About Margaret Hutchinson Rousseau
Margaret Hutchinson Rousseau (27 October 1910 – 12 January 2000) was an American chemical engineer who contributed to the first commercial penicillin production plant. She was instrumental in the development of high-octane aviation fuel and was a pioneer in chemical production plant design, performing an impactful role as the fledgling chemical industry expanded rapidly during World War II. Hutchinson designed many types of chemical and petrochemical plants used across a variety of industries. Her specialization in the research and development of fractionation methods resulted in the development of groundbreaking processes and a “ripple tray” patent. Hutchinson was recognized with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Founders Award and the Society of Women Engineers Achievement Award. == Early life and education == Hutchinson was born in 1910 in Houston, Texas, the daughter of a clothing store owner. Her scientific interests began in chemistry class, “where my high school chemistry teacher was very inspirational to me.” “Later, I went on to Rice Institute where I finally realized it was the engineering phase of chemistry which had its appeal for me.” She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Rice Institute in 1932 and following graduate studies, her degree as a chemical engineer from Rice in 1933. Hutchinson went on to receive a Doctor of Science degree in chemical engineering from MIT in 1937. Her thesis topic was The effect of solute on the liquid film resistance in gas absorption. Hutchinson earned a Professional Engineers license in 1945 in the state of Massachusetts which remained active through 1984. == Career == Hutchinson started her professional career with E. B. Badger and Sons Company in Boston, a petroleum and petrochemical firm.
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