Born: 1925 (Troy, New York)
Died: 2013
Biography:
Lois Graham (known early in her career as Lois Graham McDowell or Lois G. McDowell) (1925 – November 4, 2013) was a professor of thermodynamics and cryogenics. She was the first woman to earn a mechanical engineering PhD in the United States. Graham is remembered for her lifelong work recruiting young women into careers in science and engineering. She taught for nearly 40 years in the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering program. Graham founded IIT’s Women in Science and Engineering program, which recruited female high school students into science and engineering careers.
Early life and education:
Lois Graham was born in 1925 and grew up in Troy, New York, as one of three siblings. From an early age, she aspired to be a doctor, but due to financial constraints, she could not afford medical school. She was also fascinated by aviation and dreamed of becoming a pilot or flight attendant, inspired by the achievements of Amelia Earhart. However, the height and weight limitations imposed on those professions at the time prevented her from pursuing them. Despite these setbacks, Graham remained determined to find a career that would allow her to make a difference.
Graham’s interest in aviation led her to consider aerospace engineering, but once again, financial barriers hindered her pursuit of the field. However, her determination and passion for engineering remained unwavering.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:
In 1942, Graham graduated from high school and initially planned to attend a state college for teachers in Albany, NY. However, her plans took an exciting turn when Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where her father taught, announced that it would admit female students for the first time. As a child of an employee, Graham was offered free tuition, giving her the opportunity to follow her dreams.
Graham enrolled at RPI and began her studies, starting with summer classes and transitioning to full-time enrollment. Despite facing challenges associated with being one of the first female students at the institute, Graham persevered. She adopted an accelerated schedule due to the circumstances of World War II and became one of the first two women to earn a degree from RPI in 1946. Furthermore, she made history by becoming the first woman from the university to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Illinois Institute of Technology:
Following her graduation from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Graham embarked on a career as a test engineer at the Carrier Corporation. However, after 18 months, she decided to pursue a master’s degree and applied to notable engineering institutions such as MIT, Caltech, and the University of Illinois. Unfortunately, Graham faced significant barriers at each institution. MIT requested extensive documentation, Caltech refused to accept women, and the University of Illinois did not accept out-of-state students at the time.
Despite these rejections, Graham’s determination led her to the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). She was offered a teaching assistantship and decided to pursue her higher education at IIT. Graham’s experiences at IIT were far from easy, as she faced gender discrimination and bias from her male counterparts. However, she persevered, fueled by her passion for engineering and her desire to break barriers for women in the field.
Throughout her career, Graham excelled in her studies and research, becoming an expert in thermodynamics and cryogenics. Her groundbreaking research and dedication to her field led her to become the first woman in the United States to earn a PhD in mechanical engineering.
Graham’s Legacy:
After completing her academic journey, Graham dedicated her life to inspiring and recruiting young women into science and engineering careers. She joined the faculty of the Illinois Institute of Technology, where she taught for almost four decades in the Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering program. Graham’s contributions extended beyond the classroom as she founded IIT’s Women in Science and Engineering program. Through this initiative, she actively recruited and supported female high school students, guiding them towards pursuing careers in science and engineering.
Lois Graham’s impact on society cannot be overstated. Through her lifelong commitment to promoting gender equality in the field of engineering, she played a vital role in advancing women’s representation and breaking down barriers. Her dedication and perseverance have inspired countless women to pursue careers in science and engineering, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and progress.
Awards:
– Only include this section if there are official awards or recognitions received. If none, omit this section entirely.