# Charles Albert Bridges III > American entomologist and archivist **Wikidata**: [Q21393019](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21393019) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-albert-bridges-iii ## Summary Charles Albert Bridges III was an American entomologist and archivist known for his expertise in lepidoptera and dragonflies. He was also trained as a physicist and computer scientist, working across multiple scientific disciplines during his career. His work contributed significantly to entomological research and archival preservation. ## Biography - Born: September 17, 1941 in San Diego - Nationality: United States - Education: Bachelor of Science in physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1963), master's degree in physics from University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1965) - Known for: Entomological research and archival work - Employer(s): National Solar Observatory (as physicist), Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (as computer scientist) - Field(s): Entomology, lepidoptery, physics, computer science, archival work ## Contributions Charles Albert Bridges III made significant contributions across multiple scientific fields throughout his career. As an entomologist and lepidopterist, he advanced the study of insects and butterflies through his research and fieldwork. His work with the Dragonfly Society of the Americas and The Lepidopterists' Society demonstrates his specialized focus on these insect groups. Beyond entomology, Bridges applied his physics background in various professional capacities, including work at the National Solar Observatory. His computer science expertise was utilized at the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, showing his versatility across technical disciplines. As an archivist, he contributed to the preservation and organization of scientific materials. His educational background from prestigious institutions like MIT and University of Illinois provided a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to science. Bridges maintained active membership in professional societies throughout his career, contributing to the broader scientific community's knowledge base and advancing entomological research methodologies. ## FAQs ### Q: What was Charles Albert Bridges III's primary profession? A: Charles Albert Bridges III was primarily an entomologist and lepidopterist, specializing in the study of insects and butterflies, though he also worked as a physicist and computer scientist. ### Q: Where did Charles Albert Bridges III receive his education? A: He earned a Bachelor of Science in physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1963 and a master's degree in physics from University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1965. ### Q: When did Charles Albert Bridges III live? A: Charles Albert Bridges III lived from September 17, 1941, when he was born in San Diego, until January 21, 1995, when he died in Champaign. ## Why They Matter Charles Albert Bridges III represents the interdisciplinary nature of modern scientific research, bridging traditional entomology with physics and computer science. His work contributed to the advancement of entomological knowledge, particularly in the areas of lepidoptera and dragonflies, serving the scientific community through both research and archival preservation. His involvement with professional societies like the Dragonfly Society of the Americas and The Lepidopterists' Society helped foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within these specialized fields. Bridges' diverse skill set allowed him to contribute to multiple scientific domains, demonstrating how cross-disciplinary expertise can enhance research capabilities. His work at institutions like the National Solar Observatory and Construction Engineering Research Laboratory shows how entomological expertise could be applied in various contexts. The lasting impact of his contributions lies in the scientific knowledge he generated and preserved, which continues to benefit researchers studying insect taxonomy and ecology. His legacy illustrates the importance of maintaining expertise across multiple scientific fields to address complex research questions. ## Notable For • Specialized expertise as both an entomologist and lepidopterist with active participation in professional societies • Interdisciplinary background combining entomology, physics, and computer science • Educational achievements from prestigious institutions including MIT and University of Illinois • Professional work spanning multiple sectors including solar observatory research and engineering laboratory computing • Active membership in Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity alongside his scientific pursuits ## Body ### Early Life and Education Charles Albert Bridges III was born on September 17, 1941, in San Diego, California. He pursued higher education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in June 1963 after beginning his studies in 1959. Following his undergraduate work, Bridges continued his education at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, completing a master's degree in physics in 1965 after starting in 1963. ### Professional Career Bridges held positions across multiple scientific disciplines. He worked as a physicist at the National Solar Observatory and served as a computer scientist at the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. His diverse professional background demonstrates his ability to apply scientific principles across different technical fields. ### Scientific Specializations As an entomologist, Bridges focused on the study of insects. His work as a lepidopterist specifically addressed butterfly research. He was actively involved with the Dragonfly Society of the Americas and The Lepidopterists' Society, indicating his specialized interest in these insect groups. Additionally, he served as an archivist, contributing to the preservation and organization of scientific materials. ### Professional Affiliations Bridges was a member of several professional organizations including Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the Dragonfly Society of the Americas, and The Lepidopterists' Society. These memberships reflect his commitment to both scientific research and professional networking within his specialized fields. ### Personal Life and Interests Beyond his scientific pursuits, Bridges engaged in ballroom dancing as a recreational activity. He resided in Urbana, Illinois, and passed away on January 21, 1995, in Champaign, Illinois. His linguistic abilities included English as his spoken, written, or signed language. ## References 1. Charles A. Bridges, III 2. Catalogue of family-group and genus-group names (Lepidoptera : Rhopalocera)