Crannell's doctoral research concerned particle showers.
At Goddard, Crannell pushed for x-ray and gamma-ray observations of the sun, and led balloon-mounted experiments to make these observations.[2]
Activism
Crannell played an active role in the struggle for equal opportunity for women in physics. She chaired the Committee on the Status of Women in Physics of the American Physical Society, and helped found the CSWP Gazette, the newsletter of the Committee. Through her position at the Catholic University she also helped bring underrepresented students to summer internships at Goddard.[2]
Recognition
Crannell became a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 1992, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1998. In 1990, Women in Aerospace gave her their Outstanding Achievement Award "for her dedication to expanding women’s opportunities for career advancement and for increasing their visibility through her activities as an aerospace professional".[2]
^ abcdefEagle, Irene (Fall 2009), "In memoriam: Carol Jo Crannell"(PDF), CSWP Gazette: The Newsletter of the Committee on the Status of Women in Physics of the American Physical Society, 28 (2): 10