Born: July 18, 1908 (Portland, Oregon)
Died: September 22, 1997
Biography:
Beatrice Aitchison (July 18, 1908 – September 22, 1997) was an American mathematician, statistician, and transportation economist who made significant contributions in her field. She was a trailblazer in both academia and government and played a crucial role in shaping transportation policies in the United States.
Born on July 18, 1908, in Portland, Oregon, Aitchison was the daughter of Clyde Bruce Aitchison, a lawyer and economist who served on the Interstate Commerce Commission, and a mother who was a musician. She spent her early years in Portland before moving to Washington, D.C., where she spent the rest of her childhood.
Aitchison’s academic journey began at Central High School, where she excelled in her studies. She was a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa sorority. In 1928, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Goucher College. Following a year working as an actuary in New York City, she pursued graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University. Under the guidance of Gordon Thomas Whyburn, Aitchison completed her master’s degree in mathematics in 1931 and earned her Ph.D. in 1933.
Her groundbreaking dissertation, titled On Mapping with Functions of Finite Sections, focused on point-set topology, a field of study at the intersection of mathematics and topology. Aitchison’s research showcased her exceptional mathematical abilities and analytical thinking.
Aitchison’s educational journey did not end there. In 1937, she obtained a second master’s degree in economics at the University of Oregon, further diversifying her expertise and preparing herself for a career in transportation economics.
In the midst of the Great Depression, finding employment as a mathematician proved challenging. Aitchison faced numerous rejections before securing a one-semester temporary position at the University of Richmond’s Westhampton College for Women, where she substituted for an ill instructor. From 1934 to 1935, she worked as a lecturer in statistics at American University in Washington, D.C.
Aitchison returned to Portland in 1935 and contributed to various projects under the Works Progress Administration. She also resumed her role as a lecturer in statistics at American University, alongside her work for the United States Department of Agriculture and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Aitchison’s dedication and expertise eventually led to a position as an economics instructor at the University of Oregon, where she taught from 1939 to 1942.
In 1942, she embarked on a lifelong career in transportation economics within the federal government. Aitchison served as a statistician and transportation economist for the Interstate Commerce Commission until 1951. During this time, she also lectured at American University and provided consultations for the Office of Defense Transportation during World War II.
From 1951 to 1953, Aitchison held a significant role as the head of the Transport Economics Division at the United States Department of Commerce’s Office of Transportation. Her expertise and policy insights were instrumental in shaping transportation policies and facilitating efficient transportation systems nationwide. However, in 1953, the division was dissolved, leading Aitchison to explore opportunities beyond government positions.
Aitchison redirected her career path and joined the United States Postal Service in 1953. She served in various capacities within the organization for almost two decades, demonstrating her dedication to public service and contributing to the efficient functioning of the postal system. In 1971, she assumed the role of Director of Transportation Research in the Bureau of Transportation of the United States Postal Service, becoming the highest-ranking woman in the postal service and the first woman appointed to a policy-level position at the organization.
Throughout her career, Beatrice Aitchison played a pivotal role in shaping transportation policies and improving the efficiency of both government and postal operations. Her remarkable journey from academia to government service underscores her determination, intelligence, and commitment to public service. Aitchison’s contributions in the fields of mathematics, statistics, and transportation economics continue to inspire and influence generations of mathematicians, economists, and policymakers.