Edward Wenk, Jr.
Edward Wenk, Jr. holds a B.S in both civil engineering (Johns Hopkins University 1940) and architecture (Harvard University 1941). In addition, Wenk earned a M.S. (Harvard University 1947) in applied mechanics and a Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University 1950) in civil engineering. Dr. Wenk’s achievements include establishing a leading research laboratory for strength analysis of naval vessels and serving as the first science and technology advisor to the U.S. Congress followed by appointments to the science policy staffs of Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon.
In addition, Dr. Wenk founded the first science policy research program in the U.S. as well as a program in social management of technology at the University of Washington. He is author of five books and nearly 100 peer-reviewed papers in both technical and policy fields. Dr. Wenk has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Public Administration, has received an honorary doctor of humane letters from The Johns Hopkins University, and also has received the Ralph Coats Roe medal of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for heightening understanding of the role of technology in society.