Lemmings Celebrates International Women’s Day!

This March, our new Tribes season coincides with the celebration of International Women’s Day. In Season 41 we are honouring some incredible Women in Science, for the second time!

Mary Kenneth Keller (Sister Mary)

During her lifetime, Mary Kenneth Keller (December 17, 1913 – January 10, 1985) served as a religious sister, educator, and pioneer in the field of computer science. 

She was the first person to earn a Ph.D. in computer science in the United States, paving the way for future genrations.

Sister Mary famously said – ““We’re having an information explosion, among others, and it’s certainly obvious that information is of no use unless it’s available.””

 

Annie Jean Easley (Ms. Easley)

Annie Jean Easley (April 23, 1933 – June 25, 2011) was an American computer scientist, mathematician, and rocket scientist. She worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).

One of the first African-Americans to work at NASA, she was instrumental in developing software for the Centaur rocket stage.

Annie famously said – “I’m out here to get the job done, and I knew I had the ability to do it”

Augusta Ada King (Ada)

The Countess of Lovelace, Augusta Ada King (10 December 1815 – 27 November 1852) was an English mathematician and writer, best known for her contributions to Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine.

She was the first to recognize that the machine’s applications extended beyond pure calculation and published the first algorithm intended for use by this kind of machine. Because of this, she is often referred to as the first computer programmer.

Ada famously said – “The Analytical Engine weaves algebraical patterns just as the Jacquard loom weaves flowers and leaves.”

 

 

Katherine Johnson (Katherine)

Katherine Johnson (August 26, 1918 – February 24, 2020) was a NASA mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics were crucial to the success of the first and subsequent U.S. crewed space flights.

Johnson calculated trajectories, launch windows, and emergency return paths for Project Mercury spaceflights, including those for astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn, as well as rendezvous paths for the Apollo Lunar Module and command module on trips to the Moon. Moreover, her calculations played a key role in the initial Space Shuttle program and in plans for a Mars mission.

Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015.

Katherine famously said – “Once you took the first step, anything was possible.”

 

Find out more about International Women’s Day here – https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

 

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