Born: 1945 (Memphis, Tennessee)
Biography:
Lilia Ann Abron is an entrepreneur and chemical engineer, known for being the first African American woman to earn a PhD in chemical engineering. She was born on March 8, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee. Abron was the second of four daughters and was born prematurely at home. Due to the racial segregation at the time, ambulances were not available for African Americans, so her aunt had to rush her to the hospital in a cab.
Both of Abron’s parents were educators who had attended LeMoyne College, now known as LeMoyne-Owen College. Her father, Ernest Buford Abron, had sustained a football injury in college, which prevented him from serving during World War II. He worked as a Pullman porter and later became a teacher. Abron’s mother, Bernice Wise Abron, was a typist from Arkansas, and she typed briefs for Wiley Branton, the defense attorney for the Little Rock Nine.
Raised in a Baptist household, Abron was baptized at the age of 9 and actively participated in Girl Scouts and the junior choir at her church. She attended a public school and showed a natural aptitude for math and science. After graduating from Memphis High School, she initially planned to pursue a career in medicine.
Abron enrolled at LeMoyne-Owen College where she studied biology but lost her scholarship after her freshman year due to low grades. She switched her major to chemistry and graduated in 1966 with distinction, earning a B.S. degree. It was at LeMoyne-Owen where Abron’s advisor, Dr. Bueler, encouraged her to consider studying engineering. She was also inspired by Dr. Juanita Williamson, an English professor and fellow African American.
In 1968, Abron was offered a full-tuition scholarship from Washington University in St. Louis to pursue a degree in sanitary engineering, funded by the Public Health Service. This marked Abron’s first time living away from home and she found herself one of only two women in a predominantly white male class. Despite these challenges, she completed her degree in just thirteen months and graduated in 1968 with an MS in Environmental Engineering.
During her time at Washington University, Abron developed a passion for academia. She gained valuable experience by working in her professors’ labs. However, after graduating, she faced difficulties finding work as an environmental engineer. She spent a year working as an environmental chemist in the Kansas City water department and another year as a research environmental chemist at the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Chicago.
In September 1968, Abron began her PhD at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s department of civil engineering, under the supervision of Dr. Rolfe Skrimbee. However, when Skrimbee moved to the University of Iowa, Abron’s research focus changed. She joined the chemical engineering department and shifted her research to air pollution control. Despite facing challenges as a woman of color in a predominantly male field, Abron persevered and excelled in her studies.
In 1972, Lilia Ann Abron made history by becoming the first African American woman to earn a PhD in chemical engineering. Her groundbreaking achievement paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in STEM fields.
Throughout her career, Abron has made significant contributions to the field of environmental engineering. She founded PEER Consultants, P.C. in 1978, a multi-disciplinary engineering consulting firm specializing in environmental, civil, and sanitary engineering. Under Abron’s leadership, the company has provided innovative solutions to various environmental challenges.
Awards:
– In recognition of her pioneering work as an African American woman in the field of chemical engineering, Lilia Ann Abron has received numerous awards and accolades.
– She was honored with the Pioneer Award by the National Society of Black Engineers in 1995.
– Abron was also presented with the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award from Washington University in St. Louis, acknowledging her significant contributions to the field of engineering.
– Additionally, she was recognized with the Society of Women Engineers Entrepreneur Award for her outstanding achievements as an entrepreneur in the engineering industry.
– Abron has also received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the United States National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education.
Lilia Ann Abron’s groundbreaking accomplishments not only exemplify her determination and resilience, but also serve as an inspiration to future generations. Through her pioneering work in chemical engineering and entrepreneurship, she has left an indelible mark on the field and continues to be a role model for aspiring engineers and women everywhere.