Judy Vance facts for kids

Judy M. Vance is an American mechanical engineer. She is famous for her work with virtual reality and haptic technology. These technologies help design and build new things. She used to be a professor at Iowa State University. She taught mechanical engineering there for many years.

Becoming an Engineer

Judy Vance grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She started studying mechanical engineering at Iowa State University in 1973. She took some time off from school. Later, she earned three degrees from the university. She got her first degree in 1980. She then earned a master's degree in 1987. Finally, she received her Ph.D. in 1992.

Judy Vance joined the Iowa State faculty in 1984. She started as an instructor. After getting her Ph.D., she became a professor of mechanical engineering. She was promoted to a full professor in 2003. From 2003 to 2006, she led the mechanical engineering department.

She was a pioneer for women in engineering. Judy Vance was the first woman to hold a full-time teaching position in her department. She was also the first woman to earn a permanent teaching spot. And she was the first woman to lead the department. She retired from teaching in 2019.

Awards and Honors

Judy Vance has received many awards for her work. In 2004, she became a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This is a special honor for engineers.

In 2012, Heriot-Watt University in Scotland gave her an honorary doctorate. This award recognized her amazing work. It celebrated her contributions to virtual reality in engineering design. It also honored her efforts to encourage more women to join engineering.

When she retired, a scholarship was created in her name. This scholarship helps students at Iowa State University.