Featured Engineer Lesson: Lillian Moller Gilbreth
Updated: February 12, 2026
Type: Featured Scientists and Engineers
Grade Level: 3-8
Featured on Episode 202 of The STEM Space Podcast, Lillian Moller Gilbreth (1878–1972) was an American industrial engineer and psychologist who pioneered ergonomics and human-centered design. She helped develop the Therbligs, a system for analyzing basic human motions to improve efficiency, and applied these ideas to both workplaces and everyday objects, including the foot-pedal step trash can. With more than 20 patents, Gilbreth showed how thoughtful engineering can simplify tasks and improve daily life! Now it’s your turn to be creative with our easy to follow short lesson!
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