Dr. Lyle I. Gilbertson worked at Columbia University for the duration of the Manhattan Project.
Before working on the Manhattan Project, Gilbertson attained a Ph.D. in electrochemistry from Indiana University. He also taught at Carleton College and Washington State University in both of these institiutions chemistry departments. In 1942, he was recruited by The Manhattan Project, and was relocated to New York. There he worked to conduct tests during the construction of the first atomic bombs.
After the conclusion of the war, he worked for Air Reduction Company as their Director of Research. At the same time, Gilbertson was also employed in various capacities by the Atomic Energy Commission for fourteen years. In 1962, he formed his own consulting business in New Jersey, where he also served as both the Executive Vice-President of the Aerospace Placement Corporation and the Director of Research for Comprehensive Designers, Inc. From 1965 to 1973 he served as Director of the Chemistry Department for the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City South Dakota.
In 1975, Dr. Gilbertson retired it Lacey, Washington. Dr. Lyle Gilbertson passed in 1986.