Rosalind Franklin

An English chemist and X-ray crystallographer, Franklin's work was crucial in the discovery of the DNA double helix structure. Her X-ray diffraction images of DNA provided vital insights that were used by James Watson and Francis Crick in their model-building efforts.

Additionally, Franklin's research on the tobacco mosaic virus and her work in the field of coal and carbon research were also significant. Unfortunately, her contributions were not fully recognized during her lifetime, and her early death at the age of 37 further limited her recognition. However, her work has since gained proper acknowledgment, highlighting her critical role in advancing our understanding of molecular biology and genetics.

Alice Ball

She developed the first successful treatment for those with Hansen’s disease (leprosy). It was an injectable oil extract & was the most effective treatment for leprosy until the 1940s.

Ball's work marked a significant advancement in medical science and offered hope to individuals suffering from this debilitating disease. Tragically, she passed away at a young age, but her contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of medicine. It's important to remember her contributions and the way she overcame barriers to make a difference in the lives of others.

Katherine Johnson

mathematician and physicist, Johnson played a pivotal role in the early space programs of the United States. She calculated trajectories, launch windows, and return paths for various space missions at NASA, including the Mercury and Apollo missions.

Johnson's calculations were crucial for ensuring the success and safety of spaceflights. She overcame racial and gender barriers to become an integral part of the team that helped the U.S. achieve milestones in space exploration. Her story was brought to wider attention through the book and movie "Hidden Figures," shedding light on her essential contributions to science and space exploration.

Hedy Lamarr

An actress and inventor, Lamarr made important contributions to the field of wireless communication. She co-developed frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, which laid the foundation for modern technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Chien Shiung Wu

Experimental physicist who made significant contributions to the field of nuclear physics. She played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project and is best known for her work on the Manhattan Project's gaseous diffusion process.

Mae Jemison

American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. In 1992, she became the first African American woman to travel in space when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Jemison's achievements extend beyond space travel; she holds a doctorate in medicine and has worked as a general practitioner and in biomedical research. After leaving NASA, she founded a technology research company and has been a strong advocate for science education and inclusion in STEM fields.