He graduated from Harvard University before receiving an MS and PhD in geology from the California Institute of Technology.
[1][2] Henshaw worked in Peru and Mexico, along with teaching as an associate professor at the University of Idaho.
[3] In 1968, Henshaw was appointed to the California State Mining and Geology Board by Ronald Reagan.
During his tenure the company became an established provider of uranium and expanded to include lead and zinc in Missouri as well as silver in Colorado.
[1][4] In 1981, Henshaw was awarded the Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal by the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers for "his unique combination of skills in innovating mining exploration, development, technology, and financial management, while serving fully his professional and civic responsibilities.