Brower, Elayne (Elayne Marian), 1928-2021
Dates
- Existence: 1928 - November 14, 2021 - 2021-11-14
Biographical Information
Elayne Marian Brower earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University (1949) and Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan. She went on to work in the fields of aeronautical, nuclear, and industrial engineering for the U.S. government and organizations such as Avco, Boeing, Bechtel Power, and more.
Elayne Brower was born in Arlington New Jersey. Though initially discouraged from pursuing a career in engineering by a high school guidance counsellor, she enrolled and graduated from Purdue's School of Aeronautics in 1949 with the support of her parents. While at Purdue, Brower was a member of the Institute of Aeronautical Science, served on the staff of the Purdue Engineering Magazine, and under the guidance of Dr. Lillian Gilbreth, was one of the founding members of the Pi Omicron Women Engineers Club, the precursor to the Society of Women Engineers Student Section. In 1958, Brower earned a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Throughout her career, Elayne Brower worked for numerous government agencies and public and private organizations such as the Engineering Research Institute at the University of Michigan, U.S. Naval Air Development Center, Avco Corporation, Boeing Aerospace Company, Bechtel Power Corporation, Washington Public Power Supply System, and more, where she worked as a research associate, lead scientist, and held various management and supervisory positions. While at Boeing, Brower worked in its Saturn V propulsion section on projects for NASA.
In addition to her extensive career, Brower was a licensed pilot, active member of the Ninety-Nines and Girl Scouts of America, and fellow and life member of the Society of Women Engineers.
She retired in 1993 and passed away on November 14, 2021.