Famous American Engineers

John Zachary DeLorean was an American engineer and executive in the U.S. automobile industry. He is best known as the founder of the DeLorean Motor Company and for his work at General Motors. DeLorean managed the development of various vehicles, including the Pontiac GTO, Pontiac Firebird, and DMC DeLorean. He left GM to start DMC in 1973, but faced production delays and financial troubles. DeLorean was charged with cocaine trafficking in 1982, but was acquitted in 1984.

Toby Fox is an accomplished American video game developer and composer, renowned for his work on the critically acclaimed role-playing game Undertale. He has also created and continues to develop Deltarune, a project that has garnered high praise. Initially known for his music composition, including contributions to Homestuck, Fox has expanded his repertoire to include composing for various independent games. His talents have led to collaborations on soundtracks for popular titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Pokémon games, solidifying his position in the industry.

Grant Imahara was an accomplished American electrical engineer, roboticist, and television host known for his work on the popular TV series MythBusters. He began his career at Lucasfilm, contributing to iconic film franchises such as Star Wars and Jurassic Park. Imahara also showcased his talents on BattleBots and as a chief model maker at Industrial Light & Magic. Joining MythBusters in 2005, he appeared in over 200 episodes as a member of the Build Team. Imahara's legacy includes designing robots, machines, and animatronics for various projects until his passing in 2020.

Kevin Systrom is an American computer programmer and entrepreneur known for co-founding Instagram, the world's largest photo-sharing website, with Mike Krieger. Systrom was recognized as one of America's Richest Entrepreneurs Under 40 in 2016. During his tenure as CEO of Instagram, the app experienced rapid growth and reached 800 million monthly users by September 2017. Systrom later resigned as CEO in 2018. Instagram was acquired by Meta Platforms in 2012 for $1 billion and has since grown to over one billion users, generating substantial revenue for the parent company.

Linus Torvalds is a prominent Finnish-American software engineer known for creating the Linux kernel and Git version control system. He has been recognized for his significant contributions to the technology industry, receiving prestigious awards such as the Millennium Technology Prize in 2012 and the IEEE Computer Society Computer Pioneer Award in 2014. His innovative work in open source operating systems has had a profound impact on the field of computer science, making him a highly respected figure in the industry.

Phineas P. Gage was an American railroad construction foreman known for surviving a severe accident in which an iron rod pierced his head, damaging his left frontal lobe. This injury drastically altered his personality and behavior for the remaining 12 years of his life. Gage's case sparked discussions in the 19th century about the relationship between the brain and personality, challenging existing physiological beliefs. Despite the exaggerations in published accounts of his behavior, Gage's reported mental changes were believed to have improved over time, particularly during his work as a stagecoach driver in Chile.

Lisa Nowak is an American aeronautical engineer, former NASA astronaut, and United States Navy officer. She served as a naval flight officer and test pilot, flying in space aboard Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-121 mission in 2006. Nowak was responsible for operating robotic arms on the shuttle and the International Space Station. In 2007, she was involved in a criminal incident, leading to her pleading guilty to felony burglary and misdemeanor battery charges. Nowak was demoted and terminated by NASA and the Navy.

Martin Cooper is an American engineer renowned for his pioneering work in the wireless communications industry. With eleven patents in radio spectrum management, he made history in 1973 by placing the first public call from a handheld portable cell phone. Known as the "father of the cell phone," Cooper led the development of the first handheld cellular mobile phone and co-founded several communications companies. He continues to contribute to the industry by serving on committees supporting the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the United States Department of Commerce.

Claude Shannon was an influential American mathematician, electrical engineer, computer scientist, and cryptographer, known as the "father of information theory" and the Information Age. He made groundbreaking contributions to digital circuit theory, artificial intelligence, cryptography, and communication theory. His work on Boolean algebra laid the foundation for digital computing, and his mathematical theory of communication revolutionized the field of information theory. Shannon's impact on various scientific fields, including artificial intelligence and cryptography, is comparable to the achievements of other great scientists like Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton.

George Westinghouse Jr. was an American entrepreneur and engineer known for creating the railway air brake and pioneering the electrical industry. He received his first patent at the age of 19 and later focused on developing and marketing the use of alternating current for electric power distribution in the 1880s, putting him in direct competition with Thomas Edison. In 1886, he founded the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and in 1911, he was awarded the Edison Medal for his significant contributions to the development of the alternating current system.

John McAfee was a British-American computer programmer and businessman known for creating the first commercial anti-virus software in 1987 under McAfee Associates. He later became critical of the company's products, urging consumers to uninstall the anti-virus software he had developed. McAfee's professional endeavors included founding various companies, such as Tribal Voice, QuorumEx, and Future Tense Central, and holding leadership positions in several others. He was also involved in smartphone apps, cryptocurrency, and other ventures before facing legal troubles and ultimately passing away in 2021.

Walter Marty Schirra Jr. was an accomplished American naval aviator, test pilot, and NASA astronaut. He was one of the original seven astronauts selected for Project Mercury in 1959, making him a key figure in the United States' early space exploration efforts. Schirra achieved significant milestones in spaceflight, including being the fifth American and ninth human to travel into space. He further made history by participating in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, retiring as a captain from both the U.S. Navy and NASA after a distinguished career.

Margaret Hamilton is an accomplished American computer scientist renowned for her pioneering work in software engineering. Serving as director of the Software Engineering Division at MIT, she played a pivotal role in developing on-board flight software for NASA's Apollo program. Hamilton later established two successful software companies in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With over 130 publications and significant contributions to various projects and programs, she coined the term "software engineering" to emphasize its distinct role within systems engineering. Her remarkable achievements were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

Sid Meier is an American businessman and computer programmer known for his work in the video game industry. He co-founded MicroProse in 1982 and later Firaxis Games in 1996. Meier is a programmer, designer, and producer of popular strategy and simulation video games, notably the Civilization series. He holds the position of Director of Creative Development at Firaxis Games and has been recognized for his contributions to the industry by being inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.

Robert Noyce was an American physicist and entrepreneur known as "the Mayor of Silicon Valley." He co-founded Fairchild Semiconductor in 1957 and Intel Corporation in 1968. Noyce played a crucial role in the development of the first monolithic integrated circuit or microchip using silicon. This groundbreaking achievement revolutionized the technology industry, leading to the personal computer revolution. Noyce's work not only shaped the future of computing but also contributed significantly to the growth and success of Silicon Valley, earning him a prominent place in the history of innovation.

Fazlur Rahman Khan was a Bangladeshi-American structural engineer and architect known for his innovative contributions to skyscraper design. As a partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Chicago, he revolutionized skyscraper construction with his pioneering work on tubular designs and computer-aided design. Khan's most famous projects include the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) and the John Hancock Center, showcasing his talent for creating efficient and groundbreaking structural systems. His impact on the field earned him titles like the "Einstein of structural engineering" and the "Greatest Structural Engineer of the 20th Century."

Homer Hadley Hickam Jr. is an accomplished American author, Vietnam War veteran, and former NASA engineer known for training the first Japanese astronauts. His notable works include the bestselling memoir Rocket Boys (October Sky), which inspired a successful film adaptation. Hickam has written several other bestselling memoirs and novels, such as the "Josh Thurlow" historical fiction series and Carrying Albert Home. He continued to captivate readers with his sequel to Rocket Boys, Don't Blow Yourself Up, showcasing his diverse and engaging storytelling abilities that have been appreciated worldwide.

Eugene Cernan was an accomplished American astronaut and naval aviator with a background in electrical and aeronautical engineering. Graduating from Purdue University, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a fighter pilot before transitioning to space exploration. Cernan flew into space three times, including two missions to the Moon. He served as the pilot on Gemini 9A, lunar module pilot on Apollo 10, and commander on Apollo 17, making him the 11th person to walk on the Moon and the most recent as of now.

Eugene Francis Kranz is an American aerospace engineer known for his pivotal role as NASA's Chief Flight Director during the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. He directed the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission and led the Mission Control team in successfully rescuing the crew of Apollo 13. Kranz coined the famous phrase "tough and competent" and has been widely recognized through films, documentaries, and publications. He is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and is regarded as a top space hero in the 2010 Space Foundation survey.

John Bardeen was an American physicist and electrical engineer known for winning two Nobel Prizes in Physics. He first received the award in 1956 for the invention of the transistor, which revolutionized the electronics industry. In 1972, he was awarded his second Nobel Prize for his work on the BCS theory of superconductivity. Bardeen's contributions have had a lasting impact on various fields, including the development of modern electronic devices and applications in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and medical imaging.

Guion Stewart Bluford Jr. is an American aerospace engineer, retired USAF officer, and former NASA astronaut. He made history as the first African American to go to space, participating in four Space Shuttle flights between 1983 and 1992. During his time with NASA, he rose to the rank of colonel in the USAF. In 1983, Bluford flew on the mission STS-8 aboard the Orbiter Challenger, becoming the first African American and the second black person overall to venture into space.

Jack St. Clair Kilby was an American electrical engineer known for his pioneering work in the field of integrated circuits. He played a crucial role in the development of the first integrated circuit while working at Texas Instruments in 1958. Kilby was also a co-inventor of the handheld calculator and the thermal printer, holding patents for these inventions as well as seven others. His contributions revolutionized the electronics industry and earned him the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000.

Bernhard Caesar Einstein was a Swiss-American engineer who excelled in electronics and technology. He worked at various companies such as Texas Instruments and Litton Industries, where he obtained patents related to electron tube technology and light amplification devices for night vision. He also worked at the Swiss Army Research Lab in Thun, focusing on laser technology. Einstein's professional journey took him from the United States to Switzerland, showcasing his expertise in engineering and innovation.

Leslie Groves was a distinguished United States Army Corps of Engineers officer who played pivotal roles in significant projects during World War II. He oversaw the construction of the Pentagon and directed the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb. Known for his diligence and leadership, Groves was instrumental in site selection, construction efforts, raw material acquisition, and intelligence gathering for the atomic bomb project. Following the war, he continued to be involved in nuclear weapons production and military control before transitioning to a role in the private sector.

George Gordon Meade was a United States Army Major General who commanded the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War from 1863 to 1865. He fought in key battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg where he defeated General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army. Meade served in various roles in the military, such as in the Second Seminole War and the Mexican–American War. Despite his successes, his cautious approach led to criticism, and he faced political rivalries within the Army, notably with Major Gen. Daniel Sickles.

Ray Tomlinson was an American computer programmer known for implementing the first email program on the ARPANET system in 1971. His innovative use of the @ sign to separate user names from machine names revolutionized email communication, allowing messages to be sent between users on different hosts. Tomlinson's work led to a fundamental shift in how people communicate, earning him a place in the Internet Hall of Fame. He is also credited with the invention of the TCP three-way handshake, a crucial component of various Internet protocols.

Tommy Rettig was an accomplished American child actor, computer software engineer, and author. He gained fame for his role as "Jeff Miller" in the Lassie television series. Rettig also appeared in various other TV shows and films, showcasing his acting talent. In addition to his acting career, he ventured into the music industry, recording songs with The TR-4. Rettig's diverse professional life included a stint in computer software engineering, displaying his versatility and creativity across different fields.

Taylor Wilson is an accomplished American nuclear physicist and science advocate. He made headlines in 2008 at the age of 14 for achieving controlled nuclear fusion. Known for his innovative work, Wilson has designed a compact radiation detector for airport security and focuses on advancing nuclear medicine applications. He is also involved in the design and development of modular power reactor technology. Wilson's professional endeavors showcase his dedication to pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology.

Granville Tailer Woods was an American inventor known for holding more than 50 patents in the United States. He was the first African American mechanical and electrical engineer post-Civil War. Woods was a self-taught individual who focused primarily on innovations related to trains and streetcars. Among his notable inventions was the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph, a unique adaptation of the induction telegraph. This invention utilized ambient static electricity from existing telegraph lines to facilitate communication between train stations and moving trains.

Clarence Leonard "Kelly" Johnson was an accomplished American aeronautical and systems engineer known for his significant contributions to aircraft design. Serving as the first team leader of the Lockheed Skunk Works, Johnson played a pivotal role in creating over forty aircraft, including groundbreaking designs like the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird. His work earned him a reputation as an exceptional and prolific aircraft design engineer, with several of his designs receiving prestigious accolades such as the Collier Trophy. Johnson was recognized as one of the most talented figures in aviation history.

John McCarthy was an influential American computer scientist and cognitive scientist who played a pivotal role in the development of artificial intelligence. He co-authored the document that introduced the term "artificial intelligence" and was a key figure in the creation of the programming language Lisp. McCarthy's contributions to the field also include significant influence on the design of the language ALGOL, popularizing time-sharing systems, and inventing garbage collection techniques. Throughout his career at Stanford University, he received prestigious awards such as the Turing Award and the National Medal of Science.

Scott Joseph Kelly is an accomplished American engineer, retired astronaut, and naval aviator. He has conducted four space flights, including commanding the International Space Station on Expeditions 26, 45, and 46. Kelly's missions involved piloting the Space Shuttle Discovery during a servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, commanding a Space Shuttle mission to the ISS, and participating in a year-long mission to the ISS. He retired from NASA in 2016 after a successful and distinguished career in space exploration.

Max Yasgur was an American farmer known for owning a 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York. His farm gained significant attention when it hosted the iconic Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969. Despite facing backlash from some members of the community, Yasgur allowed the festival to take place on his land, making a significant impact on music history. He eventually sold his farm in 1971 and retired to Florida, where he passed away in 1973.

Anousheh Ansari is an Iranian American engineer and co-founder/chairwoman of Prodea Systems. She has a history of success in the business world, having co-founded and served as CEO of Telecom Technologies, Inc. She made history by becoming the first Iranian in space and the first self-funded woman to fly to the International Space Station. Ansari is also the CEO of the X Prize Foundation, a position that allows her to continue promoting innovation and advancement in various fields.

Ed Boon is an accomplished American video game programmer, voice actor, and director. He dedicated over 15 years to Midway Games before transitioning to Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's subsidiary, NetherRealm Studios, in 2011. Boon is renowned for co-creating the immensely popular Mortal Kombat series alongside John Tobias, as well as for his work on the Injustice series. Recognized by IGN as one of the top 100 game creators of all time in 2009, Boon has left a lasting impact on the gaming industry with his innovative contributions.

Douglas Engelbart was an American engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to computer science. He founded the field of human-computer interaction and is best known for creating the computer mouse, developing hypertext, networked computers, and graphical user interfaces. His work at the Augmentation Research Center led to groundbreaking demonstrations in 1968 known as "The Mother of All Demos." Despite facing challenges with funding and interest in his ideas later in his career, Engelbart continued to promote his vision through the Bootstrap Institute.

David Packard was an American electrical engineer who co-founded Hewlett-Packard with Bill Hewlett in 1939. He held various leadership positions within HP, including president, CEO, and chairman of the board. In addition to his contributions to the company, Packard also served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense during the Nixon administration. He later became president of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and chairman of its board of regents. Packard was involved in various organizations, including the Trilateral Commission, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988 for his technological innovations and philanthropic efforts.

James Irwin was an accomplished American astronaut, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, and United States Air Force pilot. He made significant contributions to space exploration as the Lunar Module pilot for Apollo 15, marking the fourth human lunar landing. He was the 8th person to walk on the Moon and the first of his fellow astronauts to pass away. Irwin's professional life was characterized by his pioneering spirit, dedication to advancing space exploration, and his historic achievements in lunar exploration.

Edwin Howard Armstrong was an American electrical engineer and inventor known for developing FM radio and the superheterodyne receiver system. He held 42 patents and received prestigious awards for his contributions to the field of radio technology. Armstrong served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I, attaining the rank of major. He was a respected professor at Columbia University, where he spent most of his career. Armstrong's innovative work earned him a place in various halls of fame and recognition among great inventors worldwide.

Robert Moog was an American engineer and electronic music pioneer known for inventing the first commercial synthesizer, the Moog synthesizer, in 1964. He founded the synthesizer manufacturer Moog Music and later released the iconic Minimoog in 1970. Moog's innovations, such as the voltage-controlled oscillator and modularity, revolutionized electronic music production. Despite being considered a poor businessman, his contributions to synthesizer technology and popular music are widely recognized. He continued designing instruments through his company, Moog Music, until his passing in 2005.

Eugene Stoner was an influential American machinist and firearms designer known for his significant contributions to the development of the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle, which later became the basis for the iconic M16 rifle used by the United States military. His innovative designs revolutionized the field of small arms manufacturing, emphasizing lightweight materials and modular construction. Stoner's work with ArmaLite and Colt's Patent Firearm Company played a crucial role in shaping modern military firearms, earning him a lasting legacy as a pioneering figure in the industry.

Michael Teutul is an American television personality known for his appearances on popular reality programs such as "Orange County Choppers," "American Chopper," and "American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior." He gained recognition for his work in the custom motorcycle industry, showcasing his expertise in designing and building unique motorcycles. Teutul's professional life revolves around his contributions to the television shows, where he demonstrates his creative skills and passion for motorcycles, ultimately establishing himself as a prominent figure in the industry.

Frederick Winslow Taylor was an American mechanical engineer known for his pioneering work in industrial efficiency. He was one of the first management consultants and authored the influential book "The Principles of Scientific Management" in 1909. Taylor's application of engineering principles to factory work laid the foundation for the field of industrial engineering. He made significant contributions to scientific management, leading to the term "Taylorism." Additionally, Taylor achieved financial success through patenting steel-process improvements.

Gene Haas is a prominent figure in the manufacturing and motorsports industries. As the founder, president, and sole stockholder of Haas Automation, a leading CNC machine tool manufacturer, he has made significant contributions to the field. In addition, Haas has ventured into motorsports by establishing NASCAR team Haas CNC Racing (now Stewart-Haas Racing) and Formula One team, Haas F1 Team. Through these endeavors, Haas has demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation in both manufacturing and racing sectors.

Jacque Fresco was an American futurist and self-described social engineer. He was self-taught and worked in various positions related to industrial design. Fresco wrote and lectured extensively on topics such as sustainable cities, energy efficiency, natural-resource management, cybernetic technology, automation, and the role of science in society. He directed the Venus Project and advocated for the global implementation of a socioeconomic system known as a "resource-based economy."

Judith Resnik was a trailblazing American engineer, pilot, and NASA astronaut. Recognized for her intellectual brilliance from a young age, she excelled academically and professionally. With degrees in electrical engineering and a PhD in the same field, she made significant contributions to various projects in the aerospace and engineering industries. As a mission specialist for NASA, Resnik was part of the historic Astronaut Group 8 and played a crucial role in developing software and procedures for space missions. Tragically, she lost her life in the Challenger disaster during her second Shuttle mission.

Henry J. Kaiser was a prominent American industrialist known for his shipbuilding and construction projects. He was involved in building the Hoover Dam before establishing the Kaiser Shipyards, which played a crucial role in constructing Liberty ships during World War II. Kaiser later founded Kaiser Aluminum and Kaiser Steel. He also revolutionized American healthcare by creating Kaiser Permanente. Additionally, Kaiser ventured into automobile manufacturing with Kaiser-Frazer and Kaiser Motors, recognized for their safe designs. He also led significant construction projects, real estate ventures, and television broadcasting investments.

George Mortimer Pullman was an American engineer and industrialist known for designing the Pullman sleeping car. He founded a company town in Chicago for workers, which led to the Pullman Strike due to high rent prices and low wages. During a downturn in demand, he cut wages and increased work hours without adjusting rents. Federal troops were used to suppress the strike, resulting in casualties. Eventually, the Supreme Court ordered the Pullman Company to divest the company town.

Auguste Antoine Piccard was a Swiss physicist, inventor, and explorer renowned for his groundbreaking hydrogen balloon flights, which allowed him to study the Earth's upper atmosphere and become the first human to enter the Stratosphere. He is also credited with inventing the first bathyscaphe, FNRS-2, enabling unmanned dives in 1948 to explore the ocean's depths. Piccard's pioneering work in both atmospheric and oceanic exploration has left a lasting impact on the fields of science and exploration.

Mike Markkula is an American electrical engineer, businessman, and investor known for his significant contributions to Apple Computer, Inc. He served as the original angel investor, first chairman, and second CEO of the company, providing crucial early funding and managerial guidance. Markkula played a key role in the incorporation of Apple, owning a 26% stake in the company, equal to that of the cofounders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. His expertise and support were instrumental in shaping Apple's early success and growth.

Thomas Midgley, Jr. was an American mechanical and chemical engineer known for his significant contributions to the development of leaded gasoline and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). His work led to over 100 patents during his career. Unfortunately, in 1944, Midgley was found dead under mysterious circumstances involving a device he created to help him get out of bed due to his disability. While initially reported as an accidental death, the coroner later ruled it as a suicide.

Fred C. Koch was an American chemical engineer and entrepreneur who founded an oil refinery firm that evolved into Koch Industries. His company, now one of the largest privately held firms in the US, was later led by his sons Charles and David. Koch's legacy includes significant contributions to the energy industry and the growth of his company into a major player in the business world. His professional journey exemplifies innovation, leadership, and the successful transition of a family business across generations.

Shawn Fanning is an American computer programmer, entrepreneur, and angel investor best known for developing Napster, a pioneering peer-to-peer file sharing platform in 1999. Despite its initial success, Napster faced legal challenges and was shut down in 2001. Fanning continued to be involved in the tech industry, investing in and joining various early-stage technology startups. His work with Napster and subsequent ventures have solidified his reputation as a key figure in the evolution of digital music sharing and technology entrepreneurship.

Burt Rutan is a renowned American aerospace engineer and entrepreneur known for his innovative designs of light, strong, and energy-efficient aircraft and spacecraft. He achieved milestones such as designing the record-breaking Voyager and Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer planes, as well as the pioneering SpaceShipOne sub-orbital spaceplane. Rutan's contributions include popularizing canard configuration and moldless composite construction techniques in the aviation industry. With 46 aircraft designs to his name, he has received numerous awards and honors for his groundbreaking work, solidifying his legacy in aerospace design and development.

Walter Chrysler was a pioneering figure in the American automotive industry. He rose to prominence as an executive, notably founding the American Chrysler Corporation which bore his name. Chrysler's innovative leadership and business acumen were instrumental in shaping the automotive landscape. His contributions revolutionized the industry, leading to advancements in technology and production methods. Through his vision and dedication, Chrysler left a lasting legacy, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the history of American automobiles.

Alan Roger Mulally is an accomplished aerospace engineer and manufacturing executive. He held leadership positions at Boeing, serving as the CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and overseeing the company's resurgence against Airbus. Mulally later joined Ford Motor Company as president and CEO, where he successfully turned the company around during the Great Recession. His achievements at Ford are well-documented in the book "American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company." Mulally also served on the Board of Directors of Google and was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.

Tim Sweeney is an American video game programmer and businessman known for founding and leading Epic Games. As the CEO of the company, he has played a key role in its success and growth. Sweeney is also recognized for creating Unreal Engine, a widely used game development platform that has revolutionized the industry. His innovative ideas and leadership have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of video games and technology.

Julia Morgan was a groundbreaking American architect and engineer known for designing over 700 buildings in California. She was the first woman admitted to the architecture program at l'École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the first licensed woman architect in California. Morgan's work on Hearst Castle in San Simeon showcased her innovative use of reinforced concrete for superior seismic performance. She incorporated elements of the Arts and Crafts Movement into her designs, blending classical and Craftsman styles with a touch of whimsy. Posthumously awarded the AIA Gold Medal in 2014, Morgan's legacy continues to inspire.

Marc Tarpenning is an American engineer and technology entrepreneur known for co-founding Tesla Inc. with Martin Eberhard in 2003. He held key roles such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President of Engineering at Tesla until 2008. Prior to Tesla, he worked at companies like Textron, Seagate Technology, and Bechtel. Tarpenning co-founded NuvoMedia in 1997, which was later acquired for $187 million. After leaving Tesla, he advised various companies and organizations, including UC Berkeley's Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology and Spero Ventures, a VC firm.

Lillian Moller Gilbreth was an American psychologist, industrial engineer, consultant, and educator, known for her pioneering work in applying psychology to time-and-motion studies. As one of the first female engineers to earn a Ph.D., she is considered the first industrial/organizational psychologist. Alongside her husband, Frank Bunker Gilbreth, she was an efficiency expert who made significant contributions to industrial engineering, particularly in motion study and human factors. Their innovative techniques were featured in books and films, showcasing their application in family life and daily activities.

Lonnie George Johnson is an American inventor, aerospace engineer, and entrepreneur. He is renowned for creating the popular Super Soaker water gun in 1989. Johnson has a background in working for prestigious organizations such as the U.S. Air Force and NASA, where he was involved in projects at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His professional journey showcases a blend of innovation in product development, expertise in aerospace engineering, and a successful entrepreneurial spirit that has made a significant impact in the world of recreational water toys.

George Barris was an American designer and builder known for creating iconic Hollywood custom cars. He founded Barris Kustom Industries, which became well-known for designing and building vehicles for popular television series such as Batman, The Munsters, and The Beverly Hillbillies. Barris also worked on custom cars for celebrities and private clients, as well as building replicas of famous vehicles. His legacy includes the design and construction of memorable cars like the Hirohata Merc, Munster Koach, DRAG-U-LA, and the 1966 Batmobile for the Batman TV series and film.

Jack Fisk is a prominent American production designer and director known for his collaborations with acclaimed filmmaker Terrence Malick. Fisk has designed numerous films, including iconic works like Badlands, Days of Heaven, and The Tree of Life. He also worked on diverse projects such as Phantom of the Paradise, Carrie, and The Master. Fisk's directorial career includes films like Raggedy Man and Violets Are Blue, showcasing his versatility in both design and direction within the film industry.

Tim Schafer is an American video game designer known for founding Double Fine Productions after working at LucasArts. He is acclaimed for designing games like Full Throttle, Grim Fandango, Psychonauts, Brütal Legend, and Broken Age. He co-designed Day of the Tentacle and assisted on The Secret of Monkey Island and Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge. Schafer is recognized for his storytelling and comedic writing style in the industry, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Game Developers Choice Awards and a BAFTA Fellowship for his contributions.

Charles F. Kettering was an influential American inventor, engineer, and businessman known for his prolific career in automotive and industrial advancements. He held 186 patents and played key roles in developing innovations such as the electrical starting motor, leaded gasoline, Freon refrigerant, Duco lacquers, and the "Bug" aerial torpedo. Kettering's work at Delco and General Motors, as well as his contributions to diesel engine technology and non-partisan research through the Kettering Foundation, solidified his legacy as a pioneer in multiple industries.

Frederick McKinley Jones was an American inventor, entrepreneur, and engineer known for his innovations in mobile refrigeration technology. He held 61 patents, including 40 related to refrigeration. Jones co-founded Thermo King, a company that revolutionized refrigerated transportation. He also made significant contributions to the cinema industry by creating an advanced sound system for projectors. Jones' achievements earned him the National Medal of Technology and a place in the National Inventors Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in technology and transportation.

Andrew S. Tanenbaum, an American computer scientist and professor emeritus at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, is known for creating MINIX, a Unix-like operating system for educational use. He is also a prolific author of widely-used computer science textbooks. Tanenbaum prioritizes his role as an educator, considering it his most significant contribution. In addition to his academic work, he runs Electoral-vote.com, a website focusing on analyzing polling data during US federal elections, showcasing his diverse interests and expertise in the field of computer science.

Clarence Birdseye was an American inventor, entrepreneur, and naturalist known as the founder of the modern frozen food industry. He established the frozen food company Birds Eye and introduced innovative technologies such as the double belt freezer. Birdseye began his scientific career with the U.S. government and made significant contributions to the food industry with his revolutionary freezing techniques. His professional legacy is highlighted by his pioneering work in frozen food preservation, which revolutionized the way food is stored and consumed worldwide.

Joseph Baermann Strauss was a pioneering structural engineer known for his innovative designs of bascule bridges, which revolutionized bridge construction. His most notable achievement was serving as the chief engineer of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. Throughout his professional career, Strauss made significant contributions to the field of civil engineering, leaving a lasting impact on bridge design and construction methods. His work on the Golden Gate Bridge solidified his legacy as a visionary engineer in the early 20th century.

Richard Garriott is a prominent figure in the video game industry, known for creating the influential Ultima game series and founding the game development company Portalarium. He has been involved in various aspects of computer game development, directly supervising all eleven main installments of the Ultima series. Garriott also made history by becoming the second private astronaut to travel to the International Space Station. His contributions to the gaming world have helped establish the computer role-playing game genre as we know it today.

Emily Warren Roebling was an engineer who played a pivotal role in the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge. She took over the responsibilities of her husband, who fell ill during the construction process, and served as a liaison between him and on-site personnel. Her dedication and leadership skills were instrumental in overseeing the project for over a decade. Emily's contributions ensured the successful completion of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, a testament to her engineering prowess and determination in a male-dominated field.

Charles Simonyi is a prominent Hungarian-American software architect known for his significant contributions in the field of technology. He played a pivotal role in introducing the graphical user interface to Bill Gates, leading to the development of Microsoft Office. Simonyi co-founded Intentional Software, focusing on intentional programming concepts. Additionally, he made history as the fifth space tourist, participating in two space missions to the International Space Station. With a net worth of $5.2 billion as of November 2022, Simonyi continues to be a key figure in the tech industry.

Henry Gantt was an American mechanical engineer and management consultant renowned for his contributions to scientific management. He is most famous for inventing the Gantt chart in the early 1910s, which revolutionized project management. His innovative charting system was utilized in significant infrastructure projects such as the Hoover Dam and Interstate highway system. Gantt's work laid the foundation for modern project management practices, and he was also an early advocate for the social responsibility of businesses.

Harley Jarvis Earl was a pioneering American automotive designer and business executive. He held the position of the head of design at General Motors and later became the first top executive in design at a major corporation in American history. Earl was an industrial designer known for revolutionizing transportation design through techniques such as freeform sketching and hand sculpted clay models. He introduced the concept car as a design tool and marketing strategy, created the first concept car, the Buick Y-Job, and played a significant role in the development of iconic vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette and the incorporation of tailfins in automotive styling. Earl also contributed to advancing camouflage technology during World War II.

Elisha Gray was an American electrical engineer and co-founder of the Western Electric Manufacturing Company. He is best known for his development of a telephone prototype in 1876, with some arguing he should be considered the true inventor due to alleged idea theft by Alexander Graham Bell. Gray was also a pioneer in the field of music synthesis and held over 70 patents for his inventions. He played a key role in the founding of Graybar and made significant contributions to the field of telecommunications.