Lawrence (Buddy) A. Taylor, Class of 1956

Larry Taylor was raised by hard-working parents who owned the New Bauer Inn across from the Erie Station. Growing up in this rugged lifestyle exposed him to a life few get to experience. For Taylor, it was his friends and teachers at Port Jervis High School that gave him an adjusted outlook on life. He’s currently Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Director of Planetary Geosciences Institute of the University of Tennessee. Taylor’s academic career started at Orange County Community College. He went on to achieve his Ph.D. at Lehigh University. This education led him to the study of rocks, from earth and beyond. Taylor’s research includes exploration for diamonds in northern Siberia, as well as rocks from the Moon, Mars, and asteroidal meteorites. Larry and his wife Dawn have traveled the world in pursuit of these scientific endeavors. Taylor was part of the “back room” team at the Johnson Space Center, advising Apollo 16 and 17 astronauts on which rocks to document and collect on these final two missions to the Moon. This collaboration led to a strong friendship with Jack Schmitt, the last man to walk on the moon. Taylor’s work has earned him world-wide praise and recognition. He has authored over 500 scientific publications and several books. He has received numerous awards from universities, corporations, NASA, scientific societies (e.g., AAAS). He’s been awarded a medal from the French Government. At a young 77 years of age, Taylor’s academic research continues, and credits his success to hard work and those who have always encouraged him.