CHAPTER 1: st. Louis

  Walter Evans' Early Life and Education

Walter Evans' upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri, fostered a strong emphasis on education and intellectual rigor, shaping his future contributions to engineering. ​ His family background and educational experiences laid the foundation for his innovative thinking. ​

• Evans was the youngest of four children in a      family that valued education and intellectual achievement. ​
• He attended Soldan High School, where he excelled      in geometry and met his future wife, Arline Pillisch. ​
• Evans graduated from Washington University, where      he was influenced by key mentors who shaped his analytical abilities. ​
• His family legacy included several engineers,      reinforcing the importance of education and analytical thinking.

The Roots of the Root Locus Method

The root locus method was developed through a combination of personal experiences, mentorship, and a supportive environment at North American Aviation. ​ These elements contributed to Evans' innovative approach to control systems. ​

• Evans' family background instilled a strong value      for education and analytical rigor. ​
• Key mentors at Washington University guided his      thinking and problem-solving skills. ​
• His partnership with Arline provided emotional      support and stability throughout his career. ​
• The entrepreneurial environment at North American      Aviation fostered creativity and innovation in engineering.