Celebrating Women in Science: Pioneers of the Past & Innovators of Today

March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in all fields—including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Throughout history, female scientists have broken barriers, made groundbreaking discoveries, and paved the way for future generations. At our science center, we're celebrating by highlighting some extraordinary women in science—both from the past and those making history today!

Trailblazers Who Changed the World

Marie Curie (1867–1934)

A true icon of science, Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize—and the only person to ever win in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). Her pioneering research on radioactivity led to life-saving applications in medicine and revolutionized our understanding of atomic science. She discovered the elements polonium and radium, and her work paved the way for modern cancer treatments using radiation therapy. Despite facing significant barriers as a woman in science, Curie’s legacy inspires generations.

Chien-Shiung Wu (1912–1997)

Often called the "First Lady of Physics," Chien-Shiung Wu made critical contributions to the Manhattan Project and disproved the principle of conservation of parity with her groundbreaking experiments on beta decay. This discovery changed the field of particle physics and was so influential that her male colleagues were awarded the Nobel Prize, though she was overlooked. Wu’s work not only reshaped physics but also helped open doors for future women in the field.

Barbara McClintock (1902–1992)

A pioneering geneticist, Barbara McClintock discovered transposable elements, or "jumping genes," in maize. This discovery was initially dismissed but later recognized as revolutionary, earning her a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1983. Her work transformed our understanding of genetics and demonstrated how genes could move and regulate themselves, influencing everything from plant breeding to medical research on genetic disorders.

Joan Beauchamp Procter (1897–1931)

A zoologist and herpetologist, Joan Beauchamp Procter made groundbreaking contributions to the study of reptiles. She was the first female curator of reptiles at the London Zoo, where she designed the famous Reptile House and worked closely with Komodo dragons, even taming some of them. Despite suffering from chronic illness, Procter’s passion for reptiles and scientific illustration helped advance our understanding of these fascinating creatures.

Women Shaping Science Today

Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski

Our very own yellow-headed Amazon parrot is named after this remarkable physicist! Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski is a theoretical physicist known for her work on black holes and quantum gravity. She was accepted into Harvard as an undergraduate and has been making waves in physics ever since. Pasterski’s research explores the nature of space and time, and her work has gained recognition from NASA and other leading institutions.

Emmanuelle Charpentier

A microbiologist and geneticist, Emmanuelle Charpentier co-developed CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology alongside Jennifer Doudna. This revolutionary tool allows scientists to modify DNA with unprecedented precision, holding promise for treating genetic disorders, advancing agriculture, and even fighting cancer. Charpentier’s discovery earned her the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, making her one of the leading scientists in modern biotechnology.

Dr. Jess Wade

A physicist and advocate for women in STEM, Dr. Jess Wade researches materials science, focusing on organic electronics. She is also a fierce advocate for improving representation in science and has written hundreds of Wikipedia biographies for overlooked female scientists. Wade’s efforts are bringing much-needed visibility to women and minority scientists, helping to inspire the next generation of researchers.

Dr. Pardis Sabeti

A computational geneticist, Dr. Pardis Sabeti has been instrumental in using genomics to track and combat infectious diseases like Ebola and COVID-19. Her research combines evolutionary biology and medical science to understand how viruses spread and adapt. Sabeti’s work is shaping the future of public health and has played a crucial role in the global response to pandemics.

Honoring Women in Science

These are just a few of the countless women who have shaped the scientific world. From physics to biology, space exploration to conservation, women continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. This Women's History Month, we encourage everyone—especially young girls interested in STEM—to learn about these trailblazers and be inspired to explore, discover, and innovate.