Josephine Webb facts for kids

Josephine Webb (born June 21, 1918) is an amazing American electrical engineer and inventor. She helped design important parts for electrical systems, like "switchgear," which helps control electricity. She also created a super-clear fax machine. Josephine was one of the very first women to become an electrical engineer. The Society of Women Engineers sees her as a true pioneer. When she studied at Purdue University, she was one of only five women in engineering! She celebrated her 100th birthday in June 2018.

Josephine Webb's Early Life

Josephine Webb was born Josephine Rohas in Niagara Falls, New York. She grew up in Buffalo with her mother and older brother, Roderick. Her father served in World War I and did not return home.

Roderick, her brother, was a big influence on Josephine. When he became interested in radio, they both learned to be ham radio operators. He even helped her get her license! Josephine joined the ham radio club at Kenmore High School. At just 13 years old, she was the youngest female (or "YL") operator.

As a child, Josephine loved airplanes and often visited the local airport. She was also very good at math and enjoyed technical subjects. She joined her high school's science club. Josephine graduated from Kenmore High School in 1934. She worked for two years before going to college.

Education and Learning

Josephine's brother encouraged her to apply for a scholarship to an out-of-state university. She chose to study electrical engineering at Purdue University. She graduated in 1940.

After Purdue, she became a special research fellow at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. She worked in the Electrical Engineering Department for two years. She was also a member of Sigma Xi, an honor society for scientists and engineers.

Family and Home Life

Josephine Webb had two daughters, born in 1948 and 1952. Her family even had a special laboratory in their home! It was set up for measurements and experiments.

Josephine Webb's Career and Inventions

In 1942, Josephine joined Westinghouse Electric Corporation as a Design Engineer. There, she worked on the electrical systems for huge dams like Coulee, Hoover, and Boulder Dams. While at Westinghouse, she earned two patents for her designs of "oil circuit breaker" parts. These parts are important for safely controlling electricity.

In 1946, Josephine became the Director of Development for the Facsimile Development Laboratory at Alden Products Company. Here, she designed an amazing fax machine. It could print a full newspaper-sized page (18 inches) with incredible detail for its time!

Later, Josephine and her husband, Herbert Webb, started their own company called Webb Consulting Company. They were both electrical engineers. Their company focused on electrical and electronic measurement tools, communication systems, and photographic testing devices. They worked for many different clients, including big companies like Boeing and even the U.S. Bureau of Mines.

In 1977, Josephine also started working at North Idaho College. She helped create a Computer Center there. She also worked on several government projects to improve the college and its learning programs.

Josephine Webb holds four patents for her creative work. She has also been an active member of many important professional groups. These include IEEE, NSPE, and SWE, where she is recognized as a Fellow.

See also

• Society of Women Engineers
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• National Society of Professional Engineers