The society cited him "for contributions to the theory of the penetration of swift particles in matter, including resonant coherent excitation of channeled ions and to the understanding of negative ions of polar molecules."
Crawford's research has focused on such reactions as energy loss, light emission and electronic transitions, that occur when swift ions hit and penetrate solids. These studies are significant to the fields of radiation protection and the production and testing of solid-state electronic devices.
The society's scientific members are chosen for their contributions to the field of particle-solid interactions. Nominations for new members of the society are made by existing members.
Founded in 1975 in association with Cornell University, the Bohmische Physical Society's purpose is to promote the advancement of theories about the interaction of particles with solids and to encourage information exchange between scientists and engineers involved in such research.
Crawford joined ORNL in 1976 with the Chemistry Division and moved to the Health Sciences Research Division in 1984. Prior to joining the Lab, he completed postdoctoral work at the Queen's University of Belfast in Northern Ireland and was on the faculty of Pennsylvania State University and Barnard College in New York, N.Y.
He is a member of the American Physical Society, the American Chemical Society and the Radiation Research Society.
Crawford obtained his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Carson-Newman College and his doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Illinois.
Crawford resides in Oak Ridge with his wife, Arlene.
ORNL, one of DOE's multiprogram national research and development facilities, is managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.