Super Female Scientists

Nicknames like the "Mother of Modern Naval Computing" and "Grandma COBOL" described the impact mathematical genius Grace Hopper had on the computer's development. In 1942, the first electronic computer filled an entire room. One simple calculation took hours to finish. As the first woman to program the United States' first computer, Hopper earned herself another nickname, "Amazing Grace." With fascinating details and period photographs, this fascinating biography covers the life and many achievements of a woman scientist without whom the development of modern computers would be impossible.

As the first African-American woman in space, Mae Jemison inspired the nation and the world. Her role as an astronaut on the mission of the space shuttle Endeavour may be her most visible accomplishment, but it is by no means the only one. Jemison's restless intellect led her to become a doctor, scientist, teacher, and writer. She learned Japanese, Swahili, and Russian fluently, and supported the arts created by African American women. Readers will enjoy this timely, comprehensive guide to Mae Jemison, an amazing human to celebrate.

Prior to the development of a simple test called the Apgar score, many newborn babies missed receiving the urgent care they needed at birth. Dr. Virginia Apgar came up with the Apgar score to help these newborns by rating them in a number of different health areas. The savior of countless young lives, Virginia Apgar is hailed as a legend, a trailblazer, and an inventor. Readers delve into the riveting story of a medical legend who inspired women doctors to succeed at a time when society did not value the contributions of women in the work force.

Sylvia Earle was only age three when she fell in love with the ocean. She dedicated her life to exploring it, studying it, and educating others about ocean conservation. As a professional female scientist whose career began in the 1960s, she faced obstacles and discrimination due to her gender. Nevertheless, this oceanographer, marine botanist, ecologist, aquanaut, and writer rose to the top of her field. This insightful volume highlights the compelling story of Sylvia Earle, a woman whose deep love for the ocean led her to become the first female chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.