Supporting diverse and historically underrepresented groups and individuals in aerospace technology education, research, and development.
Tony consistently extended a hand to the next generation of diverse STEM students, technicians, engineers, and scientists. Finding and fostering a new kindred spirit was perhaps one of his greatest joys.
J. Anthony Powell was born in Kentucky on May 1, 1938, earned a master’s degree in physics from the University of Kentucky, and accepted a job at NASA Glenn Research Center (then NASA Lewis) in Cleveland just as the space race was gaining momentum.
Powell’s pioneering application of chemical vapor deposition for silicon carbide growth is one of the technical foundations for a global, multi-billion dollar silicon carbide chip manufacturing industry.
Silicon carbide is a semiconductor material made of silicon (Si) and carbon (C). Semiconductors have unique electrical properties that allow them to serve as the foundation of electrical devices when sliced into thin “chips.” Computer chips made of silicon have been our electrical workhorse for decades, making the digital world we live in possible. But silicon can only take us so far.
Silicon carbide’s superior ability to function in extreme, harsh environments at high temperatures, voltage, and frequencies, will allow us to bust through the limits of our current electronic devices, making them smaller, lighter, more powerful, and infinitely more durable. Here’s where we’re going:
The corrosive, scorching hot surface of Venus
Nuclear powered spacecraft
Advanced, lighter electronics on drones and aircraft
More efficient, flexible power distribution systems that will wring every kilowatt out of limited and renewable energy sources.
Hybrid and electric vehicles with more power, more range, and better performance in harsher, hotter climates.
We are the family and old friends of J. Anthony (Tony). We hope to honor him for the brilliant work he accomplished at NASA and for being the kind and gentle father, husband, friend, and mentor he was every day of his life.
In our archives, we have hundreds of pages of Tony’s daily research log entries dating back to the early 1960’s, crystal samples, photos, patents, letters and awards. We hope to share these materials in ways that inspire current and future champions of SiC and aerospace technology.
Going through Tony’s boxes revealed the depth of admiration his colleagues around the world have for him. Tony is a quiet, humble, and “half-full” kind of human being. We hope to share his inspiring story, too, which found him persevering through family troubles in pursuit of his dream.
At NASA, Tony never wanted to be the smartest person in the room because he wanted to be continuously learning new things.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
He shared his knowledge and expertise generously, mentoring colleagues, and tutoring tech students in science or math. He took on a leadership role in developing research and recruitment partnerships with historically black colleges and universities and championed women in STEM, anything to draw more lifelong learners into his beloved world of STEM.
Lastly, we would like to honor Mary Kay Shipacasse Powell, Tony’s wife of 50+ years. She always said that SiC was our father’s mistress. She was jealous, but she knew she was the love of his life. Mary passed away in 2020.
Tony lived in Dublin, Ohio near his daughter, Jeanne, during the last few years of his life. He struggled with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, but still saw the glass half-full and was fascinated by the world around him until the day he died, October 13, 2024.
Thank you for visiting!
Jeanne Powell Ogden
Donna Powell Greywacz
Karen Powell England
*Gifts to the J. Anthony Powell Memorial Fund for Diversity in Aerospace Technology are not tax deductible. We, the founding members, are in the process of filing Foundation and 501 3c paperwork and will note here on the website when that is completed.
Get in Touch: Jeanne Powell Ogden
+614-592-9866
jpowellogden@gmail.com
PO Box 3155
Dublin, Ohio 43016
