Beatrice Hicks, American engineer (d. 1979)

Beatrice Alice Hicks (January 2, 1919 – October 21, 1979) was a trailblazing American engineer whose profound contributions significantly impacted both the engineering profession and the United States space program. She broke through significant gender barriers to establish a remarkable career, becoming a pivotal figure in the advancement of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Hicks's pioneering spirit was evident early in her career. She achieved a historic milestone as the first woman engineer hired by Western Electric, a principal manufacturing arm of the Bell System. This achievement was particularly notable given that Western Electric was a vast industrial enterprise, and engineering, during the mid-20th century, was predominantly male-dominated and often perceived as an unsuitable profession for women. Her entry into this field challenged prevailing societal norms and opened doors for future generations of female engineers.

Beyond her corporate role, Beatrice Hicks recognized the critical need for a supportive community and professional network for women in engineering. This led her to become a visionary co-founder and the first president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in 1950. SWE was established with the crucial mission of empowering women to achieve their full potential as engineers and leaders, expanding the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrating the value of diversity and inclusion. Her leadership in SWE provided an essential platform for advocacy, professional development, and mutual support for women navigating a challenging field.

Throughout her distinguished career, Hicks consistently took on leadership responsibilities, demonstrating exceptional technical acumen and managerial skills. Defying the odds in an era when female ownership of technical firms was exceedingly rare, she eventually became the owner of an engineering firm. After her father's passing, she took over as CEO of Newark Controls Company, and later owned Rhodes Associates, showcasing her entrepreneurial prowess and business acumen in a highly technical sector.

One of Hicks's most impactful technical innovations during her time as an engineering firm owner was the development of a highly sensitive and reliable gas density switch. This device, designed to accurately measure the density of gases, proved to be a critical component for various high-stakes applications. Notably, this innovative switch was extensively utilized in the U.S. space program, playing an indispensable role in ensuring the precision and safety required for manned spaceflight. Its application included the monumental Apollo moon landing missions, where its reliable performance was crucial for monitoring environmental controls and and other vital systems within the spacecraft, directly contributing to the success and safety of astronauts on their historic journeys to the moon.

Key Contributions and Legacy of Beatrice Alice Hicks

• Pioneering female engineer at Western Electric, breaking significant gender barriers in a male-dominated industry.
• Co-founder and first president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), establishing a vital and enduring organization for women in STEM.
• Successful engineering firm owner, demonstrating exceptional leadership and entrepreneurship in a highly technical field.
• Inventor of the gas density switch, a critical component for the U.S. space program and instrumental in the success of the Apollo moon missions.
• A tireless advocate for women in engineering, paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beatrice Alice Hicks

Who was Beatrice Alice Hicks?

Beatrice Alice Hicks was a pioneering American engineer (1919-1979) widely recognized for being the first woman engineer hired by Western Electric, a co-founder and the first president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and for inventing a crucial gas density switch used in the U.S. space program, including the Apollo moon landing missions.

What was Beatrice Hicks's most famous invention?

Her most notable invention was the gas density switch, a precision device used to accurately measure gas density. This invention was vitally important for the U.S. space program, particularly for maintaining precise environmental controls and critical systems aboard spacecraft during the Apollo moon landing missions.

Why is Beatrice Hicks important for women in engineering?

Beatrice Hicks is an immensely important figure for women in engineering because she challenged and overcame significant gender barriers in a predominantly male field, serving as a trailblazing role model. Her pivotal role in co-founding and leading the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) provided an essential professional network, advocacy platform, and support structure for women pursuing and excelling in engineering careers.

What was the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and what was Beatrice Hicks's role in it?

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a professional organization founded in 1950, dedicated to empowering women to achieve their full potential in engineering and leadership, and to showcasing the value of diversity in the profession. Beatrice Hicks was a visionary co-founder of SWE and served as its very first president, establishing its foundational principles and guiding its initial development.

How did Beatrice Hicks contribute to the U.S. space program?

Beatrice Hicks made a direct and significant contribution to the U.S. space program through her invention of the gas density switch. This highly reliable device was integrated into various spacecraft, including those participating in the historic Apollo missions, where it was essential for accurately monitoring and controlling gas environments, thereby ensuring the safety and operational integrity of these critical space explorations.