Our top three women in STEM
To celebrate International Women’s Day we wrote a little something… We are a team blessed with five amazing women so how could we not!
We felt it would be fitting for us to write a little something to celebrate some amazing women in STEM. Here’s our top three! These women were pioneers in their fields. They did much to shape some of the current technology, science and medicine we know and rely on today. Let’s shine the light on some of these trailblazers!
Ada Lovelace
Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace is often cited as the world first computer programmer. Though unusual for a women in the 19th century, Ada was encouraged by her mother to study mathematics and science to avoid her father Lord Byron’s romantic ideals and moody nature. Her work eventually led her to Charles Babbage, the creator of the earliest mechanical computers including the Analytical Engine. Lovelace wrote a paper based on Babbage’s machines envisioning the potential. This included what is now considered as the first algorithm.
The paper, written by Lovelace, was later discovered by Alan Turing, the mathematician who’s codebreaking computer helped end the Second World War.
Marie Curie
One of the most famous scientists of her time and winner of 2 Nobel Prizes, Marie Curie was born in Poland in 1891. Going on to study mathematics in Paris where she met her husband Pierre Curie, professor of the School of Physics. Marie and Pierre worked together investigating radioactivity eventually discovering a new chemical element polonium and then another, radium. When Pierre’s life was cut short by an accident Marie carried on the work they had begun together.
The research by the Curies was crucial in developing x-rays and Marie went on to help equip ambulances with x-rays during World War One, joining them on the frontline.
Hedy Lamarr
Known mostly for her work on the silver screen, Hedy Lamarr was also a pioneer in the field of wireless communications. In 1942 Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil patented what they called the “Secret Communication System.” The idea was to help solve the problem of enemies blocking radio frequencies during World War II, by changing the frequencies and making them unable to detect the messages. Initially it was hard to implement the technology, but an updated version of their technology was used on Navy ships during the Cuban missile crisis.
Hedy and Antheil’s work with this technology has led the foundation for the development of GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi. In 1997 the pair received the Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award and the Bulbie Gnass Spirit of Achievement Bronze Award. In 2014, both Hedy and George were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
So, there you have it, 3 exceptional women! Each with unique stories, unending resilience and extraordinary intelligence. We thank you for paving the way and happy International Women’s Day to all you wonderful women (or individuals that identify as) in STEM and beyond!
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