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Women’s History Month: Frances Ligler ’72 H’18 says, ‘work on problems that matter to you’

Fran Ligler ’72 H’18 at the 2017 induction ceremony of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Last updated March 19, 2025
Published March 19, 2025

By Jake Grove


Frances Ligler ’72 H’18 is the Eppright Chair in Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University.  She is a fellow in the National Academy of Inventors, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Society of International Optics and Photonics and the American Institute for Medical and Biomedical Engineering. Ligler holds 35 patents. She spent 27 years at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory working on automated biosensors before working in academia. At Furman her degree was in biology and chemistry, then she earned two doctorates from Oxford University.

Q: What’s been the most significant development for women in your field?

A: We are no longer invisible. With more women going into life sciences and bioengineering than men, our impact is inevitable. Even the most conservative organizations are recognizing female leaders who are personally making the advances that will improve our lives in the coming decades.

Q: Who has inspired you?

A: The first woman I worked for was Ellen Vitetta at Southwestern Medical School. For four years I watched her, amazed at how she could accomplish so much. Later in my career, I had to meet the same level of professional demands and the skills to succeed.

Q: What do you want people to know during Women’s History Month?

A: Women can change the world (and diapers at the same time)! But superwoman is dead. You need family, friends and colleagues to accomplish your goals. Never be afraid to ask for help.

Q: What advice do you have for young women?

A: Choose the profession that allows you to work on problems that matter to you. Don’t be afraid to answer a new challenge without knowing if you can succeed. And remember to take care of yourself, your health and those that love you.

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