James W. Cronin was born in Chicago in 1931, and studied for his M.S. (1953) and Ph.D. (1955) degrees at the University of Chicago. Following the completion of his doctoral degree, he was on the scientific staff of Brookhaven National Laboratory for three years. In 1958, Dr. Cronin joined the faculty of Princeton University as Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1962 and Professor in 1964. He continued his work at Princeton until his move to the University of Chicago in 1971, where he remained throughout the rest of his career.his research focuses on experimental physics, particle physics, and ultra-high energy gamma-ray astronomy. Dr. Cronin retired in 1996, but continues to be active in particle and astrophysics research.
Dr. Cronin and University of Leeds professor Alan Watson currently lead an international project to study the nature and origin of rare but extremely powerful, high-energy cosmic rays that periodically bombard Earth. The project includes more than 250 scientists from nineteen nations. The scientists will practice a new form of astronomy rooted in particle physics.
Information as of 1977