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John R. Sellars |
John R. Sellars
John Sellars earned his electrical engineering degree from New Mexico State University in 1945. After completing his undergraduate studies, he worked at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, focusing on ramjet development. A year later, he pursued further education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a master's in physics and a Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering.
In 1954, John was appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering. The following year, he joined the Ramo Wooldridge Corporation (later TRW) in California, where he made significant contributions to the ballistic missile program, particularly in solving the ballistic reentry problem. He later supervised technical support groups evaluating structures, chemistry, aerodynamics, and ordnance. In his final role at TRW, John served as Vice-President and General Manager of the Energy Systems Division, where he was responsible for chemical research, energy systems, and uranium isotope separation. He retired in 1986 after a distinguished 31-year career with the company.
In 1983, New Mexico State University named him Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for the School of Engineering. In 1996, he was honored as a Centennial Distinguished Alumni for his contributions to aerospace engineering research and development. Additionally, in 1986, at the Engineering Aspects of Magneto-Hydrodynamics Symposium, John received Special Recognition for his contributions to power generation by coal-fired magneto-hydrodynamics.
