Born on February 11, 1847, his two favorite hobbies were reading and experimenting.  These hobbies led him to be a scientist and embark on his journey to create the next innovative novelty.  Thomas Edison moved to Newark, New Jersey to initiate a career as an inventor.  There he created one of the most noted inventions the Phonograph in 1877.  This invention was successful, allowing people to listen to music portably. The real greatest invention created by Edison though would come in 1879.  Two years later Edison invented the light bulb.  The light bulb provided light to people, instead of the traditional usage of fire.  It gave more light and lasted longer than the customary fire.  It provided light to streets instead of using the traditional gas lamps, which cost more money.  The Light Bulb also sparked new inventors to perfect the new innovation.  With the creation of this new invention, the usage of fire and coal that admitted pollution was decreased, making the world cleaner and more energy efficient.  The first actual electric lighting system began in Roselle, New Jersey, later on though spreading throughout the world.  Today we have Incandescent light bulbs and other types in all shapes and sizes to fit our daily needs.  All these light bulbs we dedicate to Thomas Edison the creator and mastermind of the first one. 

Though the light bulb is a great invention, it has caused some major problems.  The actual light bulb is not the problem but the Power Plant powering the light bulb.  These power plants are polluting the environment, corroding the ozone layer, and harming us humans.  Also the Power Plants are emitting gas which raising global temperatures.  This problem is one that is worldwide and should be stopped.  One way to stop it is by using wind, solar, and hydroelectricity as alternatives.  These three types of power along with others are clean and efficient.  If we stop this crisis we can lower pollution, help save the environment, and overall make the world a cleaner place.

            One of the most important and well known innovations made at Bell Laboratories is the transistor. Without this invention, almost none of the modern technology we use today would be possible. The transistor is in virtually all electronic devices. In a nutshell, the transistor is a device commonly used to either amplify or switch electronic signals. First made in 1947 by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley, they won the Noble Prize in 1956 for its discovery.

             Another major innovation created at Bell Labs is the laser. The laser is used in many different ways, from research of futuristic technologies, to everyday items like CD players, DVD players, computers, and fiber optic cable, a practically limitless form of data communications. Like the transistor, it is vital to much of our technology we use everyday.

            Although Bell Labs is well known for both of these inventions, some lesser known creations have made just as big a difference. One example of this is the synchronous-sound motion picture system, which allowed sound and video to be combined into one, something we now take for granted. Also, the C programming language was created at Bell Labs. The C language is now very commonly used for creating portable applications and has become one of, if not the most, widely used programming languages, since it was developed 38 years ago. In 1979, a new form of the C language, called C++, was created by Bjarne Stroustup working at, of course, Bell Laboratories.

            He and his team (with the help of Harvard Professor R.B. Woodward) discovered the possibility of chemically altering an antibiotic to create other antibiotics, which would treat numerous kinds of bacterial infections. In 1952, Conover invented Tetracycline, which was the first superior drug to be made in that way. Three years later, it was the most prescribed antibiotic in America.

            Tetracycline is still used today to fight many bacterial infections, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus, Lyme disease, skin infections, and acne. Without Tetracycline, we probably would not have some of the most useful antibiotics that we do today, because the invention of Tetracycline created a search for more antibiotics like it, and most are very important today.

After the success of Tetracycline, Conover, with the assistance of W.C. Austin and J.W. Woodward, invented Pyrantel and Morantel, two anthelmintic drugs (anthelmintic drugs are used to cure parasitic worm infections). Pyrantel is still used to treat most of the intestinal parasites in humans, and both Pyrantel and Morantel are used to treat the parasitic worms in farm animals and pets.

            Without Lloyd H. Conover, we would not have the antibiotics that we have today and we wouldn’t be able to cure as many bacterial infections that we can today. Many more of our animal companions would also have worms, and some of us humans would, too. Without Lloyd H. Conover, modern medicine would not be the same.

However, a little know company located in right here in New Jersey has found a solution leading us another step closer to a greener planet. Using an enzyme found right inside the blood of our own body, Carbozyme, Inc. plans to capture and separate carbon dioxide (CO₂) from a variety of gas streams. The enzyme carbonic anhydrases act as converters in our bodies, changing the high acidic CO₂ into bicarbonate for easier transport to the lungs. This same enzyme then works in reverse, allowing one to exhale the CO₂ during respiration. This process is emulated to isolate CO₂ from smokestack emissions. After being turned into bicarbonate and back, the CO₂ is pumped underground and buried beneath layers of basalt rock.

The U.S. Department of Energy granted nearly $24 million on October 23, 2006 to support carbon sequestration projects, two of which are conducted by Carbozyme, Inc. Secretary Bodman ensures that these carbon sequestrations will drastically reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions even as the economy grows. “This combination helps protect the global climate, while promoting job creation and a high standard of living.” Carbozyme’s project is estimated to use about a third less energy than other methods yet avoids using or producing noxious chemicals. Carbozyme, Inc. soon will be testing their project on coal burners at the University of Dakota. If their pilot project runs smoothly and effectively, the company will be licensed to enabling their efficient new finding on the notorious power plants.

New Jersey’s Carbozyme has received national recognition for its work, and meanwhile is spreading its idea of “clean coal” around the world. Carbozyme explicitly states on the homepage of its website that “the most important of the many potential applications for this technology is the capture of CO₂ from electric power generation flue gas stacks. This is a fundamental technology for combating increases in greenhouse gases and thereby mitigating global warming,” Catastrophes, such as those which occurred in the Philippines, will be less likely to endanger the lives of billions around the world. As an ongoing commitment, Carbozyme is gradually developing improved ideas and designs to suit their various customers. In the end, a change is essential in order for humans survive in peace and harmony with nature.

            This business is important not only because it makes tools to help unclog sewers and clean waters but also it is important because my dad works for this company. He loves his job because he’s helping the environment while doing what he loves, making tools and machinery. His office is right near Monmouth Beach, on 1 Highland Avenue. So many places depend on TRWRA., Fairhaven, Little Silver, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Shrewsberry, West Long Branch, Red Bank, Eatontown, Rumson, Sea Bright, and Tinton Falls are all serviced by TRWA.  Also, two military bases require TRWRA’s help.

            It is great that this company still makes time out of their busy schedule to teach people about the environment. For example, students from high schools come on class trips to TRWRA. They get a whole tour and get to learn about what TRWRA’s job is. I believe students enjoy these trips because they are learning about something interesting, the preservation of Earth.

            TRWRA started out in 1965, not known to many people. They began right away with making machinery to unclog sewage ways and help the environment. Before TRWRA came around, communities did not concern themselves with recycling and pollution. Now, we are aware of our environment.

            The main thing that makes TRWRA important to New Jersey is the fact that these people take the time out of their everyday lives to help our Earth. Their job is to prevent pollution in the air and water. I strongly believe my dad’s job is too important to take for granted.

            Just because TRWRA picks up your trash, doesn’t mean they will pick up your slack too. Help out. Keep our Earth clean. It’s their job, but your responsibility.

            As you can see, Fort Monmouth has been an extremely significant fort to our country, and has contributed many things that our country could not live without. But, it also directly has an impact on the people of New Jersey, even some families of students in my own classroom. During the Great Depression, many families struggled to find work and to even support themselves. Fort Monmouth was one of the only places in the state of New Jersey to continue to offer jobs and to aid families through such a difficult time period. They provided several different programs to feed and employ the people of New Jersey and try to help our defenseless and extremely vulnerable economy. At the beginning of World War II, they exceeded their usual job openings, and helped America to finally elude the Great Depression.

            In conclusion, Fort Monmouth has been an extremely significant army fort in all of the United States, but also has been important with their scientific and technological discoveries. Fort Monmouth workers made/designed infrared cameras, which helped save lives from under the debris on and after 9/11. Simple things that Americans use everyday like GPS navigation devices would not exist if it weren’t for the scientists and workers at Fort Monmouth. Things that we do everyday, like fly planes, and go on boats may be unsafe if it weren’t for Fort Monmouth. Also, Fort Monmouth has helped improve safety and weaponry in the United States’ war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan as soldiers try and defend their beloved country. Fort Monmouth also created the first ever weather satellite broadcast in 1960, and is helping keep hearts beating by their invention of the pacemaker defibrillator, which has saved the lives of thousands of people in our country. Sadly, Fort Monmouth will be closing, and many of their workers will be forced to relocate their families, but its significance to our society will never be forgotten, and will always be appreciated.

            In 1964, Meredith founded Gourdine Laboratories, a research laboratory in Livingston, New Jersey. Later on in 1973, he founded Energy Innovation, Inc. in Houston, Texas. This company produces tools for direct-energy conversion, or converting second-rate coal into low-cost, high voltage electrical energy (The Black Inventor). This invention allows people to power buildings without having to spend a great deal of money on coal. During the later years of his life, Dr. Meredith Gourdine was diagnosed with diabetes. This disease caused him to loose his eyesight as well as one of his legs. He died of stroke related causes on November 20, 1998.

            This topic is important to the study of New Jersey because Dr. Meredith Gourdine was one of the few pioneers in science who were able to successfully invent something that people use on a day to day basis. Dr. Meredith Gourdine’s inventions and ideas have become the building blocks upon which many commonly used home appliances have been built upon. The engineering technique that he invented, Incineraid, helps remove fog from airport runways. This prevents a “traffic” jam on the runway from occurring and lets planes to take off and land when they are scheduled to, allowing things to run more smoothly. Incineraid also helps remove smoke from burning buildings, making it easier for people to escape and put the flames out. This technique also helps the environment because it assists in the removal of smoke, which can pollute the air, and it does not release any fumes into the atmosphere. Dr.  Gourdine has also founded two laboratories, which provide jobs for many people, as well as invented tools that help people in doing every day such as powering buildings. Dr. Gourdine’s contributions have had a positive influence on the lives of many people.

            She attended Barnard College and graduated in May 1929.  She was planning to go to medical school, but the depression occurred.  Since she was anxious to stay in school, she went to work for A.B. Cannon, a well-known dermatologist at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.  Working in the lab, she took classes in biochemistry and helped him create the Almay line of hypoallergenic cosmetics.   This comes from A.B. Cannon’s name and his wife’s middle name.  She then worked as an organic chemist for Standard Oil Development Company during World War II and then for Socony Vacuum Oil up to 1949.

              Bishop was inspired by Cannon’s work and that is why she did experiments in her mother’s kitchen in the late 1940s.  She succeeded through perseverance.  She learned a lot from him.  She helped him invent things and the Almay product only was one of them.  Although she admired Cannon, she wanted to go on her own.   Therefore, she made her own company, and to this day, her business is doing fine.  It is making about $10 million a year.  She may be dead, but her life was amazing.  Her products have gone all over the world.  She has helped women everywhere including New Jersey. 

            Did you know all this about Hazel?  She made a difference and I am glad to say she was born in New Jersey.  If she weren’t born, women would be mad.  Bishop did a lot, and to this day, she should be remembered.  She made an invention that went worldwide.  Hazel Bishop is the best, and she is one important person.  The great part is her invention had one powerful effect, and it made her company rich.  Women have just as much power as men!

            The first product sold by this company was called Grafton DBM Gel. This product has the consistency of putty and can be molded to fill in bone imperfections and gaps left by tumors or cysts. It is injected into the gap or imperfection of a bone through the skin of a patient. The company has now created various forms of the Grafton technology which includes the Grafton Flex, Grafton A-Flex, Grafton Putty, and much more.

            A second technology the company creates is known as the Plexur Bone Graft. There are two types of this biocomposite. Plexur P is a solid fiber material that can be shaped to fill voids left in bones with just a scalpel. The material then bonds and becomes part of the bone. The second is Plexur M which is a moldable material. It is similar to putty and will mold to any irregular shape needed. After five months, the putty becomes one with the bone and appears as though nothing was ever wrong.

            The Xpanse Bone inert is a graft that is placed in a gap or void. A graft is placed in a Graft Cage then inserted into the bone. After being hydrated the insert expands to fill in and fit tightly inside the void. Two different sizes of this product are R and S. Each one can be used for a varying situation. Xpanse R is larger than S.

            When bone is needed for spinal injury the Graftech Family of products can be used. The six different types can be used for lumbar spacing to a cervical dowel. This form of replacement is convenient because it does not require freezing. This tissue comes packed in a tray and ready to use. The cancellous bone allows growth to happen around the implant, forming it to the body.

            Osteotech sells many other forms of replacement parts including bone grafts and living tissue. The company’s products have improved the lives of many. To this day, they are developing a form of bioregeneration which allows people to re-grow limbs. It is a truly an honorable company and should be celebrated throughout New Jersey.

Among his most prestigious clients was the U.S. Navy. In 1895 and again in 1900, the Navy commissioned his submarines. Holland’s subs became the model for the Navy’s submarine fleets for decades to come (“Hall of Fame”). However, he was not merely a one-country man. Other countries like Great Britain, Russia, and Japan bought vessels from his J.P. Holland Torpedo Boat Company (“World of Invention” 2).

Holland’s first successful, but second launched, submarine, the Fenien Ram used electrical power for propulsion under water and had an internal combustion engine for surface propulsion. The sub was unique in that rudder planes allowed the craft to dive by inclining its axis (“John Philip Holland”).

After a major setback, Holland got enough money to build his own submarine, the Holland no. 8. It could dive and inhabit the deep for up to four hours. The Holland’s surface speed was eight knots, and while submerged its speed was five knots. It was a great advance for the world of submarines (“World of Invention” 2).

Later in his life, Holland became bored with submarines, and switched his interest to aviation (“World of Invention” 2).

Holland himself was born in County Clare, Ireland, and immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1873. However, he took up teaching again in St. John’s Catholic School in Paterson, New Jersey. John Philip Holland died on August 12, 1914. He was buried in Totowa, New Jersey, less than one mile from where he launched his first submarine. In 1976 his grave was marked with a large headstone. In 1964 a plaque was erected in Liscannor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his death. Castle Street in Liscannor has been renamed Holland Street in his honor (“John Philip Holland”).