Ancker-Johnson, Betsy (1927–)

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Ancker-Johnson, Betsy (1927–)

American physicist. Name variations: Betsy Ancker Johnson. Born Betsy Ancker, April 29, 1927, in St. Louis, Missouri; m. Harold Johnson (mathematician), 1958.

Conducted research in solid state physics for Sylvania (1956–58), then RCA (1958–61); made primary contributions to plasma and solid state physics while at Boeing (1961–73); supervised Boeing's solid state and plasma electronics laboratory and managed the company's advanced energy systems (early 1970s); served as assistant secretary of commerce in charge of science and technology (1973–77), vice president in charge of environmental activities at General Motors (1979–92), and director of World Environment Center; served on board of directors: Society of Automotive Engineers, Varian Associates, Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association, General Mills; became fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and the American Physical Society. Patent holder in solid state physics and semiconductor electronics.