Started in 1987, Women’s History Month, celebrated in March, recognizes the influence of women and their valuable contributions to events in history and society – in the U.S. and globally.
In honor of the diverse expressions of women throughout the world, here are a few notable women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) making a global impact.
Kaela Singleton, postdoctoral researcher in developmental neuroscience
Kaela Singleton (she) is a Black, queer postdoctoral researcher in developmental neuroscience at Emory University. She teaches at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she researches the role of mitochondria in Menkes disease, a rare genetic disorder that interferes with how the body regulates copper. She aims to empower other diverse scientists as the cofounder and president-elect of Blacks In Neuro.
Barbara Askins, chemist best known for inventing the autoradiograph
Barbara Askins was born in Belfast, Tennessee. After first working as a teacher and raising a family, she went back to school and earned her bachelors and masters of science degrees from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She was then employed as a physical chemist by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. Askins is best known for inventing the autoradiograph, a method of greatly enhancing the density and contrast of photographic images. Askins’s process was initially applied in astronomy to images taken through light telescopes. Subsequently, it found wide application in medical technology in the enhancement of X-ray images.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa, first Latina astronaut
Dr. Ellen Ochoa was the first Latina astronaut to explore outer space. She earned her PhD in electrical engineering and began the three-year process of becoming a NASA astronaut. Her first trip to space took place on the Discovery in 1993, and she has since been to outer space three more times. She has conducted research regarding the ozone layer and is also an inventor.
Radia Perlman, internet pioneer
Radia Perlmand is often called “The Mother of the Internet.” She became an internet pioneer as an early computer scientist and student of MIT in the 60’s, developing the algorithm behind the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), an innovation that made today’s internet possible.
Irene Au, human computer interaction designer
Irene Au created her own program of study in human-computer interaction. She built exceptional design teams for Google and Yahoo before joining Khosla Ventures as an Operating Partner. Irene’s work focuses on building high performing teams, establishing design practices, mentoring and growing the next generation of great designers, and designing interfaces and experiences.
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