Lonnie Johnson (born 1949) is the inventive mastermind who turned science into fun—and fortune. A former NASA engineer with a knack for problem-solving, he’s best known as the guy who invented the Super Soaker, the water blaster that became every kid’s summer dream.
Born in Alabama, Johnson was a tinkerer from the start, earning the nickname "The Professor" as a kid. He worked on high-profile projects like the Galileo mission to Jupiter and the stealth bomber, but his playful side stole the spotlight with his iconic toy, which has racked up billions in sales.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Johnson reinvested his success into green energy innovation, making him a force for good in more ways than one. He’s proof that science can be serious—and seriously fun!