She attended school in her home town of Paris, Kentucky and was fascinated by scientific and engineering subjects, her interest having been sparked at a young age when she noticed moisture collecting on cold glass and learned about condensation.

[4] She continued her education at the University of Kentucky, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1916.

"She perfected a new portable machine that determines the amount of germ-laden dust in schoolrooms and public places" while conducting field tests for the New York Commission on School Ventilation.

[7] She wrote more than 45 technical papers, as well as an article titled Petticoats and Slide Rules, which documented "the pioneer American women of the engineering field.

"[3] A dormitory named Ingels Hall was opened in August 2005 at the University of Kentucky intended for women engineering students.