In December, the Division of Student Affairs hosted Dr. Sonja Ardoin from Boston University for a presentation on women students in higher education, with a particular emphasis on women in STEM. Dr Ardoin asked us to name a woman inventor. Admittedly, I was at a loss.And from our most recent #WITwants2know, there are a lot of us – 60% – who would struggle to name a woman inventor. Well let’s change that…
- Nancy Johnson invented the ice cream maker.
- Maria Telkes created the first 100% solar powered house.
- Grace Hopper is credited with the development of the first computer.
- Stephanie Kwolek invented kevlar, the material that’s used in hundreds of products.
- Tabitha Babbit made the circular saw.
- Mary Anderson invented windshield wipers.
- Maria Beasley made the the life raft.
- Who knew that Jeanne Villepreux-Power invented the aquarium?
- Josephine Cochrane invented the dishwasher….thank you, Josephine!!
Obviously this is just a short list. But let’s give credit where credit is due. Let’s say their names.