Steve Shockley, Inventor of the Junction Transistor

Steve and Cheryl Shockley are on a mission to change a world which led to the death of their son last August, by impacting lives one at a time.

He possesses extensive experience in securities, commercial and intellectual property litigation and appeals and frequently speaks on legal and business topics.

Early Life and Education

Shockley graduated with a Bachelor of Science from California Institute of Technology in 1932. Subsequently he continued his studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned a Ph.D. in solid state physics; it was during this research project where his interest in transistors began.

During World War II, Shockley took a leave of absence from Bell Laboratories in order to serve as research director of Columbia University’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations Research Group. Once returned home from his duty at Columbia he resumed his semiconductor studies.

Shockley fell into disfavor with his friends and family in his later years; ultimately he died at age 79 in 1989, though his parents continue to honor his memory by trying to change lives one at a time.

Professional Career

He specializes in sports medicine and treats bone, joint and muscle injuries and disorders. His goal is to restore his patients to good health so they can return to the activities they love.

Evie Shockley is the author of two poetry collections, the new black and semiautomatic. She has received various awards and fellowships including the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, Lannan Literary Fellowships and Holmes National Poetry Prize. Additionally, Evie guest edited Jubilat magazine as well as co-editing MiPOesias: Poetics of Contemporary African American Life and Identity book published by MiPOesias Books.

He has extensive expertise in securities, commercial, intellectual property and class action litigation and appeals. He has represented clients before both state and federal courts as well as the Indiana Supreme Court and United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Achievement and Honors

Shockley played an essential part in initiating the age of microelectronics with his inventions and patents, including creating the junction transistor that revolutionized California’s “Silicon Valley.” Additionally, he established a company to commercialize his new invention before becoming an influential professor at Stanford University, lecturing freshman science majors on problem solving through conceptual blockbusting methodology.

He received numerous honors and awards, such as the Oliver E. Buckley Solid State Physics Prize of the American Physical Society in 1953 and Comstock Prize from the National Academy of Sciences in 1954. Additionally, he worked closely with the Pentagon during World War II using operations research techniques, creating and implementing training programs for B-29 bomber pilots to use new radar bomb sights that greatly enhanced American air raids against Japan.

Personal Life

Steve is a firm believer in family values. His best moments come when spending time with Cindy, their two young daughters, as well as Karen Dole and Gordon Dole – her husband being his closest family.

Shockley’s invention of the transistor launched an industry that forms the cornerstone of all modern electronics. His innovation accounts for approximately equaling all printed characters on all newspapers, books, magazines and computer/electronic-copier pages combined worldwide.

The Shockley family is committed to altering a world that caused their son’s death, by creating the Jack Shockley Warriors for Peace scholarship fund and awarding scholarships to high school students who advocate peace. They believe they can make an impactful change by helping individual people.

Net Worth

Shockley played football for the Atlanta Falcons and was selected in the seventh round (223rd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. Today he serves as color commentator and studio analyst on college football broadcasts on ESPN.

He is the proud parent of two children. Additionally, he has made substantial donations to local schools and charities in Maryland as a philanthropist and board member of the Maryland School for the Deaf Foundation.

He was awarded both the Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering from the Franklin Institute and Royal Society of Chemistry George S. Whitby Award, before receiving Stanford Engineering Hero recognition from Stanford University’s School of Engineering. A resident of Frederick, Maryland.