Dr. Eve Hinman, A Pioneer in the Protective Design Industry

Author(s) Information

Ily Michi Nelson, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Ellen Elizabeth Untalan, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Lani Ku'ulei Alo, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Architectural Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Architectural Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 2

Architectural Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Architectural Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 3

Architectural Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Architectural Engineering

Date

5-2025

Primary Advisor

Anahid Behrouzi, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Architectural Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

This senior project carries on prior work to develop an educational material on the notable female protective design engineer Dr. Eve Hinman, initiated by Cal Poly Architectural Engineering students Michelle Dennin and Paulina Robles in collaboration with faculty member Dr. Anahid Behrouzi. To gain a deeper understanding of Dr. Eve Hinman’s impact on the industry, the project team conducted extensive research into her career including interviews with former employees of the firm that she founded and led, Hinman Consulting Engineers (HCE), and an analysis of the recently acquired collection of library material gifted by HCE to Cal Poly. After completing research, the project team produced three deliverables: A Timeline of Dr. Eve Hinman Alongside Influential Blasts, A Protective Design Family Tree, and a Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC) Hensolt Legacy Project entry. The first is a timeline that illustrates the parallel between major blast events and her work throughout her career, highlighting her contributions to the evolution of protective design. The second is a family tree that visually represents her widespread influence across the industry, showing how many current protective design engineers can trace their professional roots back to Hinman Consulting Engineers that she founded and led. The final product is the Hensolt Legacy Project paper, which formally recognizes Dr. Eve Hinman as a notable Northern California engineer and celebrates her enduring impact on the structural engineering community. Together, these deliverables aim to shine a light on the career of a significantly influential structural engineer who carved out a niche in a highly specialized and challenging field. By sharing her story, the project team hopes to inspire the next generation of engineers to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to the profession.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/arcesp/220