Nuclear researcher to be inducted into South Carolina Hall of Science and Technology
October 23, 2008
MYRTLE BEACH, October 23, 2008 – As a youngster, Dr. Gene Rutledge was inspired by teachers whose classroom experiences catalyzed a love of science during his formative school years. That love guided Rutledge’s career as an energy scientist and manager, resulting in his induction into the South Carolina Hall of Science and Technology.
Rutledge, a Spartanburg native now living in Anchorage, is the hall’s 25th inductee. His recognition takes place during the business meeting of the annual convention of the South Carolina Science Council at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
The budding scientist studied at Spartanburg Methodist College, Converse College and at Clemson during World War Two and graduated from Wofford. He worked on the Manhattan Project in 1945 that developed the first atomic bomb and later served as a nuclear researcher at Oak Ridge, TN.
Rutledge worked in numerous other nuclear industry start-up projects in the private and public arenas. He was director of Idaho’s Nuclear Energy Commission and was an energy scientist and consultant in Alaska.
In retirement he has been active in international publishing and lecturing.
The Science Council said Rutledge has remained loyal to South Carolina over the years, frequently visiting and assisting with research activities at the schools he attended, as well as those at other institutions. The Hall of Science and Technology was established in 1978 and is administered by the council, which is composed of leading science teachers and instructors throughout the state.
