Gale Young was a research associate in theoretical studies at the University of Chicago Met Lab.
Before joining the Manhattan Project in 1942, Young taught mathematics and physics at Olivet College. A member of the Theoretical Group under Eugene Wigner, he worked on the design of water-cooled production reactors. These designs were the basis for the production reactors at Hanford. Wigner called Young the group’s “best theoretical engineer.” Young later shared the patent for the design of the reactors.
After the Manhattan Project, Young joined Wigner at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.