Women in Engineering
2 MIN. READ
Women have made significant strides in engineering, achieving remarkable success and contributing to advancements across various fields. Including several who graduate top of their class through Anderson’s Engineering Program. Here are some notable women who have made a substantial impact in engineering:
Ada Lovelace – Computer Science
– Achievements: Known as the first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm intended for implementation on Charles Babbage’s analytical engine. Her visionary work laid the foundation for modern computing.
Hedy Lamarr – Telecommunications
– Achievements: Hedy Lamarr, an actress and inventor, co-developed a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology during World War II. This innovation is a precursor to modern wireless communications, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson – Theoretical Physics
– Achievements: Dr. Jackson is the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT in any field. Her research in theoretical physics has influenced telecommunications, including innovations like touch-tone dialing and caller ID.
Dr. Frances Arnold – Chemical Engineering
– Achievements: Dr. Arnold won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2018 for her pioneering work in the directed evolution of enzymes. Her research has significant implications for renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa – Aerospace Engineering
– Achievements: Dr. Ochoa is an astronaut and engineer who became the first Hispanic woman in space. She has logged nearly 1,000 hours in orbit and later served as the Director of the Johnson Space Center.
Dr. Mae Jemison – Biomedical Engineering
– Achievements: Dr. Jemison is the first African-American woman to travel in space. She holds a degree in chemical engineering and has worked on developing advanced medical technologies.
Dr. Fei-Fei Li – Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
– Achievements: Dr. Li is a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence, particularly in computer vision. She co-directed the Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute and co-founded AI4ALL to increase diversity and inclusion in AI.
Radia Perlman – Network Engineering
– Achievements: Often referred to as the “Mother of the Internet,” Radia Perlman invented the spanning-tree protocol (STP), which is fundamental to network bridge operations. Her work has greatly influenced modern network design.
Debbie Sterling – Mechanical Engineering
– Achievements: Debbie Sterling is the founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, a company that creates toys designed to encourage girls to pursue engineering. Her work focuses on addressing gender disparities in STEM fields.
Marissa Mayer – Computer Engineering
– Achievements: Marissa Mayer was a key figure at Google, where she played a critical role in the development of various products, including Google Search and Gmail. She later served as the CEO of Yahoo.
These women have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also paved the way for future generations of female engineers by breaking barriers and serving as role models. Their contributions demonstrate the profound impact that women can have in engineering and technology.
Anderson University Women in Engineering:
Nguyen (Winnie) Nguyen- Electrical Engineering 2023
Winnie arrived in the US from Vietnam at age 16 with 3 suitcases. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Electrical Engineering, earned the Indiana Economic Development Corporation-Independent Colleges of Indiana Engineering Grant, was a Senior speaker, did internships at ERTL Combustion, MISO, and AudioChuck.
Lindsey Herrera- Mechanical Engineering 2024
Lindsey is part of the Engineering Rotational Development Program at Caterpillar Inc. She interned with Eaton, and served as the first president of the Anderson University Society of Women Engineers Student Chapter, helping us achieve official section status. Lindsey also served on the Tri-S Engineering Trip to Ecuador, working as part of the team that analyzed and proposed solutions to provide backup water supply to Antioch Christian Academy.
Alice Dang- Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering 2023
Alice won an Independent Colleges of Indiana Outstanding Achievement Award as a First Generation College Student, a Society of Women Engineers Scholarship, American Council of Engineering Companies Scholarship, and more.
Are you ready to make your mark as a woman in Engineering? You will find support and success through Anderson’s Engineering Program. Ready to get started? Contact our admissions team to schedule a visit!
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.