Biography:
Linda Jean Miller OBE, born in 1961, is an accomplished American civil engineer who has made significant contributions to the field. With more than 25 years of experience, Miller has played a crucial role in various engineering projects, leaving a lasting impact on society.
Hailing from Arizona, Miller obtained her bachelor’s degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. After graduation, she embarked on a remarkable career in the United States Army as a helicopter pilot. This early experience served as a solid foundation for her future endeavors in the engineering field.
Driven by her passion for knowledge and her dedication to advancing her skills, Miller pursued a master’s degree in engineering from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. Armed with a deeper understanding of her field, she was ready to take on new challenges and make a lasting impact.
Miller’s career primarily thrived at Bechtel, where she has been employed for over two decades. Throughout her tenure at the company, Miller has consistently championed engineering projects that leave a positive legacy for society. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has earned her recognition and admiration within the industry.
One of the notable projects Miller worked on was the Boston Central Artery, a groundbreaking 161-mile road and tunnel project. Her contributions to this project were so significant that she even appeared on a documentary produced by PBS. Her expertise was also sought after for projects such as the launch facilities at Cape Canaveral and the Seattle Monorail Project.
One of Miller’s most challenging yet rewarding projects was the Connaught Tunnel, a Victorian rail tunnel built in 1878 between Stratford and North Woolwich. When she joined the team, they only had 135 year-old drawings as a guide, necessitating the use of giant props to support the excavation. Describing the project as open heart surgery, Miller successfully led the team through the intricate task with exceptional precision and expertise.
Miller’s dedication to promoting gender equality and encouraging more women to pursue careers in engineering is commendable. She actively engages with young women, including the children of Crossrail staff, inspiring them to consider a path in engineering. Her efforts to create equal opportunities have not gone unnoticed, as she was selected as one of the Top 50 Influential Women in Engineering in the UK in 2016.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Miller received the prestigious WISE Campaign 2016 Woman of the Year Award. Her appearance on the BBC Two documentary, The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway, further showcased her expertise and highlighted the impact of her work.
To further her influence and share her knowledge, Miller has been a guest speaker at esteemed institutions such as the Royal Institution and the Institution of Civil Engineers. Her expertise and insights have captivated audiences, inspiring the next generation of engineers.
In 2017, Miller was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to engineering and her passionate promotion of gender equality. This recognition further solidified her impact on the field and her advocacy for diversity.
With her move to Australia in 2017 to work on the Sydney Metro project, Miller continues to shape the field of engineering and leave a positive mark on the industry. Her determination, expertise, and commitment to gender equality have cemented her role as an influential figure in civil engineering.
Awards:
– WISE Campaign 2016 Woman of the Year Award
– Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to engineering and promoting gender equality.