Professor John A. Meyer is a native of St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania and graduated from Central High School. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Chemistry from Penn State and his PHD from the State University College of Forestry. During World War II he served as a Technical Sergeant in aerial photography with the US Army Air Corps. Following WWII, he held positions with the Gulf Research Center and the Koppers Verona Research Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Meyer worked at the college of Environmental Science and Forestry from 1958 until his retirement in 1984.
As a professor in nuclear and radiation chemistry and the associate director of analytical and technical services at SUNY ESF, Dr. Meyer’s research activities included radioisotopes, radiation, neutron activation analysis of wood and wood preservations, wood-polymer composites, and wood product engineering. This process is now commonly used worldwide in the manufacture of many products from drumsticks to floors to sporting goods.
Dr. Meyer was the very first staff member from ESF to be awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Professional Service. Dr. Meyer was listed in Who’s Who in the East and American Men of Science and published over 50 scientific research papers in technical journals. Dr. Meyer received the Alumni Association’s Achievement Award in 1991 and established two scholarships, the John A. Meyer Chemistry Award, and the John A. Meyer Wood Plastic Award.
Dr. Meyer is survived by his wife, Dean Marion (Waterman) Meyer; a sister, Jean Ladoucuer of St. Mary’s, PA; a brother, James H. of Silver Spring, MD; and several nieces and nephews.