6 Women Who Shifted Herstory
March is Women's History Month, and it's the perfect time to celebrate the many remarkable women who have made significant contributions to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While there are countless women in STEM who deserve recognition, today we'll focus on six women who have paved the way for future generations.
MARY G. ROSS
“Perfection can be achieved by no one, because perfection is achieved from faults—yet faults tear away the perfection in you.”
Mary G. Ross is a Native American aerospace engineer who played an instrumental role in the development of the Agena rocket. Agena was used on many space missions, including the Apollo program that led to the first moon landing. Ross was also one of the first female engineers at Lockheed Martin and is known for her many contributions to the aerospace industry.
DR. MYRIAM SARACHIK
"Women are no better and no worse at doing physics than men are. They are, however, at least if they're my age, more persistent."
Dr. Sarachik is a Latina physicist who has made significant contributions to the field of condensed matter physics. Sarachik's research has focused on magnetic impurities and the Kondo effect, and she was the first female president of the American Physical Society.
EDITH CLARKE
“There is no demand for women engineers, as such, as there are for women doctors; but there's always a demand for anyone who can do a good piece of work.”
Edith Clark was an electrical engineer and the first female electrical engineer at General Electric. Her contributions to electrical engineering include developing the Clarke calculator, which allowed engineers to solve complex power transmission line problems more efficiently.
DR. JEWEL PLUMMER COBB
“We have what I would call educational genocide. ... when I see more black students in the laboratories than I see on the football field, I'll be happy.”
Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb is an African American biologist and educator who pioneered research on the effects of cancer drugs on normal cells. She served as the first female president of California State University, Fullerton, and was a strong advocate for promoting diversity in STEM fields.
DR. ELLEN OCHOA
“What I really hope for young people is that they find a career they're passionate about, something that's challenging and worthwhile.”
A Mexican American astronaut, physicist, and engineer who became the first Hispanic woman to travel in space, Dr. Ellen Ochoa's achievements include flying in four space missions and developing optical systems for spacecraft.
DR. GLADYS WEST
“When you’re working every day, you’re not thinking ‘What impact is this going to have on the world?’ You’re thinking, ‘I’ve got to get this right.’”
Dr. Gladys West is an African American mathematician whose most notable contribution was the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Her work on the mathematical model used in GPS revolutionized navigation and has impacted various industries, including transportation and defense.
These women have broken barriers, made groundbreaking discoveries, and have opened doors for future generations of women in STEM. We’re so thankful for their contributions to society, and stories that deserve to be celebrated and remembered. Here is a fun and creative way to learn about more women in computing.