Women in STEM: Shaping the Future of Science and Technology

We have come a long way since the days when women scientists were ignored or written out of history. Today, more women than ever are making their mark in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Let's take a look at some inspiring female role models who are leading the charge and helping to shape the future of science and technology.

Katherine Johnson – Space Scientist

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose pioneering work at NASA helped launch astronaut John Glenn into space. Despite facing racial discrimination throughout her career, she made groundbreaking contributions to aerospace engineering, including calculating trajectories for Apollo 11’s historic 1969 moon landing. In 2015, President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her accomplishments.

 

Dr. Jocelyn Bell Burnell - Astrophysicist

Dr. Jocelyn Bell Burnell is one of Britain’s most renowned astrophysicists whose discovery of pulsars led to breakthroughs in our understanding of how stars age and die as well as unlocking insights about gravity waves—a phenomenon predicted by Albert Einstein nearly a century ago but only recently detected directly by physicists using sensitive instruments like those she helped develop during her career as an astronomer at Cambridge University and University College London (UCL). She has received numerous awards for her work including induction into Royal Society Fellowship in 2007 as well as being honored with a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II for services to astronomy in 1999..

Grace Hopper - Computer Scientist & Naval Officer

Grace Hopper was a computer scientist who helped develop the first compiler for a programming language. She also served as a naval officer during World War II and was instrumental in advancing early machine-independent programming languages. In her later years, she continued her work on computer programming languages and wrote influential texts on software engineering. Her legacy lives on through the Grace Hopper Conference, one of the largest gatherings for women technologists worldwide.

Sally Ride - Astronaut & Educator

Sally Ride was an American astronaut who became the first woman in space when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983. After leaving NASA, she dedicated her career to advancing science education for children, especially girls. She founded Sally Ride Science—an educational company that seeks to inspire students about science—and wrote several books about astronomy aimed at young readers. She also worked with NASA on multiple projects relating to Earth observation from space.

Dr Mae C. Jemison - Astronaut & Doctor

Mae Jemison is a physician, engineer, entrepreneur, professor, and former NASA astronaut who has broken multiple boundaries throughout her distinguished career. She was one of only six African-American women to become an astronaut and the first woman of color to travel into space. In 1992, she became the first African American woman to go into space as part of a six-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor. After retiring from NASA in 1993, she founded The Jemison Group Inc., which focuses on developing advanced technologies for everyday use while promoting sustainable development initiatives around the world. Dr Jemison currently teaches at Cornell University as a Professor of Environmental Studies and continues to inspire generations of girls interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields.

Dr. Jane Goodall - Anthropologist & Conservationist

Dr. Jane Goodall is a world-renowned primatologist, anthropologist, and conservationist. She is best known for her over 55-year study of chimpanzee behavior in Tanzania. Her work has revolutionized our understanding of the natural world and continues to inform conservation efforts today. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to support research on great apes and promote conservation initiatives.

Margaret Hamilton - Computer Scientist

Margaret Hamilton is a computer scientist who developed many of the concepts that we now take for granted in modern computing. During her time at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, she led the team that created the software for the Apollo Moon landing missions. Her work helped make human spaceflight possible and earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

These amazing women show us that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and ambition! They have each made tremendous contributions to scientific advancement with their discoveries and have set an example for young girls everywhere who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields that they too can make their mark on history! By embracing their natural talents and following their dreams, these female pioneers have opened up new doors for future generations – proving that nothing is impossible when it comes to what women can achieve!