Diversity matters, and this series of individual bios highlights the inventors and STEM superstars who have come from all backgrounds throughout the generations.
Dr. Patricia Bath - Cataract Treatment
Dr. Marie Maynard Daly - Biochemist
Dr. Shirley Jackson - Caller ID and Call Waiting
Dr. Valerie Thomas - The Illusion Transmitter
Elijah McCoy - The Real McCoy
Bessie Coleman - Stunt Pilot
Garrett Morgan - The Traffic Signal
Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte - Physician
Mary Golda Ross - Aerospace Engineer
Ellen Ochoa - Astronaut
Farida Bedwei - Financial Tech Software Developer
Joy Buolamwini - Algorithmic Justice League
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler - Physician & Author
Ada Lovelace- The First Computer Programmer
Sameera Moussa- Nuclear Scientist
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett - Viral Immunologist
Sophie Wilson - Computer Scientist
Dr. Jeanette Epps- NASA Astronaut
Grace Hopper- Computer Scientist and US Navy Rear Admiral
Lynn Conway- Computer Scientist and Transgender Activist
John Herrington- Chickasaw Astronaut
Jerry Lawson - Video Game Engineer
James E. West - Foil Electret Microphone
Maritza Soto- Chilean Astronomer
Wangari Maathai- Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Josephine Cochrane- Dishwasher Inventor
Elizabeth Anionwu- Nurse & Professor
Alexa Canady- Neurosurgeon
Frederick McKinley Jones- "Cool" Inventor
Mae Carol Jemison- Astronaut
Francisca Okeke - Physicist
Stephanie Kwolek - Kevlar Chemist
James McLurkin- Robotics Engineer
Simone Giertz- Inventor
Emily Roebling- Bridge Engineer
Bobak Ferdowsi - Systems Engineer
Ayanna Howard - Roboticist
Lyda Newman- Inventor and Suffragist
Margaret Hamilton - Software Engineer
Valentina Tereshkova- Cosmonaut
Bertha Parker Pallan Cody- Archaeologist
Aaron Yazzzie - Mechanical Engineer
Seymour Papert- Educational Robotics PIoneer
Earle Haas- Physician Inventor
Katharine Blodgett-Inventor
Nancy Johnson- Inventor
Percy LeBaron Spencer- Inventor
PIlar Caraega- Train Engineer
Sylvia Acevedo- Girl Scout CEO
Innovations resulting from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields have positively influenced many aspects of human life. However, it is important to keep in mind that innovations do not arise on their own; they are brought forth through one's hard work, passions and life experience. By cultivating talent and promoting the full inclusion of excellence across the social spectrum, we open the door to new innovation. Diversity matters, and this series of individual bios highlights the inventors and STEM superstars who have come from all backgrounds throughout the generations.
