The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields is a well-documented problem, but it’s important to remember that women have been making important contributions to these fields for centuries. From developing new programming languages to calculating the trajectories for spaceflights, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the pioneering women who have paved the way for future generations of female IT and engineering professionals.
Grace Hopper is often referred to as the “Mother of COBOL.” She was a computer scientist and US Navy Rear Admiral who is credited with developing the first compiler, a program that translates source code written in a programming language into machine language that can be executed by a computer. Hopper’s work on the COBOL programming language, which is still used in business and government applications today, made her one of the most influential computer scientists of all time.
Katherine Johnson was a mathematician and one of the first African American women to work as a NASA scientist. She played a crucial role in calculating the trajectories for the early space flights of John Glenn and Alan Shepard. Her work was instrumental in the success of the US space program, and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
Hedy Lamarr was a Hollywood actress who also had a talent for engineering. She co-invented frequency hopping, a technology that was later used in the development of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Her invention was initially intended to help the Allies win World War II by creating an un-jammable torpedo guidance system, but its impact on modern technology is immeasurable.
Mary Jackson was the first African American female engineer at NASA. She worked on numerous projects during her time at the agency. These included wind tunnel tests and the development of supersonic flight. Jackson was also a fierce advocate for diversity in STEM fields. She mentored many young women who were interested in pursuing careers in science and engineering.
Ada Lovelace was a mathematician and writer who is often credited with being the world’s first computer programmer. In the 19th century, she worked on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, a theoretical mechanical computer that was never built. Lovelace is best known for her notes on the machine. This included an algorithm for calculating Bernoulli numbers that are considered to be the first computer program.
These women are just a few examples of the many female pioneers who have made important contributions to STEM fields. They faced many challenges, including discrimination and a lack of recognition for their work, but they persevered and left a legacy that continues to inspire future generations. As we celebrate their achievements this Women’s History Month, it’s important to remember that there is still much work to be done to create a more inclusive and diverse STEM community. By working together, we can continue to break down barriers and create opportunities for all.
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Sources:
https://news.yale.edu/2017/02/10/grace-murray-hopper-1906-1992-legacy-innovation-and-service
https://www.i-programmer.info/history/people/294-the-mother-of-cobol.html
https://www.nasa.gov/content/katherine-johnson-biography
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katherine-Johnson-mathematician
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/hedy-lamarr
https://www.nasa.gov/content/mary-w-jackson-biography
https://scientificwomen.net/women/jackson-mary-104
https://www.computerhistory.org/babbage/adalovelace/
https://www.biography.com/scholars-educators/ada-lovelace
