When it comes to important breakthroughs in science, you often hear about the men who have forged those paths. But, you don’t always hear about the women who have also contributed to incredible scientific breakthroughs. Among thousands, these six female scientists contributed so many scientific breakthroughs that they changed the world forever. Here’s some interesting information about these powerful female STEM leaders who were ahead of their time and helped pave the way for girls to explore all aspects of science.
1- Rosalind Franklin
Dr. Rosalind Franklin was a British scientist who did amazing work with DNA strands. One of her biggest contributions to science was Photo 51. This photo captured the structure of the double helix of deoxyribonucleic acid. This photo helped scientists understand the molecular structure of DNA. This DNA strand is important because it contains all the genetic instructions for the development of every living organism.
2- Chien-Shiung Wu
The field of physics has had many important contributors, and Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu was one of them. Dr. Wu was a pioneer in the field of physics and is often regarded as the First Lady of Physics. Before Dr Chien-Shiung Wu, women were overlooked in the field of physics. After immigrating to the United States, Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu became part of the Manhattan Project. Her contribution to the Manhattan Project helped produce the first atomic weapon. Sadly, Dr. Wu was passed over for the 1957 Nobel Prize for her male colleagues.
3- Eugenie Clark
Dr. Eugenie Clark was another woman who was overlooked for her contribution to science. Dr. Clark was best known for her study of sharks, but she also did a lot to advance the field of scuba diving. In fact, Dr. Clark used her work in scuba diving to promote her work in the field of marine conservation. Dr. Clark was best known for her behavioral, anatomical, and reproductive experiments on sharks.
4- Mae Jemison
Women and also African-Americans have often been overlooked for their contributions to the field of science. Dr. Mae Jemison overcame both of those obstacles to become the first African-American woman to travel into space. Not only did Dr. Jemison travel into space to conduct research, but before her career as an astronaut, she was in the Peace Corps and had a private medical practice.
5- Patricia Bath
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness among older people. Unfortunately, non-surgical methods won’t remove cataracts. Dr. Patricia Bath was a renowned researcher in the study of ophthalmology. Dr. Bath invented a procedure that improved cataract surgery procedures. This procedure uses a laserphaco probe and is still used for the removal of cataracts.
6- Alice Ball
Leprosy is an infection that’s caused by a slow-growing bacteria.Leprosy can affect the nerves, skin, and eyes. Alice Ball revolutionized medicine by developing the most effective treatment for leprosy, and this treatment became known as “The Ball Method.” Regarding her academia, Alice Ball was the first African-American woman to earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Hawaii.
Women have contributed a vast amount of knowledge to the field of science. These six women are just a few of the women who have left their marks on the world.
