FRANK, MS’40, PHD’50, AND JOHN CRAIGHEAD, MS’40, PHD’50, often collaborated throughout their lives on conservation research and causes. Some of their work included writing for National Geographic and other nature publications, practicing falconry with an Indian prince, and teaching a course at U-M — while working toward their doctorates — to train students in the survival skills needed for the Pacific theater of World War II. At the request of Yellowstone National Park, from 1959-71, the Craigheads conducted an extensive study on the resident grizzly bears. On the way to gleaning unprecedented knowledge on the animals, the twins worked with other researchers and experts to create and utilize the first working large-mammal radio collars. Much of Frank and John’s passion for their work came from being born into a family of naturalists. In fact, their younger sister, Jean, enjoyed a prolific writing career with the natural world as a central theme to her work, including the 1973 Newbery Medal-winning novel “Julie of the Wolves.”
For a list of other notable U-M grads, visit alumni.umich.edu/notable-alumni.
