Lesley Souter facts for kids

Lesley Scott Souter (born October 23, 1917 – died April 21, 1981) was a pioneering British engineer. She made history as the first female electrical engineering student at the University of Glasgow. She graduated in 1940, opening doors for many women in engineering.

Life and Work of Lesley Souter

Lesley Souter was born in Elgin, Moray, Scotland. Her father was also an electrical engineer, which might have inspired her. She started studying at the University of Glasgow in 1936. After finishing her degree, she went back to Elgin to work as an engineer.

Her career took off after a summer job at the General Electrical Company (GEC). She then worked at GEC's research labs. There, she focused on solid state physics. She even had a patent registered for her work on resistors. In 1946, Lesley was chosen for a special task. She demonstrated technical equipment to Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth during their visit to GEC.

Lesley also worked for other important companies. These included Mullard and Siemens Research Laboratories. After she retired, Lesley became involved in local government. In 1976, she was elected as a Conservative councillor for Rugby Borough Council. This meant she helped make decisions for her local community.

Joining Engineering Groups

Lesley Souter was a member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. This is a professional group for electrical engineers.

She was also very active in the Women's Engineering Society (WES). This group supports women in engineering. Lesley became a full member in 1940. She joined the WES Council in 1943. Later, in 1959, she was elected as vice president.

In 1948, Lesley took part in a radio show called Woman's Hour. She talked about her work designing X-ray equipment for medical use. She was joined by other women engineers from WES. In 1958, she co-wrote an important paper. It was called Training and Opportunities for Women in Engineering. She wrote it with Verena Holmes for The Woman Engineer journal.

In 1960, Lesley traveled to the USSR with Rose Winslade. They went to study the role of female engineers there. This trip was funded by a special trust.

Lesley Souter passed away on April 21, 1981, in Rugby, Warwickshire.

Remembering Lesley Souter

A retirement housing complex in Rugby, Warwickshire is named after her. It is called Lesley Souter House. This honors her contributions and memory.