Beams completed his undergraduate B.A. in physics at Fairmount College in 1921 and his master's degree the next year at the
University of Wisconsin. He retired from the university in 1969. Beams' contributions include the first
linear electron accelerator, the magnetic ultracentrifuge, and the application of the ultracentrifuge to the separation of isotopes and to the separation of viruses from liquids. He held many patents in
magnetic bearings and
ultracentrifuges. In addition to the National Science Medal, he was awarded the
American Physical Society's John Scott Medal, the
Lewis Award of the
American Philosophical Society (of which he was also a member), and the University of Virginia's first annual Thomas Jefferson Award. in
Charlottesville, Virginia. He is buried at the
University of Virginia Cemetery. == Patents ==