During her time there, Hicks developed a gas density switch that would be used in the U.S. space program, including the Apollo Moon landing missions.

While her parents neither supported nor opposed Hicks' desired career path, some of her teachers and classmates tried to discourage her from becoming an engineer, viewing it as a socially unacceptable role for a woman.

[3] After receiving her undergraduate degree, Hicks stayed at Newark College of Engineering for three years as a research assistant, where she studied the history of Edward Weston's inventions and took additional classes at night.

Hicks designed and patented a gas density switch later used in the U.S. space program, including the Moon landing, and was a pioneer in the field of sensors that detected when devices were reaching structural limits.

[3] While pursuing a master's degree from the Stevens Institute of Technology, Hicks completed some graduate electrical engineering courses at Columbia University.

[2] Hicks was also selected to serve on the Defense Advisory Committee for Women in Services between 1960 and 1963, and represented the United States at four International Management Congresses.

[2][3] Alongside her SWE colleagues, including Ruth Shafer, Hicks organised the First International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists in New York in 1964.