June 16, 2022
4 Standout Figures of STEM History
By: Ck Harington
For centuries, women have been making significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, their achievements have often been overlooked or downplayed due to gender bias and discrimination.
Fortunately, things are slowly changing, and more and more women are being recognized for their accomplishments in STEM. This article will look at the history of four women in STEM, their life, contributions, and lasting impact in their field.
Dr. Tu Youyou (Science)
Dr. Tu Youyou was born in China in 1930, and she graduated from Beijing Medical University in 1955 with a degree in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM is an ancient medical system that has been practiced in China for thousands of years, but it wasn’t taken seriously by modern scientists until the 1960s.
Dr. Tu Youyou was one of the first researchers to use TCM as a basis for modern scientific research. In 1967, she began working on Project 523 at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences to find an effective treatment for malaria that could be distributed throughout rural China.
Dr. Tu Youyou’s most significant contribution was her discovery of artemisinin as, an effective treatment for malaria that has saved millions of lives worldwide. Artemisinin is derived from the plant Artemisia annua, used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat fevers.
However, it wasn’t until Dr. Tu Youyou conducted extensive research and experimentation on the plant that its medicinal potential was fully realized. Her work paved the way for modern drug development, and she has been hailed as a pioneer in biotechnology.
Dr. Tu Youyou worked on Project 523 from 1967 to 1977, when malaria was one of the biggest health challenges in China and around the world. There was no effective treatment for malaria, and many patients died from the disease. Dr. Tu Youyou’s research helped change this, and her discovery of artemisinin has saved countless lives.
Today, artemisinin and other antimalarial drugs developed using Dr. Tu Youyou’s research are distributed worldwide, helping to prevent and treat malaria in areas where it is a major health concern. Her work continues to have a tremendous impact on global public health, and her legacy has opened the door for future generations of female scientists and researchers.
Her story is also a reminder that traditional knowledge and practices can be a valuable source of insight and inspiration when conducting scientific research. By learning from other women’s experiences, we can help break down the barriers that stand in the way of women in STEM.
Admiral Grace Hopper (Technology)
Often referred to as the “Mother of Computing,” Grace Hopper was one of the most influential and groundbreaking women in STEM. She began her career in mathematics and later worked as a computer scientist for the US Navy, where she helped develop some of the first programming languages. Through her work, Hopper played a key role in shaping the field of computing as we know it today.
Admiral Grace Hopper’s most significant contribution to computing was her development of COBOL, one of the first programming languages. She also helped standardize computer software and hardware, which laid the foundation for modern computing.
Admiral Grace Hopper began her career in the 1930s when computing was in its infancy. There were few women in STEM fields at the time, and Hopper faced many challenges due to her gender. However, she persevered and went on to have a hugely successful career in computing.
Hopper’s influence can still be seen today in the programming languages that she helped to develop and the many women and girls who her example has inspired. Her legacy lives on, paving the way for future generations of women in STEM.
Admiral Grace Hopper’s story shows how integral women are to STEM fields. She is a prime example of how one person can make a difference in the world, and her work demonstrates that with perseverance, dedication, and hard work, anything is possible. Whether you are just starting your STEM career or working in the field for years, Hopper’s story offers valuable inspiration and insight for women everywhere.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa (Engeniering)
Dr. Ellen Ochoa is a retired astronaut and computer scientist. She was the first Hispanic woman to travel to space, and she holds the record for the most spaceflights by a female astronaut. During her career, Dr. Ochoa also served as the Director of the Johnson Space Center and as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Operations at NASA headquarters.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa’s contributions to the field of space exploration are vast. As an astronaut, she participated in four space shuttle missions and logged over 1,000 hours in space. In addition, she helped to develop robotics used for satellite servicing and automated docking systems on the International Space Station.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa began her career as an astronaut in 1990. Throughout her career, she faced many challenges, both in terms of her gender and her ethnicity. As a Hispanic woman working in a male-dominated field, she often proved herself and worked twice as hard as her peers. However, she eventually overcame these challenges to become one of the most successful astronauts.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa’s influence can still be seen today in the field of space exploration. As the Johnson Space Center Director, she helped to lead NASA’s human spaceflight program. She also inspired many women and girls to pursue careers in STEM, proving that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Katherine Johnson (Mathematics)
Katherine Johnson was a mathematician who worked for NASA during the space program’s early years. She is best known for her work on the trajectory of John Glenn’s historic orbit around the Earth.
Katherine Johnson made many important contributions to mathematics and space exploration. Her work on John Glenn’s orbital trajectory led to significant improvements in mission safety and accuracy, making it possible for NASA to send more astronauts into space. She also played a key role in calculating trajectories for other critical missions, including Apollo 11 and the Mariner 10 mission to Venus.
Katherine Johnson worked at NASA during the early years of the space program. At this time, women of color were still largely segregated from scientific fields and daily life. Despite these challenges, Johnson persevered and became one of the most respected mathematicians in NASA’s history.
Katherine Johnson’s work continues to have a significant impact on space exploration today. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 for her contributions to the field, and her story was made into a Hollywood film in 2016. Her legacy continues to inspire women and girls to pursue careers in STEM.
Author Bio:
Ck Harington is a content writer for PowRparts, and a fan of popular science. Ck’s most excited about the developments coming from the James Webb Space Telescope. When he’s not working on content or geeking over telescope images, Ck spends his time training and playing with his three dogs.