Lawrence P. Biefeld, 1930
B.A., Denison University
Ph.D., Ohio State University
Granville, Ohio
Citation awarded June, 1980
A respected scientist in both the industrial and scientific academic worlds, Dr. Lawrence Biefield retired as supervisor of basic chemical research from Owens Corning Fiberglas after 35 years as a research chemist. He is one of Fiberglas’ top inventors and holds over 50 US and foreign patents. He is also the author of more than 75 publications. His most significant achievement is his pioneering research contributions that resulted in the commercial uses of fibrous glass as reinforcements for plastics, rubbers and cements, as well as advancements in colored fabrics and flotation materials. He represented Owens Corning Fiberglas in the Industrial Research Institute (IRI) for many years, on the Stanford Research Management tours, and organized and was chairman of the IRI Education Liaison committee.
Before joining Owens Corning in 1942, Dr. Biefeld was chairman of the chemistry department of Shurtleff College and assistant professor of chemistry at Purdue University. He has served the American Chemical Society as chairman and as national councilor of the Columbus section and chairman of the Toledo section. He was president of the Toledo Association of Research Directors and a member of numerous scientific research honoraries and professional organizations.
He coupled his scientific research with life-long lay activity in the Baptist Church and life-long concert performance as a first chair clarinet in community symphony orchestras, military bands, and local dance bands. He taught clarinet and saxophone in the Denison Conservatory.
