Nancy Fitzroy Papers

miSci - Museum of Innovation and Science

Nancy Fitzroy standing between two seated male colleagues at the GE Research Center. There is a chalkboard with writing on it behind them.

Nancy Fitzroy and two GE Research Center colleagues discuss GE strategic planning

Collection Facts

Extent:

Dates of Original:

1940-2010

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Historical Context

Documents the career of Nancy Fitzroy. Nancy Fitzroy was one of the first female engineering graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in 1949. She began a 37-year career with GE in 1950, becoming an internationally recognized expert in the field of mechanical engineering. During her GE career, Dr. Fitzroy specialized in heat transfer and fluid flow research for application in nuclear reactor cores, gas turbines, space satellites, and other technologies. In 1986, she became the first woman to lead a major professional engineering society when she was elected president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Dr. Fitzroy was also a pilot and one of the first female helicopter pilots. She actively encourages girls and young women to pursue careers in science and technology.

Scope of Collection

Includes papers and photographs from Dr. Nancy Fitzroy’s career at GE, her leadership roles in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, her efforts to encourage girls to participate in scientific and technical careers, and her experience as a pilot.