Paul J. Crutzen Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Paul J. Crutzen is still regarded as a strong-minded person when it comes to research and discoveries. He might be in his middle-aged years, but he has already proved that an early bird catches the fattest worm. Hailing from a well-vast background, Paul rose to fame for introducing an atmospheric science in chemistry. In short, it is regarded as the study of the earth’s hemisphere. His early works and inventions made him garner a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Although he came from a well-to-do family, Paul always struggled to make ends meet. With a never give up soul, he works hard for his upkeep including paying his school’s allowances. He seems to have an interesting life that’s worth thousandth words. Let’s see what he has in store for us.

Childhood And Early Life

On 3rd, December 1933 Paul Jozef Crutzen was first seen in the world in Amsterdam, Netherlands. His hardworking father, Jozef Crutzen served as a waiter in Amsterdam. His mother, Anna Gurk came from German descent. At first, Paul was taken to the entry-level school that that was called De Grote School in 1940.It was the same year that Netherlands came to rule Germany during the WWII. Unfortunately, Paul’s school and other prestigious premises were seized by the Nazi’s. The situation deteriorated and as a result tons of his friends and loved ones died due to lack of basic needs.

After the end of the war, Paul was one of the few who managed to complete their elementary education at school called Higher Citizen in 1946.It was there that he learned how to write and read in German, French, and English. Although he fathomed well without a doubt, he was a guru when it came to mathematics and physics. In 1951 he was pleased with Hogere Burger School. It was the same year that he battled with a fever which caused him to fail in his end term exam. He was devastated since he didn’t qualify to join the varsity of his choice.

With all the heartbreaks and fails, Paul J. Crutzen opted to join Middlealbare Technische School. The institution dealt with technical field. As a result, he chose to study civil engineering. When not busy with his school work, Paul searched for odd jobs with the aim of sustaining his livelihood. In that remark, he managed to complete his upper-level studies in 1954 where he received his degree.

Career

It was in 1954 that Paul J. Crutzen teamed up with the Bridge Construction Bureau in Amsterdam. After some time he tried to apply for another job, and to his luck, he was appointed at the Department of Meteorology of Stockholm University. He worked as a computer programmer. Although he was at his average experience when it came to computer programming, he was lucky to understand the field with less effort.

While still at the Stockholm University, he learned mathematical statistics and the study of meteorology. In 1963 he received his degree at the same varsity. Sad to say, he didn’t manage to study chemistry and physics due to lack of enough resources. As a result, he opted to major on theoretical works.

In 1968 Paul J. Crutzen garnered his doctoral degree where he joined the European Space Research Organization. It was at the Oxford University that he landed an ideal job. While still working there, he came up with a discovery that defined how the ozone layer slims down the level of nitrous oxide from the soil. It was the first work and study that earned him the top Noble Prize in Chemistry.

In 1974 he returned to Stockholm University where he served as a Research Professor. He then joined the National Center for Atmospheric Research in the U.S.In 1977 he got a seat as a Senior Scientist as well as an acting Director of the Air Quality Division.

Early in 1980, Paul J. Crutzen went back to Europe to work as the Director of the Atmospheric Chemistry Division. The following year, his theory ‘Nuclear Winter’ was passed by the Meteorology Department in Germany. Paul concluded that the sooty smoke released during the nuclear war and industrial centers could form black soot that causes darkness.

From 2004 to 2008 Paul J. Crutzen served in different institutions including the International Institute for Applied Science Analysis.

Awards And Achievements

From 1995 to 2006 Paul J. Crutzen garnered tons of recognition and honoraria’s. Some of the notable ones include the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995, the United Nations Environment Ozone Awards, Environmental Achievement Award, and Volvo Environment Prize among others. In 2006 he was appointed as the Foreign Member of the Royal Society.

Personal Life And Legacy

In 1958 Paul J. Crutzen married Terttu Soininen. The couple has two daughters called Sylvia and Ilona.