Anna Clyde Fraker is an accomplished engineer who was the
first woman to pass many milestones. Her
research centered on the properties of alloys and other materials. She has served as a role model for women in
engineering.
Fraker was born in 1935.
In addition to holding a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Furman
University, she was the first woman to earn certain engineering degrees from North
Carolina (NC) State University:
- MS in metallurgical engineering (1961)
- PhD in ceramic engineering (1967)
Fraker first worked at NC State University in the department
of engineering research. From 1962-1963
she performed research at the Institut für Allgemeine Metallkunde und Metallphysik,
Technische Hochschule in Aachen, Germany.
Her studies focused on equilibrium and structural characterization of ternary
nitrides, borides and carbides of transition metals, and helped steer alloy
development, production, and processing.
Fraker's studies included surgical implant materials. She wanted to find a material that was
compatible with the chemistry of the human body but would not corrode. The results led to the development of
standards for implant materials.
At the National Bureau of Standards, Fraker again studied
the mechanical properties of alloys. The
organization became the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)
and she continued to support it after her retirement. After retirement she also performed contract
work for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Fraker has many other notable achievements on her resume:
- Published more than 50 professional articles and
technical reports
- Edited two books
- Leader in the field of biomaterials
- Founding member of the Society for Biomaterials
- Honored with the United States Department of
Commerce Bronze Medal (1984)
- Elected as Fellow of the American Society for Metals, ASM
International (1993)
- Promoted
the careers of women, minority students, and scientists
The NC State University College of Engineering named Fraker
one of its Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award winners for 2003. In 2009, Fraker established a scholarship in
honor of her parents and brother at Warren Wilson College.
Resources:
Celebrating
100 Years of Women at NC State University
Changing
Our World: True Stories of Women Engineers by Sybil E. Hatch
NC
State University College of Engineering:
Engineering News October 31, 2002
NC
State University: Distinguished
Engineering Alumnus Award Recipient Anna Clyde Fraker - 2003
Warren
Wilson College: Ruth Jeannette Long and
Henry Earnest Fraker Jr. and III Scholarship
http://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog/0232448 [image]
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