Svitlana Winnikow (14 August 1919 - 28 October 1981, born Swetlana Redtko-Redtschenko)[1] was an engineer in Austria, Australia, and Canada before arriving in America in 1960. She was the first woman professor of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics at Michigan Technological University and the area director providing leadership for undergraduate and graduate programs for the energy thermo-fluids research group.[2]

Svitlana Winnikow
Born
Swetlana Redtko-Redtschenko

(1919-08-14)August 14, 1919
DiedOctober 28, 1981(1981-10-28) (aged 62)
Marshfield, Wisconsin
EducationUniversity of Zagreb (BS)

Graz University of Technology (MS)

University of Illinois (PhD)
Occupation(s)Professor, engineer
SpouseMistislaw Winnikow

Education edit

Winnikow graduated from universities in the former Yugoslavia and Austria before becoming the first woman to earn a PhD in Engineering at the University of Illinois where she was a member of the local Scientific Research Honor Society, Sigma Xi.[3]

Career edit

Her engineering experience included working for a consulting bureau in Austria and Department of Public Works in Australia. Winnikow's professional memberships included: Association of Professional Engineers of Alberta, Canada, Engineering Institute of Canada, American Association of University Professors, University of Illinois Alumni Association, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.[2]

She became a professor at Michigan Technological University in 1967 teaching fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. Shortly after her death in 1981, Michigan Technological University adopted a Special Tribute for her service and honored her request to apply $150,000 of her personal assets toward funding an endowed fellowship to graduate students studying thermo-fluid mechanics.[2]

Research interests edit

Winnikow's early research involved diesel engine design before arriving at Michigan Technological University to lead research efforts on experimental and analytical fluid mechanics.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ "With courage and intelligence: 100 years of women at the 'Tech'". www.tugraz.at. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  2. ^ a b c d "Emeriti and Distinguished Faculty of Mechanical Engineering: Dr. Svitlana Winnikow". www.me.mtu.edu. Retrieved 2022-03-29.
  3. ^ "Found 1 Results | ArchivesSpace Public Interface". michigantech.libraryhost.com. Retrieved 2022-03-29.