Ned Manning

Ned Manning came to Alaska in 1974 and worked for the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik). In 1987, he was hired by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a machinist where he participated in the machining and design of equipment, tools, instruments, and products for many research projects, such as the Freon Gravitational Engine, which is an energy producing device utilizing Arctic air and water as its source, and the Pin Bone Machine, which is a de-boning device for salmon pin bones. Ned was highly respected by the scientists he worked with for his ability to implement innovative and creative ideas. Ned retired around 2000 when he also participated in the morning storytelling session at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and shared some of his memories of working there.