I'm just as fascinated by the 2 racks of equipment in the background.

Reel-to-reel recorder, really big speaker grill (I think), nicely dressed.... cabling, and guessing that's an X-Y plotter in front of her to record the stress-strain curve. And just behind her head looks like 2 vernier control knobs in that panel.

Back when building such items was not just a job, it was a CRAFT!! <3