Women's History Spotlight: Lillian Gilbreth

As part of Women’s History Month, we will be highlighting women who have made history in the fields of construction, engineering, or management. Our first Women’s History Spotlight is Lillian Gilbreth, whose achievements paved the way for women in engineering. She studied industrial engineering and ergonomics, which is the study of workplace efficiency. In 1926, Lillian became the first women to be a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. After years of making contributions to the field of industrial engineering, she was recognized by winning the Hoover Medal of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1966. In addition, she became the first female professor in the school of engineering at Purdue University, as well as being the first woman elected into the National Academy of Engineering. Have you ever heard of the book or movie “Cheaper by the Dozen”? The story and plot line is based on the lives of the Gilbreth family! Lillian Gilbreth made room for women in engineering and workplace management, ultimately advancing the field and making it more inclusive. We should all be thankful for her contributions!