STEM Pioneers
This group of Black women mathematicians worked at NASA as "human computers" but were uncredited for years until their story was told in a 2016 movie.
Who were the West Area Computers?
This woman’s “immortal” cells were taken without her consent and revolutionized medicine.
Who is Henrietta Lacks?
This 2017 film brought national attention to the overlooked contributions of Black women at NASA.
What is Hidden Figures?
In 2020, this global tech company announced a $500 million commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts in STEM,creating new opportunities for Black engineers and developers.
What is Google?
A Black woman scientist helped develop this technology that keeps food cold and fresh in households worldwide.
What is refrigeration technology?
The first Black woman to go to space in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Who is Mae Jemison?
Black women researchers have studied maternal health disparities, including high rates of this life-threatening pregnancy condition in Black women.
What is preeclampsia?
This annual event highlights Black women’s achievements in science, technology, engineering, and math.
What is the Black Women in STEM Conference?
This Black woman engineer developed a type of computer code that helped NASA analyze satellite data, contributing to space exploration advancements.
Who is Dr. Annie Easley?
A Black woman engineering work in robotics helped create this type of smart device that assists people with household cleaning.
What is a robotic vacuum?
The first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry in the U.S.
Who is Marie Maynard Daly?
This disease, which disproportionately affects Black communities, was better-understood thanks to studies led by Black female researchers in hematology.
What is sickle cell anemia?
In 2022, Black women scientists and engineers were central in discussions at this global climate conference, addressing environmental justice and sustainability.
What is COP27?
This 2021 NASA initiative, which aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon, includes Black women engineers and scientists as key contributors.
What is the Artemis Program?
This lifesaving technology, found in cars and used to prevent fatal accidents, was improved through studies led by Black women engineers.
What are airbags?
This chemist developed a groundbreaking treatment for leprosy but died before she could see its impact.
Who is Alice Augusta Ball?
This nurse fought to integrate the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and improve healthcare access.
Who is Mabel Keaton Staupers?
The name of the national program designed to increase the participation of Black women in STEM through mentoring and scholarships.
What is Black Girls Code?
A Black woman aerospace engineer played a key role in designing the heat shields used to protect spacecraft from burning up upon re-entry.
Who is Dr. Aprille Ericsson?
This device, found in many kitchens, was influenced by Black women’s research on microwave and infrared technology.
What is an air fryer?
She was the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering.
Who is Dr. Gilda Barabino?
She was the first Black woman to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Who is Dr. Rochelle Walensky?
The first Black woman surgeon in the U.S. Army, she was also an advocate for ethical medical research and treatment for African Americans.
Who is Dr. Alexa Canady?
The first Black woman to earn a PhD in nuclear engineering, she worked at MIT and NASA to advance energy and aerospace research.
Who is Dr. Mareena Robinson Snowden?
A Black woman scientist contributed to making this everyday snack more shelf-stable, making it a popular choice in vending machines.
What are potato chips?