Dr. Charles E. Tarr has been interested in the sciences since he was young, finding that physics was a natural choice for his skill set and intelligence. After earning a PhD in 1966, he went on to serve the University of Pittsburgh as a research associate for two years before transferring to the University of Maine, where he would spend the remainder of his career. Beginning his tenure at the University of Maine as an associate professor of physics in 1968, he went on to serve as chairman of the physics department, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, acting vice president of research, dean of the graduate school and professor of physics until attaining emeritus status in 1997.
During his career, Dr. Tarr was also a frequent consultant in the field and served on the executive committee of the Council of Research Policy and Graduate Education of the National Association of State Colleges and Land-Grant Universities. Likewise, he has been the director of the Maine Toxicology Institute since 1992, having previously served the institution as chair and co-chair. He has contributed several articles to professional journals and holds multiple patents in the field.
Since 2016, Dr. Tarr has also notably served as founder and president of PenBay Marine Instruments, Inc. The organization was founded by a group of sailors who were determined to provide scientifically based and resounding answers to questions asked most by sailors. Offering boat parts, as well as Rode Washers, YachtFinders and Boat Framers, PenBay Marine prides itself on featuring only the most durable materials and the highest quality workmanship. Their products are manufactured and assembled in Buck’s Harbor on the coast of Penobscot Bay.
As a testament to his success, Dr. Tarr has been honored with several grants from the National Science Foundation and NASA. Likewise, he was a Morehead Scholar from 1957 to 1961 while pursuing undergraduate coursework at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Married to his wife Gudrun Kiefer since 1977, he was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Brooksville, Maine. He enjoys sailing in his spare time.
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