Famous Women in STEM

In today’s rapidly evolving world, advances in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) play a crucial role in shaping our future. Every time you turn on the news, there is inevitably some new STEM advancement being talked about. From developing groundbreaking technologies to addressing global challenges like climate change to medical advances in healthcare, STEM is at the heart of innovation and progress. So let’s take a moment today to recognize the incredible contributions of women who have shaped these fields. Celebrating their achievements not only honors their legacy but also inspires the next generation of women to pursue careers in STEM.

My Journey as a Woman in STEM

Many moons ago, I started on my own education and career in the STEM field. I started in computer sciences (I LOVED programming and computers!), before deciding I wanted to focus instead on Environmental Sciences. Back then, the environment was not something many people were talking about (this was 30 years ago!), but it was something I was very passionate about! I wanted to work on preserving habitats and protecting wildlife. So I went to University to get a degree in Environmental Sciences.

What I found interesting, is that in both of those fields of study, environmental sciences and computer sciences, I was surrounded by men. There were very, very few women in my classes. But I didn’t let it dissuade me! When I set my mind to something nothing was going to stop me… until something did.

Due to some major health issues, I was advised that I needed to change career paths. The field work that would have been required to complete my Environmental Sciences degree was simply not going to be safe for me. So I moved into the field of research psychology, eventually graduating with a BSc Psychology Specialization degree. What was interesting? There were a lot more women in psychology, including my mentor.

Although it wasn’t something I focused on, I definitely noticed the gender gaps.

That is just a brief snapshot of my early years as a woman in different STEM education fields. I feel passionately about supporting all students to explore STEM fields, hence why I started STEAM Powered Family, but in particular women and other minorities. We want all of these incredible minds working on the problems tackled by these fields of study. So let’s dive in and learn more about women in STEM.

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Instead of working silos, STEM brings these fields together, because in the real world they work together to drive advancements that improve our quality of life and expand our understanding of the universe. STEM education encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, skills that are vital in today’s societies.

Learn more about STEM and STEAM in this deep dive resource we developed.

Why Study Women in STEM?

Today we are taking a moment to highlight the work of just a few women who have significantly contributed to the world of STEM. Why do we want to do this? There are a few different reasons.

Women are underrepresented in STEM Fields, despite significant progress over the years, but especially since I was in university. As I discovered first hand, the numbers vary across disciplines and around the world, but there is still a major gender gap.

We want to inspire and encourage unique minds and perspectives in these fields. By highlighting the achievements of women in STEM, we can provide role models for young girls, showing them that they too can excel in these fields.

Diversity and uniqueness helps to drive creativity and innovation. That is why we need to encourage people from all walks of life to explore their aptitudes in these fields. That way we can get truly the brightest and the best to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to drive innovation and problem-solving in STEM.

If we know more we can do more. Promoting women in STEM helps address the gender disparity in these fields, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.

The number one reason we want to educate students on the role women play in STEM is so we can empower future generations to break barriers and continue the legacy of scientific and technological advancement started by some incredible women.

Statistics

Let’s get into some of the numbers. If you want to check out some great resources I used to help research these statistics, visit Women STEM or visit Women in Tech.

Globally, women constitute about 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For engineers this number is much lower at about 15%. However, computer sciences and physics have approximately 20% women. Then, in life sciences, we see even better numbers with 48% of the workforce being women.

However there is still disparity in leadership positions. Why does this happen? Women in STEM careers often face higher attrition rates compared to men, leading to fewer women in mid-career and senior-level positions because they are leaving the workforce or their fields of study before reaching senior levels. Or taking long leaves of absence from the workforce, which can impact their ability for advancement. This is caused by many factors such as workplace culture, lack of mentorship, and work-life balance challenges.

Women in STEM Printable

Let’s take a look at a few inspiring women in STEM. Make sure to grab our free Women in STEM printable to use with your students. It highlights the achievements of some incredible women, plus has a research page for students to learn even more.

Pioneering Women in STEM

Marie Curie (1867-1934)

A trailblazer in the field of chemistry and physics, Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields—Physics and Chemistry. Her pioneering research on radioactivity (a term she coined) laid the foundation for advancements in medical treatments and our understanding of atomic physics.

Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)

Often considered the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace worked on Charles Babbage’s early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Her visionary insights into the machine’s potential went beyond simple calculation, foreseeing its ability to process complex algorithms, which laid the groundwork for modern computing.

Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958)

Rosalind Franklin was a brilliant chemist whose work was crucial to understanding the molecular structures of DNA, RNA, viruses, coal, and graphite. Her X-ray diffraction images of DNA led to the discovery of the DNA double helix, a groundbreaking revelation that has profoundly impacted genetics and biotechnology.

Katherine Johnson (1918-2020)

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights. Her work at NASA helped put John Glenn safely into orbit and ensured the success of the Apollo moon landing missions.

Supplement studies of Katherine Johnson with Space STEM Activities.

Grace Hopper (1906-1992)

A computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral, Grace Hopper was a pioneer in developing computer programming languages. She created the first compiler for a computer programming language and was instrumental in the development of COBOL, one of the first high-level programming languages.

Supplement studies of Grace Hopper with introduction to coding activities.

Jane Goodall (1934-)

One of the STEMists that inspired my interest in Environmental Sciences was Jane Goodall. A renowned primatologist and anthropologist, Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior has provided amazing insights into primate behavior and evolution. Her work has also emphasized the importance of conservation and animal welfare.

Mae Jemison (1956-)

An engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut, Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Her career is marked by a dedication to science education and advocacy for diversity in STEM fields.

Supplement studies of Mae Jemison with Space STEM Activities.

Sally Ride (1951-2012)

The first American woman to travel into space, Sally Ride was also a physicist and an advocate for science education. Her work with NASA and her later efforts in science education have inspired countless young women to pursue careers in STEM.

Supplement studies of Sally Ride with Space STEM Activities.

Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000)

Although better known as a Hollywood actress, Hedy Lamarr was also an inventor whose work on frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology laid the groundwork for modern wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Embracing the stories and contributions of these remarkable women not only honors their legacies but also paves the way for a more inclusive and innovative future. Let’s continue to celebrate and support women in STEM, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the world’s greatest challenges and discoveries.

Want more resources? Check out our Famous Scientists printable pack.