Remembering Dr. Jill Elizabeth Manning Peterson

“Keep your eye on where you want to go, but all you have to do is conquer one day at a time.”

-Jill Peterson

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida mourns the passing of Dr. Jill Elizabeth Manning Peterson, a pioneering professor, beloved mentor, and tireless advocate for women in engineering. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of our department and continues to inspire generations of students and faculty alike.

Dr. Peterson joined UF in 1990, becoming the first female professor in what was then the Mechanical Engineering Department and only the fourth woman faculty member in the College of Engineering. Over her 17-year tenure, she taught with passion, conducted impactful research in heat transfer, and mentored hundreds of students toward successful careers in engineering. Her presence in the classroom and her leadership as faculty adviser to the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) left an indelible mark on our community.

Her journey to UF was one of perseverance and vision. With her husband Bob’s unwavering support, she returned to school while raising four children, earning her bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University and her Ph.D. from Rice University. She often spoke of the “logic” in mechanical engineering, how understanding it revealed a pathway forward. That clarity and determination guided her life and career.

Following Bob’s passing in 2003, Dr. Peterson took on the leadership of the successful restaurant groups he had founded in Dallas. She applied her engineering mindset to business, expanding the restaurants and continuing to lead with integrity and care. She also pursued her lifelong love of horses, founding StarQuarry Farm, a top breeder of Hanoverian dressage horses.

In 2016, Dr. Peterson established the Robert and Jill Peterson Women’s Excellence Fund, a tribute to her husband and a gift to future generations of engineering students. The fund supported scholarships, fellowships, and professional development opportunities, helping students grow both technically and personally.

Dr. Peterson endowed the Robert and Jill Peterson professorship, dedicated to bolstering faculty in their research endeavors. Dr. Alison Dunn is the first to receive this award.

“I had the incredible opportunity to go visit Dr. Peterson last year, to personally express my gratitude. This professorship has provided tremendous support as I get my bearings at UF, giving me the opportunity to launch the click beetle project and to attend an additional conference,” Dr. Dunn explained.

Dr. Peterson’s life was defined by curiosity and a deep commitment to the people and passions she held dear. Whether guiding students through complex engineering concepts, managing thriving businesses, or raising award-winning horses, she approached every endeavor with thoughtfulness and determination. She taught us that success is built one day at a time, and that with support, determination, and passion, anything is possible.

Dr. Peterson’s contributions to the MAE department and the broader engineering community will not be forgotten. Her story continues to inspire those who pursue excellence with heart and purpose.