James West is an American inventor and physicist who is best known for co-inventing the electret microphone, which is now used in almost 90% of all microphones worldwide. Born in 1931 in Prince Edward County, Virginia, West grew up in a segregated community and attended Temple University in Philadelphia, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics.
After completing his studies, West joined Bell Labs in 1957, where he worked as a research scientist for over 40 years. It was during his time at Bell Labs that he co-invented the electret microphone with Gerhard Sessler in 1962, a breakthrough that revolutionized the field of acoustics and paved the way for modern-day telecommunications.
In addition to his work on the electret microphone, West also made significant contributions to the development of other important technologies, including the use of silicon for integrated circuits and the development of computer modeling and simulation techniques.
Throughout his career, West has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and technology. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1999 and was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Barack Obama in 2006.
Today, West continues to inspire future generations of scientists and inventors through his work as a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where he also serves as a mentor to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

James West (Wikimedia)
What about James West interesting facts? Let’s take a look at these 27 interesting facts about James West.
- James Edward West was born on February 10, 1931, in Prince Edward County, Virginia.
- West was the fourth of five children in his family.
- He attended Temple University in Philadelphia, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in physics.
- West was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and served for two years as a research scientist at the Army Signal Corps Laboratory in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.
- In 1957, West joined Bell Labs as a research scientist and remained there until his retirement in 2001.
- In 1962, West and Gerhard Sessler co-invented the electret microphone, which is now used in nearly 90% of all microphones worldwide.
- West’s research on acoustics and sound helped to improve the quality of long-distance telephone communication.
- West also made significant contributions to the development of silicon technology for integrated circuits.
- He was the first African American to be elected a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America.
- In 1995, West was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Bill Clinton.
- West was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1999.
- He was also awarded the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering in 2006.
- West has over 200 patents to his name.
- He was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Barack Obama in 2006.
- West has received honorary doctorates from numerous universities, including Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
- In 2018, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture featured West’s story in an exhibit on innovation and invention.
- West has served on the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
- He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
- West has been a mentor to many students from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly African Americans and women.
- He has been a strong advocate for diversity in science and engineering.
- In 2015, West was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
- West is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
- He has been married to his wife, Delores, for over 60 years.
- West enjoys playing tennis and has competed in senior tournaments.
- He has been featured in numerous documentaries and news programs.
- West’s life and work have been an inspiration to many young scientists and inventors.
- Today, he continues to serve as a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
James West’s life and career have been marked by groundbreaking contributions to science and technology, as well as a lifelong commitment to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of innovators. His co-invention of the electret microphone and research in acoustics helped revolutionize modern telecommunications, and his work on silicon technology for integrated circuits paved the way for the digital age. West’s advocacy for diversity in science and engineering has also left a lasting impact, inspiring countless young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM. Despite facing significant obstacles as an African American scientist in a segregated society, West’s dedication to his work and his vision of a better future for all have made him an enduring role model and a true American hero.