Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper, Hedy Lamarr, Katherine Johnson, Radia Perlman, Annie Easley, Elizabeth Feinler, Margaret Hamilton, Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, and Jean Jennings Bartik significantly contributed to STEM. Their work ranges from inventing the first compiler to foundational Wi-Fi technologies, and from calculating spacecraft trajectories to developing essential internet protocols. Each has received recognition through awards, celebrations, and educational initiatives, inspiring future generations in tech and science.
Where Are They Now? Tracking the Impact of Historic Women in Tech
Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper, Hedy Lamarr, Katherine Johnson, Radia Perlman, Annie Easley, Elizabeth Feinler, Margaret Hamilton, Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, and Jean Jennings Bartik significantly contributed to STEM. Their work ranges from inventing the first compiler to foundational Wi-Fi technologies, and from calculating spacecraft trajectories to developing essential internet protocols. Each has received recognition through awards, celebrations, and educational initiatives, inspiring future generations in tech and science.
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Historical Perspectives in Tech
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Ada Lovelace The Enchantress of Numbers
Ada Lovelace, often heralded as the first computer programmer, left an indelible mark on computer science. Though she passed away in 1852, her legacy thrives through the Ada Lovelace Day, celebrated every October to honor women in STEM. The Ada Initiative also took inspiration from her, supporting women in tech until 2015.
Grace Hopper Debugging the Future
Grace Hopper, a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and the inventor of the first compiler, has had a lasting impact on computing languages. The annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing is the world’s largest gathering of women technologists, inspiring countless women to explore and contribute to the field of computing.
Hedy Lamarr From Silver Screen to Wireless Streams
Hedy Lamarr was not only a famed Hollywood actress but also a pioneering inventor. Her work on frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology during World War II is foundational to modern Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth technologies. Her legacy is celebrated in the form of numerous documentaries, awards, and acknowledgments in the fields of science and technology.
Katherine Johnson Calculating a Path to the Stars
Katherine Johnson, whose mathematical genius helped astronauts safely orbit Earth and reach the moon, has been widely recognized in recent years. NASA named a facility in her honor, and her life and contributions were spotlighted in the acclaimed film “Hidden Figures.” Scholarships and school programs continue to inspire girls in the pursuit of STEM careers, keeping her legacy alive.
Radia Perlman The Mother of the Internet
Dubbed the “Mother of the Internet,” Radia Perlman's invention of the spanning-tree protocol was crucial to the development of today’s internet. Throughout her career, she has garnered numerous awards and hall of fame inductions, cementing her status as a key figure in internet history. Her continued work and advocacy in computer networking and security influence emerging technologies and professionals in the field.
Annie Easley Code Switching to the Future
Annie Easley's work at NASA as a computer scientist and mathematician broke barriers for African-American women in technology and science. Her contributions to the Centaur rocket project and energy research have paved the way for future space missions and clean energy initiatives. Her story, though less known, is gaining recognition through educational programs and diversity in STEM advocacy.
Elizabeth Feinler Piecing Together the Internet
Elizabeth Feinler, who led the team that developed the first domain naming scheme (.com, .edu, .gov, etc.), has played a vital role in shaping the internet infrastructure. Her pioneering work continues to be the backbone of how we navigate the web today. Through interviews and archival projects, her contributions are being documented for posterity, highlighting her impact on the internet’s development.
Margaret Hamilton Coding Apollo to the Moon
Margaret Hamilton's development of the onboard flight software for the Apollo moon missions is legendary. Her concept of software engineering has fundamentally shaped the discipline. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Educational initiatives in her name continue to advocate for women in software engineering and space exploration.
Sister Mary Kenneth Keller Pioneering Computer Science Education
Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, one of the first people in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in computer science, was instrumental in developing the BASIC programming language. Tirelessly working towards making computer science more accessible, she founded the computer science department at Clarke College. Her commitment to education and technology is remembered through scholarships and lectureships that promote inclusivity and innovation in tech education.
Jean Jennings Bartik Programming the ENIAC
Jean Jennings Bartik was one of the original programmers of the ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic digital computer. Her work laid the groundwork for modern computing. Recognition of her achievements has grown, with institutions and awards named in her honor, celebrating her contributions to computing and encouraging women to pursue careers in technology.
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