Lillian Moller Gilbreth was an American psychologist, industrial engineer, consultant, and educator. After earning her bachelor's and master's degrees at Berkeley, she married Frank Gilbreth, an engineer. She then pursued a doctoral degree at Brown University, switching her focus from literature to psychology as her and her husband’s passions began to align. Lillian was one of the first women to earn a PhD in her field.

The professional partnership between Lillian and Frank was highly productive. They studied tasks and suggested improvements to worker efficiency, embracing new technology like film to document their findings, which can still be viewed today. They published multiple studies that were well received. Lillian also examined domestic settings, identifying ways to enhance efficiency at home. Notable improvements included adding a foot pedal to kitchen trash cans and incorporating shelves into refrigerators.

After Frank’s sudden death in 1924, Lillian took over his former role as president of his consulting firm. She continued their work through lecturing, writing, and research. Lillian taught at several universities, and her expertise was highly sought after. In 1921, she became the first female member inducted into the Society for Industrial Engineers. Later, she also became the first woman to receive the Hoover Medal for public service as an industrial engineer, an honor awarded for her consulting work with the government during World War II.