March 2, 2021: Unseen Innovators - STEM Superwomen!
“They were leaders in building the early foundation of modern programming, and unveiled the structure of DNA. Their work inspired environmental movements and led to the discovery of new genes. They broke the sound barrier — and gender barriers along the way. Inspiring more young women to pursue careers in science starts with simply sharing their stories.” –The Untold History of Women in Science and Technology --From the Barack Obama Presidential Library.
Several years ago, when President Joe Biden was Vice President to then-President Barack Obama, he and President Obama sought to create a unique, meaningful tribute to celebrate and honor women in STEM for their decades of service and their brilliance—drawing public attention to these scientists' names and achievements, many of which had never been recognized, shared in public, or known about at all.
Enlisting a group of dedicated, creative, and resourceful members of the Obama White House Administration, “the Untold History of Women in Science and Technology” was born. The project features a wealth of scientists who have made our world and our lives better, more efficient, safer, and more liveable. Each woman’s name is accompanied by a photograph and a quick bio as well as a short audio recording—roughly a minute in length and narrated by female scientists within the Obama administration. Speakers include the Obama administration’s U.S. Chief Technology Officer, Megan Smith, NASA's Chief Scientist, Dr. Ellen Stofan, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy, and, last but not least, Jo Handelsman--the Associate Director for Science for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
**This list of distinguished scientists is by no means exhaustive.** In fact, if you see names missing that you feel should be included, we encourage you to take our two-question survey regarding “Inspirational Women in STEM: Who Inspires you, and why?” We look forward to hearing your answers, and will begin to post the results in a meaningful manner once more responses roll in.
note: Artwork c/o Rutgers University–Newark.