Within the profession of industrial and systems engineering, the names Frank and Lillian Gilbreth are everywhere - appearing on awards, scholarships, professorships, and libraries. But who were the people behind those names, and how did their work help shape the profession we know today?

In this episode of Problem Solved, historian Mike Farrelly of the Montclair History Center and Township Historian takes us on a journey through the lives of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, the pioneering husband-and-wife team whose innovations laid the foundation for modern industrial and systems engineering.

Hear how Frank began his career by revolutionized bricklaying, how the Gilbreths pioneered motion studies using photography and film, and how their work influenced fields ranging from construction and manufacturing to surgery and workplace design. The episode also explores Lillian's groundbreaking contributions as a psychologist, educator, inventor, and one of the most influential women in engineering history.

Along the way, Mike shares fascinating stories about the real-life family behind Cheaper by the Dozen, including how the Gilbreths applied their principles at home while raising 12 children.

Whether you're an industrial engineer, a student of history, or simply curious about the people whose ideas continue to shape the way we work and live, this episode offers a fascinating look at two remarkable innovators whose legacy can still be felt more than a century later.

A huge thank you to our guest, Mike Farrelly, for sharing this thorough look at this remarkable family.

• Learn more about the Montclair History Center
• Watch Mike Farrelly's presentation featuring historical photographs of the Gilbreth family and their work:
https://youtu.be/5N6RR0XD5Tk?si=LW9ixkOys1MqGZTL
• Read Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
• Read Belles on Their Toes by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

Dr. Michael Carter didn’t originally plan to become a professor or even an industrial engineer.

But after discovering operations research and eventually finding his way into industrial engineering, his career became focused on one of the most complex systems imaginable: healthcare.

In this episode of Problem Solved, we speak with the recipient of the 2026 Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Award, IISE’s highest honor. Dr. Carter reflects on his decades-long career in healthcare systems engineering, how inefficiencies he observed inside hospitals sparked a lifelong passion for improvement, and why he dedicated his career to building what he calls “an army of engineers” working in healthcare.

We also discuss the future of healthcare systems, the growing role of AI and data in medicine, mentorship, and the ripple effect of influencing generations of students and practitioners.

Dr. Carter is Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto and Founding Director of the Centre for Healthcare Engineering. Over the course of his career, he has helped shape healthcare engineering in Canada and beyond through research, education, and real-world implementation.

And at the end of this episode, stay tuned for a preview of our upcoming special episode exploring the real lives and legacy of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth.

Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

In this special episode of Problem Solved LIVE from the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026, students, researchers, and industry professionals share their perspectives on the evolving future of industrial and systems engineering. Conversations explore artificial intelligence, healthcare systems, sustainability, automation, and the growing role of human-centered problem solving across industries. The episode also features highlights from the IISE Innovation Cup competition, where teams showcased innovative solutions with measurable real-world impact. From first-time conference attendees to experienced professionals leading organizational change, the episode captures the energy, optimism, and innovation shaping the next generation of ISE.
Thanks to all our guests who contributed in this episode!

Thank you to our sponsor, Cullen College of Engineering Lean Six Sigma program.
Learn more at IE.UH.EDU

IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026
May 16–19 | Arlington, Texas

Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Problem Solved on LinkedIn
Problem Solved on YouTube
Problem Solved on Instagram
Problem Solved on TikTok

Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org