book.chapter Beginnings and origins

Robert Noyce, born on December 12, 1927, in Burlington, Iowa, was the son of a Congregational Church minister, Ralph, and Harriet, a former high-school teacher turned homemaker. Known for his high spirits and academic excellence, Noyce never scored below 96 percent in science or math during high school, despite his apparent lack of attention in class. His fascination with airplanes led to a memorable incident at age twelve, where he and his brother built a glider, resulting in a brief but terrifying flight. Opting for Grinnell College over Miami University of Ohio, Noyce's college years were filled with activities, including bridge, lectures, yearbook, radio melodramas, and studying the atomic bomb's development. His adventurous spirit once led him to steal a pig for a roast, which belonged to the local mayor, resulting in a semester's expulsion. Noyce's interest in physics was piqued by Bell Labs' transistor invention, influencing his decision to pursue a Physics doctoral program at MIT. Transitioning from Grinnell to MIT was challenging; Noyce initially struggled with physics assessments and had to catch up through undergraduate courses. His belief in deriving answers from basic principles was tested, leading to a rigorous study schedule. Eventually, Noyce excelled, supported by scholarships and a fellowship. His graduate years were marked by social activities, musical performances, and academic achievements. For his PhD dissertation, Noyce focused on "A Photoelectric Investigation of Surface States on Insulators," inspired by transistor research. Despite challenges and initial failures, he made a modest contribution to the understanding of magnesium oxide's electrical properties. Noyce's doctoral journey honed his laboratory skills and deepened his knowledge in solid-state physics, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to technology and innovation.