Lillian Evelyn Moller was born into a prosperous family in Oakland, California. Her parents, William and Mollie Moller, provided her with a comfortable upbringing and, unusually for the time, encouraged her education, fostering her intellectual curiosity from a young age.

Lillian Moller graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature. She was the first woman to give a commencement address at UC Berkeley, demonstrating her exceptional academic abilities and leadership potential.

Continuing her education, Lillian earned a Master of Arts degree in Literature from UC Berkeley. This advanced study solidified her research skills and her understanding of human behavior, foundational elements that would later prove crucial in her work with industrial efficiency.

Lillian Moller married Frank Bunker Gilbreth, an efficiency expert. This marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership, both personally and professionally. Together, they formed a dynamic team, combining Frank's practical knowledge of construction and efficiency with Lillian's psychological insights.

While pursuing her professional career, Lillian gave birth to twelve children (one died in childhood). This experience provided her with unique perspectives on time management, resource allocation, and the challenges of balancing work and family life, which she later incorporated into her work on home economics and efficient living.

Lillian Gilbreth earned a PhD in Psychology from Brown University. Her dissertation, "The Psychology of Management," explored the human factors involved in industrial efficiency and emphasized the importance of worker well-being. This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the field of industrial psychology.

The unexpected death of Frank Gilbreth left Lillian a widow with eleven children to support. Despite this immense personal loss, she persevered and took over their consulting business, Gilbreth, Inc., demonstrating her resilience and business acumen.

Lillian Gilbreth held professorships at Purdue University and other institutions, teaching industrial engineering and management principles. She also continued her consulting work, advising companies on improving efficiency, worker satisfaction, and accessibility. Her work extended into the home, focusing on kitchen design and ergonomics to assist homemakers, especially those with disabilities.

Lillian's children, Frank Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, published "Cheaper by the Dozen," a humorous autobiographical novel about their large family and their parents' unconventional approach to raising them using efficiency principles. The book became a bestseller and popularized the Gilbreth family, albeit often with comedic exaggeration, introducing their work to a wider audience.

Lillian Gilbreth was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, a prestigious honor recognizing her significant contributions to the field of engineering. This marked a significant milestone in her career and highlighted her pioneering role as a woman in a male-dominated profession.

Lillian Moller Gilbreth passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 93. Her legacy as a pioneer in industrial psychology, management, and ergonomics continues to inspire generations of engineers, psychologists, and advocates for worker well-being and accessibility.