Beth Todd facts for kids
Beth Ann Todd is an American engineer and teacher. She is a special kind of engineer called a biomechanical engineer. This means she studies how the human body moves and works. She also looks at how special tools, like assistive technology (things that help people with disabilities), can be designed to work with the body.
Besides her research, Beth Ann Todd helps engineering students learn how to teach science and math to younger kids in elementary and middle school. She is a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama.
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Her Journey in Engineering
Beth Ann Todd started her college journey at Pennsylvania State University, graduating in 1981. She then continued her studies at the University of Virginia. There, she earned two advanced degrees: a master's degree in 1986 and a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering in 1992.
After finishing her studies, she joined the teaching staff at the University of Alabama in 1992. She became an associate professor there in 2001, which means she took on more responsibilities and became a more senior teacher.
Awards and Honors
Beth Ann Todd has received many important awards for her work and dedication to engineering.
Helping Women in Engineering
In 2004, she was named a Fellow of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). This is a very high honor given to people who show great leadership and help other women succeed in engineering. The SWE recognized her for being a great leader, helping students, supporting women in engineering, and loving her job.
The SWE also gave her two special awards:
- In 2008, she received the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award. This award recognized her excellent work in guiding and helping students.
- In 2013, she earned the Distinguished Engineering Educator Award. This award celebrated her long history of excellent teaching and how she uses her research and involvement in professional groups to help students learn and achieve their goals.
Other Important Recognitions
In 2011, Beth Ann Todd was named an ASME Fellow by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This is another top honor in the engineering world.
Her first university, Pennsylvania State University, also honored her in 2006. They named her a Centennial Fellow in their Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics.
