Happy International Women’s Day!

Every year on the 8th of March, the whole world celebrates women and their achievements. At BLOSSOM we are extremely excited about today and thought we’d share a few amazing women in STEM! These and many others have paved the way, many of them unsung heroes who are slowly getting the recognition that they deserve.

1) Katherine G. Johnson. This amazing woman was a Research Mathematician at NASA. At this point there are thankfully not that many people who haven’t seen Hidden Figures, a movie that follows the true story of three African American women Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson working at NASA, who were one of the crucial parts of the operation to send astronaut John Glenn into orbit. A story almost lost in history, the book and film of the same name thankfully brought these women’s names into public consciousness.

2) Ada Lovelace. Lovelace is considered the first computer programmer so a large part of modern lives we can thank her for. After working with Lord Byron on an analytical engine, Ada’s interest peaked, along with her being an avid mathematician. A process known as looping that computer programs use today was created by her. To find out more about her, check out Ada Lovelace Day Live, an event that celebrates women in STEM as part of the international celebration of Ada Lovelace Day.

3) Marie Curie. You have probably heard her name, she is known for studying radium and exploring its medical utilities. Through her research on radium, during WW1, she used it to help soldiers essentially creating a version of the modern X-ray. She was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for in Physics in 1903 and the first for chemistry in 1911.

4) Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu. Often remembered as the “First Lady of Physics” due to her contribution to the Manhattan Project during World War II. She experimentally confirmed the beta decay theoretical predictions from her two male colleagues and not getting recognition for it. She went on to receive honorary degrees from universities including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton and had an asteroid named after her. She also largely acknowledged the lack of women in STEM, once being quoted to say "I wonder whether the tiny atoms and nuclei, or the mathematical symbols, or the DNA molecules have any preference for either masculine or feminine treatment.”

5) Dr Mae C. Jemison. The first African American woman in space. Jemison is a woman of many talents, being a chemical engineer, scientist, physician, teacher, astronaut, and actor. In addition to her extensive background in science, she speaks multiple languages such as Japanese, Russian, Swahili and English, as well as being trained in choreography and dance. A prime example of how science and art are not mutually exclusive.

6) You. Who knows in a few years you could be here, you’re only just starting your journey! So many amazing women have already paved the way, inspiring people just like you. STEM is going so rapidly in these modern times the possibilities are truly endless. Remember the BLOSSOM catchphrase: The first person on Mars will be a woman! Could that be you?