Dr. Lilia A. Abron, Ph.D. - 1972
Dr. Lilia A. Abron is the first African-American woman in the nation, and the third woman at the UI, to receive a doctorate in chemical engineering. In 1978, she became the founder and C.E.O. of PEER Consultants, P.C., an environmental consulting firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. The firm has grown to include branch offices in 10 major cities throughout the United States. Beyond her work at PEER, Abron has been active in a number of community organizations, including serving as president of the Washington, D.C., chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and as a board member for the Baptist Home for Children. She also plays handbells in the Angelus Bell Choir at her church.
A registered professional engineer, Dr. Abron is a member of several professional and technical societies, including the Water Environmental Federation, the American Society of Civil Engineers , the American Water Works Association, the Society of Sigma Xi, and the American Association of University Women. She also serves on the Board of Registration of Professional Engineers for the District of Columbia and the Engineering Advisory Board for the National Science Foundation. In addition, Dr. Abron uses her business acumen and engineering expertise to promote science education in primary and secondary schools. Her company supports science fair projects by purchasing equipment and supplies for students, and Dr. Abron encourages PEER staff to work with children in their neighborhood schools. She serves as a mentor for several students each year.
Active on the lecture circuit, she visited the University of Iowa in February 1992 to urge UI engineering students to serve as role models and mentors for schoolchildren. Dr. Abron is a life member of the UI Alumni Association and currently serves on the College of Engineering Advisory Board.