About the Author

Rachel Haynie first met and interviewed Dr. Charles Townes in 2001 at the South Carolina State Museum. Nobel Laureate, inventor, writer, professor - and most recently - astrophysicist, had returned to the institution to which he had given his 1964 Nobel prize. His half of the prestigious prize, shared with two Russian scientists, was for fundamental work in the field of quantum electronics which has led to the construction of oscillators and amplifiers based on the maser-laser principle. The South Carolina native was back at the museum in support of an announcement projecting a major addition to the museum – a multi-facility observatory and planetarium.

The impression Townes made on Haynie was indelible. “His brilliance was balanced by common sense and fiscal grounding. His accomplishments were veiled in humility,” Haynie observed. Townes’ name, associated with this projected expansion, was instrumental in launching the Windows to a New World campaign to raise private funds for construction and outfitting.

With funding in place, the South Carolina State Museum prepared to announce a date for groundbreaking, Haynie wondered how many young learners – in South Carolina and beyond – knew this man. Finding no juvenile biography of him, she set out to create one. Her definitive interview with Dr. Townes coincided with his time back in his hometown, Greenville, South Carolina, where he was attending a trustees’ meeting at his alma mater, Furman University. Her story of Townes’ young life has been vibrantly illustrated by Trahern Cook.

Haynie, also a South Carolina native, has been a professional writer - for institutions, agencies and as a free-lance writer - for several decades. She is now a developer of independent publishing projects. She earned both an undergraduate degree in English and a Masters of Education from the University of South Carolina. Her young granddaughters Penelope and Kate, courtesy of her beloved son Doug with his wife Kristin, will become readers in due time.

Rachel's Blog

About the Illustrator

Trahern has been illustrating for nearly twenty years. His illustrations have appeared in numerous magazines, cd covers, ad campaigns and children's books.

Speaking of children's books, Trahern was delighted to work with Rachel on this fantastic story. He was immediately drawn to young Charles Townes inquisitive zest for discovery and the life changing technology that those discoveries led to.

Trahern graduated high school from Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. He attended the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts, studied at Rhode Island School of Art and Design,and graduated with a bachelor of fine arts from the Ringling School of Design in 1992.

He spent nearly fifteen years in the Nashville,TN area, working with publishing companies and advertising firms, developing a unique and marketable illustration style.

Trahern also spent that time being married to his wonderful wife and raising their two wonderful children.

He now lives on the outskirts of Columbia,SC on a small farm where he grows drawings and paintings with his family in his studio (please note: all artwork is organically grown. It just tastes better).

To learn more about Trahern Cook, please visit:

www.studiocampfire.com

www.traherncook.com 

Trahern's Blog