Francis Rudolph Shonka

Francis Rudolph Shonka (18 April 1906 – 11 October 1970) was a physicist and inventor. Shonka was known for his pioneering work with ionizing radiation measurement devices and equipment. This equipment bears his name today as the: Shonka ionization chamber, the Shonka electrometer, and Shonka plastics.
Life and Times.
In 1906, Francis R. Shonka was born at Linwood, Nebraska. He died in 1970.
Education.
In 1931, Shonka graduated from St. Procopius College at Lisle, Illinois with a B.S. degree in physics. He was offered and accepted the position of Professor of Physics at St. Procopius College and taught there for 2 years. He attended the University of Chicago during this time and graduated in 1933 with the M.S. degree in physics. Shonka was presented with the opportunity to teach in China, so he traveled to Peiping, China to become Professor and Head of the Physics Department at Fu Jen University for the following 2 years. After China, Shonka returned to St. Procopius College to again teach physics for an additional 2 years. Shonka accepted a position at DePaul University and taught physics for 5 years. Shonka attended the University of Chicago for doctoral studies and in 1941 was awarded a Ph.D. in physics. Arthur H. Compton was his advisor.
Metallurgical Laboratory.
Shonka went to the Metallurgical Laboratory at the University of Chicago and was promoted to Director, Instrument Research and Development Division. In 1954, Shonka advance to become Director of Research, Physical Science Laboratory at St. Procopius College and remained in this position until he died in 1970.