By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

National Aviation Day

Monday, August 19th, 2024, will be National Aviation Day. The annual tribute day is held to honor the men and women who pioneered human flight and had a significant historical impact. This day provides an opportunity for people to appreciate and acknowledge the remarkable advancements made in the field of aviation. To observe National Aviation Day, there are various ways individuals can actively participate and contribute to the celebration.

Here are some ways that you can observe National Aviation Day:

1. Visit an Aviation Museum: Explore the rich history of aviation by visiting a local aviation museum, such as the Intrepid Museum, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, or the Space Shuttle Pavillion. These museums often feature exhibits showcasing vintage aircraft, interactive displays, and educational programs that offer insights into the evolution of aviation.

2. Attend Airshows: Attend airshows organized in your area to witness breathtaking aerial displays and aerobatic performances by skilled pilots. These events not only entertain but also showcase the incredible capabilities of modern aircraft.

3. Take a Flight: Experience the thrill of flying by booking a scenic flight or taking a flying lesson. Many aviation schools and flight centers offer introductory flights, allowing individuals to get a taste of what it's like to be in the air.

4. Volunteer at Aviation Organizations: Support aviation-related organizations by volunteering your time and skills. Whether it's assisting at airshows, helping with restoration projects, or participating in community outreach programs, your contribution can make a difference in promoting aviation.

5. Learn About Aviation History: Take the opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of aviation. Read books, watch documentaries, or participate in online courses to gain a deeper understanding of the pioneers, breakthroughs, and challenges that shaped the aviation industry.

On National Aviation Day, let us come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements in aviation and honor the legacy of the Wright brothers and other pioneers.

 

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Black History Month: Pioneering African-American Civil Engineers

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions and achievements of African-American individuals throughout history. It is a month dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and accomplishments of African-American people in various fields. One such field that has seen remarkable contributions from African-American individuals is civil engineering. African-American civil engineers have played a pivotal role in shaping history and have paved the way for future generations in this field. Their significance lies not only in their technical expertise and innovative ideas, but also in the barriers they have broken and the opportunities they have created. By overcoming adversity and discrimination, these pioneering figures have not only made significant contributions to the field of civil engineering but have also left a lasting impact on society as a whole. Their achievements serve as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the engineering profession. Through their hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence, African-American civil engineers have not only shaped history but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in engineering. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is essential to recognize and honor the contributions of these trailblazers who have paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in civil engineering.

Exploring the contributions of notable African-American civil engineers who paved the way for future generations, we uncover a rich history of individuals who overcame adversity and made significant advancements in the field. One such pioneering figure is Benjamin Banneker, who, in the late 18th century, designed and constructed a series of irrigation canals for the family farm that greatly improved agricultural productivity in Maryland. Banneker's meticulous attention to detail and innovative engineering techniques set a high standard for future African-American civil engineers. Another trailblazer in the field is Howard P. Grant, a prominent civil engineer who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1948, making him the first African-American to graduate from the Berkeley College of Engineering. That same year, Grant also became the first known black member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Additionally, we cannot overlook the contributions of George Biddle Kelley, who graduated from Cornell University's College of Civil Engineering in 1908. He went on to become the first African-American engineer registered in the state of New York. He was hired by the New York Engineering Department, where he worked on the Barge Canal, a collection of state waterways, during the 1920s.

These pioneering figures in civil engineering not only made significant contributions to the field but also paved the way for future generations. Their determination, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the profession. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is crucial to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of these trailblazers and their lasting impact on civil engineering.

 

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African American Pioneers in Engineering You Should Know About

February is African American History Month. As such, it is the perfect opportunity to highlight the engineering achievements of African Americans who, although they have contended with racism, societal inequality, and discrimination, worked hard to overcome obstacles and accomplished great things in the field of engineering.

1. Walter Brathwaite, an American engineer who was born in Jamaica, was hired by Boeing in 1966. As Senior Engineer, he led the team that invented CAD systems for design of commercial Boeing aircrafts. Over the years, Brathwaite rose through the ranks, eventually becoming President of Boeing Africa. When he retired in 2003, he was the highest ranking African American executive of the company.

2. Howard P. Grant graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1948, making him the first African American to graduate from the Berkeley College of Engineering. That same year, Grant also became the first known Black member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He subsequently became the first African American civil engineer for the City and County of San Francisco and the second African American civil engineer to be licensed by California. He worked for the San Francisco water department until 1984, and also held the position of president and treasurer of the California Society of Professional Engineers.

3. George Biddle Kelley graduated from Cornell University's College of Civil Engineering in 1908. He went on to become the first African American engineer registered in the State of New York. He was hired by the New York Engineering Department, where he worked on the Barge Canal, a collection of state waterways, during the 1920s.

4. Elijah McCoy was born in Canada in 1844 to runaway slaves who had escaped Kentucky through the Underground Railroad. At the age of 15, he moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for an apprenticeship. There he became certified in mechanical engineering. Upon leaving Scotland, he moved to Michigan, where his family was now living. After being unable to find engineering work in Michigan because of his race, he found work as a fireman with the Michigan Central Railroad. Part of his duties included oiling the steam engine parts. Soon, McCoy had invented an automatic engine lubricator, which meant that trains were no longer required to stop for lubrication, and lubrication could now occur while the trains were moving. As news of the invention spread, many inventors attempted to create their own version of the automatic lubricator. However, it was soon discovered that McCoy’s invention was superior. It is said that railway engineers began requesting “the real McCoy” lubricator. McCoy filed a total of almost 60 patents, including designs for an ironing board, a lawn sprinkler, and other machines.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

African-American Pioneers in Engineering You Should Know About

February is African-American History Month. As such, it is the perfect opportunity to highlight the engineering achievements of African-Americans who, although they may have contended with racism, societal inequality, and discrimination, worked hard to overcome obstacles and accomplished great things in the field of engineering.

  1. Walter Brathwaite, an American engineer who was born in Jamaica, was hired by Boeing in 1966. As Senior Engineer, he led the team that invented CAD systems for designing commercial Boeing aircraft. Over the years, Brathwaite rose through the ranks, eventually becoming President of Boeing Africa. When he retired in 2003, he was the highest ranking African-American executive of the company.
  2. Howard P. Grant graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1948, making him the first African-American to graduate from the Berkeley College of Engineering. That same year, Grant also became the first known black member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He subsequently became the first African-American civil engineer for the City and County of San Francisco and the second African-American civil engineer to be licensed by California. He worked in the San Francisco water department until 1984, and also held the position of president and treasurer of the California Society of Professional Engineers.
  3. George Biddle Kelley graduated from Cornell University's College of Civil Engineering in 1908. He went on to become the first African-American engineer registered in the state of New York. He was hired by the New York Engineering Department, where he worked on the Barge Canal, a collection of state waterways, during the 1920s.
  4. Elijah McCoy was born in Canada in 1844 to runaway slaves who had escaped Kentucky thought the Underground Railroad. At the age of 15, he moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for an apprenticeship. There he became certified in mechanical engineering. Upon leaving Scotland, he moved to Michigan, where his family was now living. After being unable to find engineering work in Michigan because of his race, he found work as a fireman with the Michigan Central Railroad. Part of his duties included oiling the steam engine parts. Soon McCoy had invented an automatic engine lubricator, which meant that trains were no longer required to stop for lubrication. The lubrication could now occur while the train was moving. As news of the invention spread, many inventors attempted to create their own version of the automatic lubricator. However, it was soon discovered that McCoy’s invention was superior. It is said that railway engineers began requested “the real McCoy” lubricator. McCoy filed a total of almost 60 patents, including designs for an ironing board, a lawn sprinkler, and other machines.

 

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Celebrating the Women Behind International Women in Engineering Day

Wednesday, June 23rd marks the 5th International Women in Engineering Day (IWED), and this year’s theme, “Engineering Heroes,” provides the perfect opportunity to recognize and honor some of the trailblazing women who paved the way for the women engineers of today.

IWED was initially created by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) of the United Kingdom, which had in turn been established on June 23rd, 1919. Since the majority of male engineers had been called to military service during World War I, it became necessary for women to fill vacant positions in the field. It was the first time in modern history that women were actively encouraged to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, but it was, unfortunately, short-lived.

After the war ended, government officials, employers, and trade unions pushed for women to relinquish their titles in favor of the returning servicemen, and the Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act 1919 forced many of them to do so unwillingly. A stubborn few, refusing to go down without a fight, established the WES in defiance, and it has been continually inspiring, supporting, and serving women engineers for over 100 years – but who exactly were these women?

Rachel Parsons / electrifyingwomen.org
The Hon. Lady Katharine Parsons / en.wikipedia.org

 

Rachel Parsons, first president of the WES: Daughter of Sir Charles Parsons and Lady Katherine Parsons, Rachel Parsons was a descendant of the Anglo-Irish earls of Rosse, who had long been known for their brilliance and ingenuity. Much like her ancestors, her iconoclastic nature preceded her. In 1910, she became the first woman to read Mechanical Sciences at Cambridge University, and she sailed the Atlantic aboard the Mauretania, a record-breaking ship designed by her inventive father.

As one of the founding members of the WES, Parsons designated herself the group’s maiden leader. She was later elected to the London County Council, and as a pioneer of feminism, stood for Parliament in the election of 1923, at a time when there were only two female Members of Parliament (MPs).

The Hon. Lady Katharine Parsons: Lady Parsons, née Bethell, met her husband, the noted inventor Charles Parsons, while he was working as an engineer in Leeds. She took a keen interest in his work, eventually becoming an engineer in her own right. She was a suffragette of northeast England, and aside from co-founding the WES in 1919 (and later becoming its second president), she became the first female member of the North East Coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders (NECIES) that same year.

Lady Margaret Moir, Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE): Lady Moir, like her associate Lady Parsons, called herself “an engineer by marriage.” She worked in tandem with her husband, the renowned engineer Ernest Moir, whom she met during one of her frequent trips to see the Forth Bridge’s caisson foundations.

During the war effort, she organized a band of Women Relief Munition Workers and worked tirelessly as a founding member of the WES to set up training courses for women engineers. She was the president of the Electrical Association for Women, and also served the WES both as a vice president and a president, notably saying in her 1928 inaugural speech: “It is now relatively simple for the girl to go through the technical school or college education, and with her wits as bright as any man, obtain a degree in Engineering.”

Laura Annie Willson, Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE): Willson, who worked from the age of 10 in a textile factory, climbed the ladder to become a founding member of the WES and its president from 1926 to 1928; in addition to these roles, she was also the first female member of the Federation of House Builders and the branch secretary of the Women’s Labour League.

An unyielding suffragette, she was twice imprisoned for her political engagements: once in 1907 for “inciting persons to commit a breach of the peace” during a weaver’s strike at Hebden Bridge, and then again just a few weeks later, when she took part in a suffragette rally at Caxton Hall.

Banner courtesy of the Women's Engineering Society.