Dr. Thomas H. Markert at M.I.T. working on High-Energy Transmission Grating for the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.
Dr. Thomas H. Markert – Graduated 1966; Inducted 1999
Thomas H. Markert graduated from Alliance High School in 1966. In 1970 he graduated, summa cum laude, from the California Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1975 Mr. Markert earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
From 1975 until 1990 he was on the research staff at M.I.T. In 1990 Dr. Markert became the principal research scientist at M.I.T. He remained in this position until his death on June 19, 1996. Dr. Markert’s research earned him the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Group Achievement Award for his leadership of an x-ray telescope experimental team. He also served on a NASA panel to review proposals for the Astrophysics Data Program for the Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA).
Dr. Thomas H. Markert
Dr. Markert next project was the Chandra High Energy Grating Spectrometer (HETG) and the Bragg Crystal Spectrometer (BCS) investigations on the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility. He was instrumental in moving the HETG from conceptual design to a nearly flawless flight instrument. The Chandra X-ray Observatory was successfully launched on July 23, 1999. (Source: American Astronomical Society: Thomas Markert obituary by Claude R. Canizares, MIT)
Dr. Markert served as a trustee and board president for the United Methodist Elder Care program in Boston. For nine years he was a volunteer host with Boston’s Hospitality Program. This program provides free housing to people going to Boston for medical treatment. In 1993 Dr. Markert and his spouse Angela purchased a larger home to be able to accommodate more guests. For his work in this program he was awarded the New England Distinguished Service Award. He also found time to teach Sunday school for 27 years.
Dr. Thomas Markert authored or co-authored 62 articles that were published in professional journals and presented 50 talks and papers to professional groups throughout the world. Dr. Markert was known throughout the world for his work in the field of astrophysics.
Biographical update: Angela Markert passed away on December 12, 2014. She is survived by 11 godchildren.