Lawrence A. Schmid *53

Lawrence Schmid, a theoretical physicist who worked for NASA, died Nov. 4, 2019. He was 91.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1949 and earned a Ph.D. in physics from Princeton in 1953. After teaching at Michigan State University for a short time, he joined NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

For his contribution to the Apollo lunar landing in 1969, the Goddard Center director awarded him a citation of recognition. In addition, he was involved with many other space-flight missions.

Until his late 80s, Schmid continued his research to facilitate power generation using nuclear fusion. His passion for education (especially in physics) led him to establish a scholarship and mentoring program at the University of Maryland to provide jobs for juniors and seniors in the physics program to tutor incoming freshmen.

Schmid was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Ursula. He is survived by 11 nieces and nephews who have lifelong memories of him.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.