Nettie Harris: A Trailblazing Inventor and Advocate for Women in Engineering

Nettie Harris was an African American inventor and engineer who fought for gender equality in the field and made significant contributions to the development of communication technologies. Her work and life story serve as an inspiration to aspiring engineers of all backgrounds.

Early Life and Education

Nettie Marie Stevens Harris was born on October 23, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama. Her father, a minister, encouraged her to pursue her education and instilled in her a strong work ethic. Harris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Alabama State University in 1962 and a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California in 1971.

Career and Inventions

Harris began her engineering career at IBM in 1964. She quickly gained recognition for her technical expertise and leadership abilities. In 1979, she joined Bell Laboratories, where she made groundbreaking advances in telecommunications.

One of Harris's most significant inventions is the "waveform generator control circuit." This circuit allows for the precise control of the shape and frequency of electrical signals, which is essential for high-speed data transmission. Harris's invention is widely used in communication systems today.

Advocacy for Women in Engineering

Harris was a passionate advocate for women in engineering. She cofounded the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in 1970 and served as its president from 1975 to 1977. Through SWE, Harris worked to increase the visibility of women in engineering and to provide support and mentorship to aspiring female engineers.

Harris's advocacy for women in STEM fields extended beyond SWE. She served on numerous advisory boards and committees, including the National Science Foundation's Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering. Harris also lobbied for legislation to promote equal opportunity in the workplace.

Later Life and Legacy

Harris retired from Bell Laboratories in 1998. She continued to be active in the engineering community, mentoring young engineers and supporting STEM education initiatives. In 2000, she received the prestigious Black Engineer of the Year Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Harris passed away on October 16, 2022, at the age of 82. Her legacy lives on through her pioneering inventions, her tireless advocacy for women in engineering, and the countless engineers she inspired.

Contributions to the Field of Engineering

Harris's contributions to the field of engineering are vast and far-reaching. Her inventions have had a significant impact on the development of communication technologies, and her advocacy for women in STEM fields has helped to create a more inclusive and equitable profession.

According to the National Science Foundation, women make up only 13% of the engineering workforce in the United States. Harris's work to increase the representation of women in engineering is critical to addressing this gender gap and ensuring that the field benefits from the contributions of all engineers, regardless of their gender.

Impact on Society

Harris's work has had a profound impact on society. Her inventions have made it possible for people to communicate more quickly, efficiently, and reliably. Her advocacy for women in engineering has helped to create a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

A Role Model for Future Generations

Nettie Harris is a role model for future generations of engineers. Her life and work demonstrate that anything is possible with determination, hard work, and a passion for making a difference. Harris's legacy will continue to inspire engineers of all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and to make the world a better place.

Nettie Harris's Inventions

Table 1: Nettie Harris's Patents

Table 2: Nettie Harris's Contributions to Communication Technologies

Nettie Harris's Advocacy for Women in Engineering

Table 3: Nettie Harris's Leadership Roles in SWE

Tips and Tricks for Advocating for Women in Engineering

• Be a visible role model. Show young women that it is possible to be a successful engineer.
• Mentor and support other women in engineering. Help them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
• Speak out against gender bias. Don't be afraid to call out sexist behavior and stereotypes.
• Work with organizations that support women in engineering. Join professional organizations like SWE and support their initiatives.
• Educate yourself about the gender gap in engineering. The more you know about the problem, the more effective you can be in advocating for change.

Pros and Cons of Using a Creative New Word to Discuss a New Field of Application

Pros:

• A new word can help to create a new identity for the field and to differentiate it from other fields.
• A new word can help to attract attention to the field and to generate interest.
• A new word can help to legitimize the field and to make it more recognizable.

Cons:

• A new word can be confusing and difficult for people to understand.
• A new word can be difficult to promote and to get people to use.
• A new word can create division and make it difficult to collaborate with other fields.

How to Achieve a Creative New Word to Discuss a New Field of Application

1. Brainstorm. Come up with a list of potential words that could describe the new field.
2. Research. See if any of the potential words are already being used in other contexts.
3. Test. Ask other people what they think of the potential words.
4. Choose. Select the word that you think is the most appropriate and effective.
5. Promote. Start using the new word in your own writing and speaking.
6. Be patient. It takes time for a new word to become accepted and used by others.