Our Unsung STEM Heroes

Thanksgiving. It’s a day of reflection, gratitude, mac-n-cheese, and stuffing. It is also a day of violence, neglected history, (white and male) American supremacy, and cultural erasure.

In acknowledgement of the double-edged sword that is Thanksgiving, I wanted to highlight some of our unsung STEM heroes, the people whose priceless contributions have been ignored for so many years, and thank them in this series that will continue in the coming weeks. I hope these articles can show you people who look like you who have changed the face of science as we know it, and that if they can do it, you can too!

This week: Astronomy

1. Mae C. Jemison: A physician and the first African American female astronaut.

A Stanford and Cornell double alum, Jemison has worked as a doctor in West Africa, an engineer at NASA and of course, as the first woman of color in space. On top of this, Jemison works in the Peace Corps, founded two technology companies, teaches, and speaks three languages. If there ever was anyone to admire, it’s her. For more inspiration, follow her @therealmaejemison on Instagram!

2. Gloria Suzanne Koenigsberger Horowitz:

Mexican Astrophysicist and professor.

Horowitz specializes in star research, work that has won her ample worldwide recognition. She has served on the board of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, is a member of the International Astronomical Union, and also pioneered bringing the Internet to Mexico!

3. Mary Jackson: African American mathematician and aerospace engineer.

Mary was recruited by what is now NASA (previously NACA) in 1958, braving segregation and educational restrictions in order to pursue and thrive in her love for math and astronomy. Her work won her several awards, including the highly coveted American Congressional Gold Medal. Jackson’s life and work, along with two of her colleagues’ (Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan), is portrayed beautifully in the film Hidden Figures.

These women are just three of many, many more who have advanced the field of astronomy more than the world cares to acknowledge. Their life and work is priceless, and is the foundation for scientists like you all, who will continue to break through barriers and advance human knowledge of our world and the universe beyond it. For more badass POC and women scientists in other fields, stay tuned for our future blog posts and send us your requests!

Love,

Krupa