Mao Yisheng (1896-1989), a native of Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, was a famous bridge expert, educator and social activist in China. He studied in Cornell University in 19l6 and received the master and doctor degrees later.

Returning to China, Mao held a variety of posts, such as the professor of Tangshan School of the Jiaotong University, Director of Engineering Course of Southeast University, President of Engineering Course College of Beiyang University, Director of Project Office of Hangzhou Qiantangjian Bridge, and Director of Bridge Planning Project Office of Transportation Ministry of Kuomintang Administration.

After the founding of new China, he assumed the office of President of Jiaotong University, Director of Railway Institute under the Ministry of Railway, President of Railway Scientific Research Center, Chairman of Beijing Science Association, Honorary President and Vice President of China Association for Science and Technology, Vice Chairman of Jiu San Society, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the member of CPPCC, and the standing committee member of National People's Congress.

What's more, Mao was a senior member of International Bridge and Structural Project Association, and won the honorary title of Foreign Academician issued by the National Academy of Sciences in the United States.

Mao Yisheng was regarded as the founder of modern bridge engineering. The Qiantangjiang Bridge designed with his guidance is the first dual-purpose road-and-railway bridge designed and built by Chinese themselves. He also participated in the construction of China's first modern bridge -- Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge. During the construction of Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, Mao Yisheng served as chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee composed of more than 20 foreign and Chinese bridge experts, and solved 14 difficult problems relating bridge construction.

He advocated popular science education, and wroteOn Bridge,China's Arch Bridgesand many other popular science articles. His main works included Qiantangjiang Bridge, China's Ancient and Modern Bridges, Mao Yisheng Writing Collections, etc. He was also the chief editor ofHistory of China's Ancient Bridge.