Discover how fearless females changed the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with Gale’s Science In Context*.
VIRGINIA APGAR
As an attending anesthesiologist she developed the Apgar System, allowing doctors or nurses to quickly determine if a baby is at risk for complications and needs attention. She focused her career on advocating for good prenatal care and ensuring proper care for newborns. Apgar laid the foundation for Perinatology and the programs she developed are credited for our understanding of the risks to a developing baby.
JEWEL COBB
As a biologist, she researched melanoma and the effects of drugs on cancer cells, creating the foundational understanding that chemotherapy is built on. In addition to her work as a cell biologist, she initiated programs to encourage minorities and women to pursue the sciences. As an educator and administrator, she worked to raise funds for scientific research and foster educational opportunities for minorities in the sciences.
MAE JEMISON
She was the first African-American woman admitted into the astronaut training program and the first in space completing an eight (8)-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. After leaving the astronaut program, Dr. Jemison focused on the advancement of education and science. She founded the Earth We Share International Science Camp that focuses on the impacts of science and technology on society and leads initiatives to continue to advance space travel.
RACHEL CARSON
American marine biologist, author, and conservationist alerted the world to the environmental impact of misusing fertilizers and pesticides. Her book Silent Spring and other writings are credited with advancing the global environmental movement. Her work drew praise from the public and President John F. Kennedy and led to a presidential commission. Her work led to more than 40 bills and amendments to federal environmental laws.
You can access Science In Context* from his blog post or from our Databases page.
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Contributed by Library Specialist William Heinrich and Gale, a Cengage Company. You can find the full list of highlighted women on Gale’s Website.
