Lonnie Johnson

Who he is: 

Lonnie Johnson is an American mechanical/aerospace engineer who worked as an engineer in the U.S. Air Force and later at NASA, applying problem-solving to spacecraft and energy systems. At home, a side experiment with pressurized water evolved into the Super Soaker, one of the best-selling toys of all time. He went on to found companies focused on advanced batteries and clean-energy technology. Johnson’s path blends curiosity, careful testing, and real-world invention.

Why he matters: 

Johnson exhibits that playful tinkering and rigorous engineering can both achieve real results, albeit at different scales. He turned small prototypes into successful products by refining designs, filing patents, and building teams, core steps for any engineer. His career underscores the importance of persistence: many ideas face rejection before they ultimately succeed. He reminds young makers that today’s kitchen-table experiment can become tomorrow’s breakthrough.