Beatrice Alice Hicks
Personal Information
Born: 1919
Died: 1979
Country of Birth: USA
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: White
Education
NJ Institute of Technology BS Chemical Engineering 1939; Stevens Institute of Technology MS Physics 1949
Professional Life
Field of Study: Chemical Engineering
Institution/Corporation: Western Electric; Newark Controls, Inc
Degrees & Memberships: Honorary Degrees: Hobart & William Smith College (1958), Rensselear Polytechnic Institute (1965), Stevens Institute of Technology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Member: Society of Women Engineers (SWE, co-founder, president, 1950), National Academy of Engineering (1978), American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Institute of Electrcal & Electronics Engineers (IEEE), National Society of Professional Engineers
Awards & Achievements
Awards: 2002, National Women s Hall of Fame; 1963, SWE Achievement Award; 1952, Woman of the Year in Business, Mademoiselle Magazine; 2013, NJ Hall of Fame Advancement of Invention Award
Achievements: developed sensors for fuel levels, pressure & flow rates for liquids & gasses, & for the use in heating & cooling systems
1st female engineer hired by Western Electric (1942)
Co-founder & 1st president of Society of Women Engineers
Created gas density sensor switch that played a key role in making space travel possible
Became an engineer when it was viewed as a socially unacceptable role for a woman
In college worked as a telephone operator at an Abercrombie & Fitch store & at the University's library to support herself
After her father died, she went to work for Newark Controls Company, a metal-working firm her father founded; 1955, purchased control of the company from her uncle
Was Director of the 1st International Conference of Women Engineers & Scientists
1st female recipient of an honorary doctorate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Held 1 patent