Kerr, Frank John OW1934

Frank John Kerr became an eminent scientist in the field of radio astronomy and physics. His great contribution was in mapping the Magellenic clouds and describing the change to gravity. He worked with Dr Joe Pawsey, fellow OW in Sydney. 

After graduating from Wesley College, Frank completed a Bachelor of Science (Physics, 1938), a Master of Science (1940), and a Doctor of Science (1962) at the University of Melbourne. He was an accomplished student and held scholarships throughout his tertiary studies. He also won the Ormsby Hamilton prize in 1939. In 1951, he received a Fulbright travel grant and a research scholarship to Harvard University, where he was awarded a Master of Arts (Astronomy). In 1975, he received a Guggenheim fellowship.

From 1940 until 1966, Frank worked at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), within the Radiophysics Laboratory in Sydney. He worked under the leadership of fellow OW Dr Joe Pawsey (OW1925). Later in his career, Frank worked in the United States, The Netherlands and Argentina. In 1966, he left Australia and worked at the University of Maryland as an astronomy professor. He actively contributed to numerous committees, associations, and societies.

He made significant contributions both here and internationally, particularly in the US.