board of directors and served as a vice president of research. He would incorporate elements of his teaching with the research he conducted for the corporation. While continuously working on his research in molecular technology and catalysis, Gardner-Chavis gained emeritus status at the CSU Department of Chemistry. He died at age 95 on March 27, 2018.

Ralph Gardner added “Chavis” to his surname later in life to honor John Chavis who in 1792 became the first African American to enroll in Princeton University.