Sterling B. Hendricks

{{Short description|American agriculturist}}

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Sterling Brown Hendricks (April 13, 1902 – January 4, 1981) was an American agriculturist notable for his research on the structural aspects of organic and inorganic chemistry, soil chemistry and plant physiology and nutrition.[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/07/obituaries/dr-sterling-hendricks-a-government-scientist.html?scp=1&sq=%22Sterling%20B.%20Hendricks%22&st=cse New York Times:DR. STERLING HENDRICKS, A GOVERNMENT SCIENTIST; January 7, 1981]

Hendricks was a member of the National Academy of Sciences,[http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=897&page=181 National Academy of Science:National Academies Press:Biographical Memoirs:V.56:Sterling Brown Hendricks][https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/28/archives/science-academy-picks-35-members-six-foreigners-also-named-for.html?sq=%2522Sterling%2520B.%2520Hendricks%2522&scp=8&st=cse New York Times:SCIENCE ACADEMY PICKS 35 MEMBERS; Six Foreigners Also Named for Research Work;April 28, 1965], the American Academy of Arts and Sciences,{{Cite web |title=Sterling Brown Hendricks |url=https://www.amacad.org/person/sterling-brown-hendricks |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=American Academy of Arts & Sciences |language=en}} the American Philosophical Society,{{Cite web |title=APS Member History |url=https://search.amphilsoc.org/memhist/search?creator=Sterling+B.+Hendricks&title=&subject=&subdiv=&mem=&year=&year-max=&dead=&keyword=&smode=advanced |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=search.amphilsoc.org}}

and a recipient of the National Medal of Science from President Gerald Ford.[https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/19/archives/national-medal-of-science-is-awarded-by-ford-to-15.html?sq=Sterling%2520Brown%2520Hendricks&scp=2&st=cse New York Times:National Medal of Science Is Awarded by Ford to 15;October 19, 1976][https://www.nsf.gov/od/nms/recip_details.cfm?recip_id=166 The President's National Medal of Science: Recipient Details;STERLING BROWN HENDRICKS;Title: Former Chief Chemist, Beltsville Plant Industry Station]

The citation given to him at the medal ceremony said: "For the initiation of basic research in the physical and chemical properties of soils and proteins that have profoundly influenced agricultural practices and the production of food plants."

Hendricks also was Chief Chemist, Beltsville Plant Industry Station,

chief scientist of the Mineral Nutrition Laboratory,

and a recipient of the Award for Distinguished Civilian Service.[http://www.mindat.org/min-1864.html Mindat.org - Hendricksite]

Hendricks was also an accomplished mountaineer.{{cite journal | title = Sterling B. Hendricks, 1902-1981 | journal =American Alpine Journal| date=1981| issn= 0065-6925 | first =Donald | last = Hubbard | volume =#23 | issue =55 | pages= 347-348 | access-date =15 October 2024 |url = http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12198134700/Sterling-B-Hendricks-1902-1981 }} The Sterling's Crack climb at Carderock Recreation Area is named for him. He accompanied an expedition to Denali in 1942, and accomplished at least fifty first ascents in British Columbia and Alaska.Carderock Past and Present: A Climber's Guide. Mountaineering Section of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. 2008.