Paul J. Hermann papers
Scope and Content
This collection (1947-2015, undated) includes biographical information, course notes, meeting minutes, newsletters, technical reports, news clippings, photographs, and several artifacts documenting Hermann's professional career. Writings in the collection include publications on analog computers and flight control systems authored by Hermann, and lecture notes for aerodynamics, flight control systems, and aircraft stability and control classes taught by Hermann at Iowa State University.
For over 40 years Hermann edited the Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics (AEEM) departmental newsletter, The Rag, and a complete set of the newsletter is included in the collection along with supplemental materials added by Hermann. Hermann was also involved in a local flying club, Ames Airmen, Inc., and records related to this club can be found in the collection.
Dates
- 1947-2015, undated
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
Open for research.
Use/Re-use Restrictions
Consult Special Collections and University Archives
Biography/Profile
Paul J. Hermann was born to John and Ellen (Erickson) Hermann on September 30, 1923, in Sheldahl, Iowa. He enrolled at Iowa State College (University) where he received his B.S. (1947) in aerospace engineering and his M.S. (1951) in theoretical and applied mechanics. During World War II, Hermann conducted work as a radio technician in the Philippines while serving in the U.S. Navy.
While enrolled as a graduate student at Iowa State, Hermann served as an instructor (1947-1950) in theoretical and applied mechanics. He went on to pursue a career in engineering, working in the Developmental Engineering Department of the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation in Akron, Ohio. At Goodyear, he was employed as a Senior Development Engineer (1951-1954), Group Leader (1954-1960) in the Computer Application Laboratory, and Engineering Specialist (1960) in Analytical Dynamics.
Hermann returned to Iowa State University as an Assistant Professor (1960-1972) in aerospace engineering and was promoted to Associate Professor (1972-1993). At Iowa State, Hermann taught courses in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aircraft stability and control, and computer applications. He served for many years as the faculty advisor to the student section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and received several awards for advising. Hermann was also the editor of the departmental newsletter, The Rag, for over 40 years.
Hermann was an avid pilot and along with several other members of the Ames community established a local flying club, Ames Airmen, Inc. Professionally, he was involved in the local section of AIAA and participated in national AIAA conferences.
Hermann married Frances Juskiewicz in September of 1951, and they had three daughters. He died May 29, 2015, in Ames, Iowa.
Extent
3.78 Linear Feet (9 document boxes and 1 map case folder)
Abstract
Paul J. Hermann (1923-2015) was a professor of aerospace engineering at Iowa State University from 1961 until 1993. His research interests included computer applications, flight control systems, and aircraft stability and control. He was recognized as a popular student advisor throughout his tenure. This collection documents Hermann's career as an engineer at the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation and as an engineering educator at Iowa State University through biographical information, course notes, meeting minutes, newsletters, technical reports, news clippings, photographs, and several artifacts. Of note is an extensive run of the The Rag, the Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department newsletter edited by Hermann for many years.
Arrangement
This collection is organized into four series:
Series 1, Personal and Family Life, 1947-2015, undated
Series 2, Career at Goodyear Aircraft Corporation, 1951-1960, 1987
Series 3, Academic Career at Iowa State University, 1961-2003, undated
Series 4, Professional Interests, 1961-1990
- Aerospace engineering--Study and teaching (Higher) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Clippings (information artifacts) Subject Source: Unspecified ingested source
- Goodyear Aircraft Corporation
- Iowa State University. Department of Aerospace Engineering--Alumni and alumnae Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Iowa State University. Department of Aerospace Engineering--Faculty Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Lecture notes Subject Source: Unspecified ingested source
- Newsletters Subject Source: Unspecified ingested source
- Photographic prints Subject Source: Unspecified ingested source
- Technical reports Subject Source: Unspecified ingested source
- Title
- RS 11/3/53. Paul J. Hermann papers, 1947-2015, undated
- Date
- May 9, 2019
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
- Box: 1 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 2 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 3 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 4 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 5 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 6 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 7 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 8 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 9 (Mixed Materials)
- map-case: 2 (Maps)
- map-case: 10 (Maps)
- artifact: 2015-158.001 (Mixed Materials)
- artifact: 2015-158.002 (Mixed Materials)
- artifact: 2015-158.003 and 2015-158.004 (Mixed Materials)
- artifact: 2015.158.005 (Mixed Materials)
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and University Archives Repository
403 Parks Library
701 Morrill Road
Iowa State University
Ames Iowa 50011-2102 United States
(515) 294-6672
archives@iastate.edu