Material Scientist's Memoir

In this short, compelling memoir that will appeal to both general readers and fellow scientists, Harry S. Katz offers recollections and lessons learned from more than eight decades of life. In evocative snapshots, he describes early struggles to overcome a severe speech problem; lifelong attempts to develop technical expertise and creativity in his specialty area of materials science; his Army service during World War II; and six decades of marriage with his Holocaust-survivor wife, Toby, who at one point served three four-year terms on their local town council. From the perspective of someone who started two small businesses in different plastics-related fields, Katz discusses a few of the most memorable projects that he worked on, and provides suggestions for making the future use of plastics safer and healthier for human health and the environment. Katz, who is a checkers and chess expert, also discusses why he believes these kinds of challenging and creative activities are crucial for keeping a persons mind sharp.