James Cronin

I was much involved in the development of the spark chamber as a practical research tool.

The long-lived K meson was discovered at Brookhaven.

I did a thesis in experimental nuclear physics under the direction of Samuel K. Allison.

Our whole family assembles in Chicago at Christmas and usually in Aspen in the summer.

While at Chicago my interest in the new field of particle physics was stimulated by a course given by Gell- Mann, who was developing his ideas about Strangeness at the time.

The Director of the Laboratory, George Reynolds, was most supportive of my efforts to work independently. There followed for ten years a glorious time for research.

My mother, Dorothy Watson, had met my father in a Greek class at Northwestern University.

On even the worst days, when nothing was working at the lab, I knew that at home I would find warmth, peace, companionship, and encouragement. As a consequence, the next day would surely be better.

During this period, with a series of excellent students, we further studied hyperon decays.

When the violation of parity was discovered I began a series of electronic experiments to investigate parity violation in hyperon decays.

One of the greatest joys in my life was giving a lecture in French at the College de France.

In addition to the research, I enjoyed learning French and assimilating the culture of another country.

My real education began when I entered the University of Chicago in September 1951 as a graduate student.

In 1971 I returned to the University of Chicago as Professor of Physics.

My primary and secondary education was provided by the Highland Park Public School System.