Despite systemic obstacles and underrepresentation, women in STEM fields have been a major source of innovation across history. Although gender inequality still remains a quiet issue, women have been an essential part in ensuring advancement for innovation and knowledge.

Considered the first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace was born on December 10th, 1815 in the United Kingdom. She was an english mathematician, recognized for her work on Charles Babbage’s “Analytical Engine”. Ada had interest in mechanics, becoming more invested once introduced to machines created by Babbage around 1833. The engine is generally regarded as the first computer, performing any calculation given to it. With this invention and Lovelace contribution, she developed the first algorithm aka the first computer program.

Meanwhile, in physics, Chien-Shiung Wu is a Chinese-American physicist who influenced nuclear science. Wu became a physics instructor at Princeton University and Smith College after being unable to find a research position. That was until 1944, when she began working at Columbia University, her main focus being radiation detectors. She worked on for the Manhattan Project, assisting in the process of separating uranium metal into U-235 and U-238 isotopes by gaseous diffusion. Wu’s work was stolen by two theoretical physicists after they approached her about an experiment in 1956. However, she’d continue to make significant contributions throughout her life while also winning several awards.

Then there’s Mary Jackson, NASA’s first black female engineer. You may know her as one of the three protagonists in Hidden Figures—a biography about three African-American women who solved problems for engineers. She successfully overcame barriers such as segregation and gender bias. Jackson had a skill in math and science, being known as a “human computer” when she found a job at NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautic). This served vital as she developed the space program further and also assisted other women in advancing in their careers.

These women and several others serve as an inspiration for many—their intelligence and determination remain a testament to represent their value in advocacy and diversity within the STEM field. 

Sources:

https://www.biography.com/scholars-educators/ada-lovelace

https://www.nps.gov/people/dr-chien-shiung-wu-the-first-lady-of-physics.htm

https://www.nasa.gov/people/mary-w-jackson-biography/