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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Robert Cantrell

ArchitectChicago, IL

EngineerManhattan Project Veteran
Robert Cantrell Listen to Robert Cantrell’s Oral History on Voices of the Manhattan Project

Robert Cantrell joined the Manhattan Project in 1943 and worked as an architect for Dr. Walter Zinn’s design group at the University of Chicago. Working from his office in Ryerson Hall, Cantrell helped design a new mechanism for inserting the control rods into the nuclear reactor. He also designed innovative tools for scientists who were working on radioactive materials. After the war, Cantrell continued his career as an architect and helped design buildings for universities across the country.

Robert Cantrell’s Timeline
1921 Jan 27th Born in Gainesville, Texas.

1943 Joined the Manhattan Project at the University of Chicago as an architect for Dr. Walter Zinn.

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