Unlocking the Universe: How CERN is Pushing the Boundaries of Physics
Nestled beneath the border between Switzerland and France near Geneva, lies one of the world’s most key laboratories in the field of physics and particle physics – CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research). Home to the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). For decades, CERN has stood at the forefront…
Bletchley Park: A Battle of the Brains
As of July 1943, World War II is in full swing–and the city of Kursk, Russia, is in chaos. A massive confrontation between Germans and Soviets is underway, including over 2.6 million troops, nearly 5,300 aircraft, and over 7,000 tanks–in fact, this is considered the largest tank battle in history. Germany is in dire need…
Uncertified, Untested, Unsafe: The Preventable Collapse of OceanGates’s Titan Submersible
In June of 2023, the world watched as a deep-sea expedition to the wreckage of the Titanic catastrophically failed. The OceanGate Titan submersible, carrying 5 passengers, including the company’s CEO Stockton Rush, imploded under the immense pressure of the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately 90 minutes into the descent of the Titan submersible, off the coast of…
Breaking Barriers in Science: Ida A. Bengston, NIH’s First Woman Ph.D.
When we think of women in science, names like Marie Curie or Rosalind Franklin often come to mind. However, there are many more pioneers who deserve recognition for their groundbreaking work and perseverance in a male-dominated field. One such figure is Dr. Ida A. Bengston, the first woman Ph.D to be employed at the National…
Dr. Mary Claire King: Pioneering the Genetic Revolution in Breast Cancer
“The greatest threat to human health is not the complexity of disease, but the complexity of the way we think about disease.” – Mary-Claire King Widely known for her extraordinary work, Dr. Mary Claire King has revolutionized our understanding of human health and genetics. King was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and pursued her…
Emergence of Xylazine Overdose: A Brief Overview
Donald Lyn Frost, a drug therapist, once said: “Drugs take you to the hell disguised as heaven.” In modern times, popular names like ‘marijuana’ circulate not only in the umbrella of medicine, but also in politics. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq” or the new “zombie-drug,” is a non-opioid drug commonly used as a sedative and…
Ladies in Labs: Pathologists Myrtelle May Canavan and Elaine Jaffe
Focusing at such high magnification on an object that can be up to 200x smaller than a strand of hair has proven to be the most difficult but necessary aspect of microscope examinations. Myrtelle May Canavan and Elaine Jaffe are two women in their specialized fields who have made great contributions to the microscopic science…
Behind the Race: The Science of the Fable the Hare and the Turtle
The classic western tale of the Hare and the Turtle is a common reference for many books and literature featuring the need of perseverance and the avoidance of underestimation. But, what if the hare never stopped and slept as the turtle got the head start? Would he have won against it? Unfortunately, the answer is…
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: A Revolutionary Trailblazer in the Field of Astronomy
“There is nothing personal in the thunderclap of understanding. The lightning that releases it comes from outside oneself.” -Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin was a British-American astronomer and astrophysicist. She not only fought for change against sexual discrimination against women in the workforce and in STEM, but she also influenced the field of science with her…
Medical Terminology: A Universal Language
Medical terminology is one of the most alluring aspects of health shows, a crucial part of med school, and a convenient method of communication in the field. When a nurse labels a patient as “tachycardic,” regardless of whether they’re in the United States or Switzerland, in English or Albanian, it is understood to mean a…
RMS Titanic: The STEM in the Sinking
Perhaps the most legendary shipwreck of all, the RMS Titanic sailed and sank on its maiden voyage over a century ago. Thanks to the cinematic efforts of James Cameron, Titanic remains in popular culture today–no cruise goer can escape the iconic pose of Jack and Rose at the bow, and no movie critic can deny…
Joan Clarke
In the 1900s, an intelligent future mathematician and cryptanalyst was born in England, known as Joan Clarke. She is known for her revolutionary contributions to the allied forces during WWII as well as one of the team members known for cracking the Enigma code at Bletchley Park. An expert on British intelligence did recognize this…
Women In Data Science: Numbers & Beyond
Since the early 18th century, before computers took over the world, data science was a prominent study that included concepts like mathematics, statistics, and data analysis that laid the foundation for revolutionary developments by incredible women that changed the world of computer programming forever. So, what is data science? Data science is defined as…
Scalpels and Synapses: The Women Carving Burr Holes in Neurosurgery
In the silence of an operating room, a brain lies open under the glow of a surgical lamp. Every movement must be exact. Every decision is life-changing. For years, this intense world of neurosurgery was reserved almost entirely for men. But against odds and opposition, a few fearless women stepped into that room, scalpel in…
What is Computational Biology?
With the development of modern technology and the rise of technological fields, technology has found a footing in nearly every aspect of human life. As computers and their capabilities continue to grow, scientists and researchers have had to brainstorm new ways to conduct more efficient research using computers in order to keep answering their questions.…
Beyond COVID-19: Women Leading mRNA Vaccine Development
Once upon a time, in a dimly lit lab hidden within the halls of the University of Pennsylvania, a Hungarian-born immigrant woman was waging a silent war—not with weapons or politics, but with molecules, determination, and unwavering belief. Katalin Karikó, a name once scrawled in the margins of overlooked research, now stands etched in the…
Paws, Popcorn, and Placebos: The Unusual Tools of Modern Medicine
What if a sugar pill could make your pain go away?What if your favorite pet could lower your heart rate?What if your best friend could calm your nerves better than some medicines? As fictional as this may seem, modern science says yes—particularly in pediatric hospitals, where healing often begins with care and comfort rather than…
Hidden Figures: NASA’s Secret Weapons
Imagine this: Your country stands on the verge of war with the most powerful nation in the world. Each day, you dedicate yourself to working alongside your fellow citizens in hopes of averting disaster. But instead of unity, you’re met with suspicion—not because of where you’re from, but because of who you are. To your…
Cells in Layers: How 3D Bioprinting Is Reshaping Modern Healthcare
Charles Hull, Chief Technology Officer of 3D Systems, advanced the field of additive manufacturing by filing the first patent for commercial 3D printing in 1984. His innovation captured the attention of engineers and researchers, accelerating the development of 3D printing technologies across various industries. Among the scientific community, 3D printing has become a vital tool—enhancing…
CHIRP: Revolutionizing Stellar Imaging
If you look up at the sky at night, you will see a gorgeous nebula of luminescent stars. If you’re lucky enough, you could spot a planet. Recently, I was lucky enough to see Jupiter without using a telescope. Have you ever wondered how long it would take you to travel there? A trip by…
DoodleBot Activity at The Creek Youth Center
On February 26th, Shriti Dham, Kaley Nguyen, and Angie Yao taught a lesson to middle school students at The Creek Youth Center at Foothill Middle School. The students were taught to make DoodleBots from plastic cups, markers, battery packs, and motors. When the motor was powered, the cup vibrated and spun across the table, allowing…
Chemistry in the 21st Century
Chemistry is the science that deals with the properties, composition, and structure of substances (defined as elements and compounds), the transformations they undergo, and the energy that is released or absorbed during these processes (Rocke & Usselman, 2023). Once, this field carried limits because of its characteristics; however, with the advancements of technology, these limits…
Emergence of Xylazine Overdose: A Brief Overview
Donald Lyn Frost, a drug therapist, once said: “Drugs take you to hell disguised as heaven.” In modern times, the discussion around marijuana has extended beyond medicine and into politics. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq” or the new “zombie drug”, is a non-opioid sedative and analgesic (pain reliever) primarily used in veterinary medicine for treating…
Laser Technology in Healthcare
The application of laser technology in the field of healthcare has revolutionized modern medicine. Laser technology has facilitated the performance of diagnostic procedures and treatments, producing efficient outcomes. The term “laser” is simply an acronym for the term Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, an innovative term referring to how lasers have a narrow…
Katia Krafft: The Volcano Devil’s Fire
Nicknamed the “Volcano Devils,” Katia and Maurice Krafft were both known to be inspirations for volcanology. Their stubbornness and enthusiasm earned them the title of exceptional human beings, eager to pursue and discover the mysteries of the planet. Born in France in 1942, Catherine Josephine Conrad, also known as Katia, developed her interest in volcanoes…
Countdown to the Moon: Meet Christina Koch’s Lunar Mission
Christina Koch has dreamed of becoming an astronaut since she was a child—and today, she is making strides in the aerospace industry, inspiring others by achieving the dreams she once had. She was originally from Michigan but grew up in the small city of Jacksonville, North Carolina. She attended and graduated from the North Carolina…
Rachel Carson: Pioneer of Environmental Awareness
Rachel Carson, a revolutionary environmentalist and writer, remains an influential figure whose work profoundly influenced the modern environmental movement. She was born on May 27, 1907, in Springdale, Pennsylvania, to Robert and Maria McLean Carson. Her deep appreciation for nature was nurtured early on by her mother, and her talent as a writer blossomed remarkably…
Barbara McClintock’s Achievements as a Cytogeneticist
Barbara McClintock (June 16, 1902-September 2, 1992) grew up with a passion for science. Her father, a renowned physician, instilled the values of knowledge throughout her childhood. Therefore, McClintock’s educational history included attending Cornell University as a biology major. She received a bachelor in science (B.S.) degree, a masters degree, and eventually a PhD. Her…
AIR Recon DL: Revolutionizing MRI for the Future
Magnetic resonance imaging has been conducted in radiology to form visual images from the scanning of human anatomy. Radiologists have been using MRI to detect health problems and form a diagnosis for patients overcoming their challenges. The machines tend to be tube shaped, incorporating magnetic fields and computer generated radio waves. The insertion of a…
The Role of Forensic Science in The Empowerment of Women: Addressing Sexual Violence
An estimated total of 91% of all victims of rape and “other” acts of sexual violence are women, while only 2% of rapists are convicted or imprisoned. Forensic science’s DNA evidence has become a powerful tool in bringing justice to survivors of sexual violence and fittingly is a female dominated practice. What is the study…
Elaine F. Walker: Her Focus On Neurodevelopmental Aspects of Psychopathology
“It’s always been fascinating to me how psychotic disorders that involve significant impairment in the perception of reality can occur in an individual who, in other domains of functioning, including cognitive domains; is coherent and average or above.” – Elaine F. Walker Elaine Walker, a Ph.D. holder in Clinical Psychology, is a distinguished researcher at…
Five Female Mathematicians and their Important Contributions
Maryam Mirzakhani Maryam Mirzakhani was an Iranian mathematician born on May 3rd, 1977 in Tehrān, Iran. From the time she was in high school, she pursued her interest in STEM by participating in the 1994 and 1995 International Mathematical Olympiads for high school students and even won gold medals in both. In 1999, she received…
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is the most popular and widely accepted theory about how the universe began. It states that the universe began as a single point, infinitely hot and dense, which started to expand and is known as a singularity. At first, it expanded at extreme, immeasurable speeds but then slowed down as time…
Mary Golda Ross
Space exploration has been arguably the most fascinating modern discovery, fostered by prominent engineers. Back in the 20th century, when the Soviets and the United States were in a Cold War, both nations were determined to demonstrate their technological prowess, thus naming it as a “Space Race.” Unfortunately, it’s often common for the background of…
AP Computer Science Principles – From a WOC in STEM
As a Vietnamese-American woman, I never thought that STEM fields or classes would have a spot for me. Even with many of my peers being inspiring women in STEM, I lacked the confidence in myself to join them. Then, at the beginning of my senior year of high school, I was placed into AP Computer…
Grace Hopper: A Mathematician, Computer Pioneer, US Navy Admiral, and more
Nicknamed the “Queen of Code” and “Amazing Grace,” Grace Brewster Murray Hopper was a teacher, mathematician, author, computer scientist, and Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. Hopper was one of the many multi-talented women in STEM and more. Early Life Grace Brewster Murray was born in 1906 in New York City as the eldest…
Ruby Hirose, Biochemist (1904-1990)
Born as a second generation immigrant to Japanese parents, in Washington in 1904, Ruby Hirose proved that despite her status, she can still do advantageous scientific work. After her parents moved from Japan to the United States, Hirose slowly began witnessing “the gradual development of anti-Japanese sentiment,” according to Emma Shimizu in Female Innovators Who…
Tu Youyou: Pioneer of Artemisinin and Lifesaving Malaria Treatment
“Every scientist dreams of doing something that can help the world” Tu was a Chinese scientist who skillfully combined ancient Chinese practices with contemporary modern medicine to achieve breakthroughs in the scientific world. Her most notable breakthrough being finding the cure for Malaria. As a graduate from Peking University in China, Tu graduated with a…
Dorothea Dix: A Pioneering Advocate for Mental Health and Nursing Reform:
A revolutionary in the nursing field and an advocate for the mentally ill, Dorothea Dix was a well-renowned activist of the early 19th century. Born April 4th 1802 in Hampden Maine, she lived a troubled life with many historians believing her parents were chronically absent, her father abusive, and her mother struggling with mental health.…
Valentina Tereshkova: The First Female Space Pioneer
Born on March 6th, 1937, Tereshkova lived in Bolshoye Maslennikovo, a village in central Russia. She came from humble origins; her father was a tractor driver, who would later be killed in World War ll, and her mother worked in a textile factory. Tereshkova followed in her mother’s footsteps, joining the textile industry due to…
Dr. Alfreda Johnson Webb: A Woman of Many Firsts in Science
Early Life Dr. Alfreda Johnson Webb was born in Moblie, Alabama on February 21, 1923. Her parents, Bibb Garden Johnson and Cattie Lee Avant Johnson, had two other daughters, Gladys and Mercides, who were Dr. Webb’s younger sisters. While working towards her high school diploma, she worked at a laundry office in Tuskeegee. Education Dr.…
Flossie Wong-Staal – Virologist and Biologist
“Working with this virus is like putting your hand in a treasure chest. Every time you put your hand in, you pull out a gem.” EARLY LIFE: Born on August 27th, 1945 in Guangzhou, China as Yee Ching Wong, she fled to Hong Kong at the age of 7 with her family of six (consisting…
More than Arcade Games: The Mathematical Concept of Chaos
Have you ever played a chance game? Lottery, pick-a-card, and spin the wheel are all examples of games based on chances and what many call the “game of luck”; however, many may not know how simple games of chance could create discord among science, the same way it does to arcade ‘luck’. Predictions happen because…
Nettie Stevens: Discovering Sex Chromosomes
Since more developments are being made in the studies of modern genetics, people should become more aware of the individuals who were responsible for building the groundwork for scientists’ knowledge today. In the advancement of the field, one of the less acknowledged female contributors was an American geneticist named Nettie Stevens. An early 1900s scientific…
Maryam Mirzakhani – Triumphs of a Memorable Mathematician
For Maryam Mirzakhani, math was “…like being lost in a jungle…trying to use all the knowledge you can gather to come up with some new tricks…” (Myers). On May 12, 1977, one of the most influential women within the mathematics field was born. Throughout the course of her life, she was able to shine a…
Hypatia: the Greatest Mathematician and Astronomer in Ancient Greece
The era of Ancient Greece was the quintessential example of scientific and mathematical advancements. Philosophers and scientists such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle jump started a new, advanced era of STEM across the world. These men are often credited with leading the scientific advancements of ancient Greece, and making science and math what they are…
Love in the Brain
In modern society, love is a form of showing affection for one another in many different ways. As we see today, love branches into media from books, films, language, and learning. Despite this, many forms of studies have shown that love does not just come from this as it is in fact a science of…
Mary Wollstonecraft- Connecting Philosophy with Psychology
Born on April 27th, 1759, Mary Wollstonecraft was known as a writer and philosopher. However, she contributed to the realm of psychology. She is also famously known for a book she made, called “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”, which speaks about the basic understanding of human education and behavior. She was also an…
Technology and Art: Is it too controversial to become collaborative?
With the coming of new technological advancements, two namely being AI Bots and Augmented Reality, many have been split over the influence and effects of tech in the art realm. While previously, many artists have been stepping into the digital space and pursuing their creative endeavors on sites like Procreate and Canva, new technology poses…
Computer Simulation and Modelling
It first became relevant in the period after WWII as a tool for meteorology and nuclear physics, yet today it is used in a number of fields including: medicine, astrophysics, fluid mechanics, evolutionary biology, ecology and several others including non-STEM subjects such as economics. Computer simulation. What is computer simulation? Computer simulations are when a…
Quantum Physics: The future’s medium of teleportation
The idea of teleportation has fascinated the human mind for centuries. Movies such as Back to the Future, Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse, and other pop culture hits have only expanded and popularized the idea. It is one thing to see teleportation on screen, and a whole other idea to even fathom it in our reality.…
Dr. Mary Verghese: The Wheelchair Surgeon
As we head into Disability Pride Month, we also honor and cherish the women with disabilities who have overcome countless hardships and defied all odds to follow their passions and contribute to the field of STEM. These women serve as proof that anything is possible with courage, conviction, and hope for the future. Among these…
Margaret Floy Washburn: New View Regarding Consciousness
Margaret Floy Washburn (July 25, 1871 – October 29, 1939) was a distinguished American psychologist in the early twentieth century, well known for her experimental research on animal behaviour and motor theory development. Her choice of profession allowed her to pursue something greater, even though it prohibited her from fulfilling her traditional obligations as a…
Women in STEM: Grace Hopper
In the field of computer science, many men have received recognition for their technological contributions. Unfortunately, not many women have received acknowledgement for their developments in technology. Even if they aren’t well known, their contributions are immensely astonishing. One female individual who made a significant contribution in the field of STEM is known as Grace…
The Evolution of Women in Dentistry
The growth of women in dentistry has been a journey of persistence, resilience, and one of great achievement. This journey began in the 19th century when Emeline Robert Jones became the first ever female practising dentist. This was a time when the thought of a female dentist was just a hope; regarded as impossible by…
Women In Motorsports
Throughout the years, despite the male-dominated nature of the industry, women have managed to thrive and excel by contributing their innovative ideas and unique perspectives to the sport. Women have been participating in motorsports since its inception, with the first recorded women’s motorized tricycle race taking place in 1897. In this article, I will discuss…
Mary Whiton Calkins – First Female President of the APA and her Legacy
Mary Whiton Calkins, the American Psychological Association’s (APA) 14th President, was the first woman to hold the position. Despite obtaining her PhD from Harvard under William James, Calkins was denied the degree by the Harvard Corporation due to the university’s attitude on women’s admittance. Despite this, she is regarded as one of the most…
Dorothea Dix: A Pioneering Advocate for Mental Health and Nursing Reform
A revolutionary in the nursing field and an advocate for the mentally ill, Dorothea Dix was a well-renowned activist of the early 19th century. Born April 4th, 1802, in Hampden, Maine, she lived a troubled life with many historians believing her parents were chronically absent, her father abusive, and her mother struggling with mental health.…
Frances Arnold : The “Teenage Runaway” Nobel Laureate
Frances Arnold was born on the 25th of July 1956 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the nuclear physicist William Howard Arnold. She was in high school when she moved out of her parents’ home due to conflicts regarding her familys’ traditional beliefs. She worked odd jobs to suffice her living and to…
CRISPR Genetic Engineering: Cutting Edge Technology in Gene Research
In America alone, millions are affected by rare genetic disorders, that number rising to around 260-450 million people worldwide! The key to reducing the detrimental impact of gene mutations, however, could lie within the latest discovery in gene research. CRISPR, standing for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is the genetic makeup in the immune…
Nguyệt Ánh Dương: The Vietnamese Bomb Lady
As a Vietnamese refugee, Nguyệt Ánh Dương came to the United States with her immediate family nearly empty-handed. She knew no English, and the horrors of the war still echoed in her bones. But Nguyệt Ánh had something she would never lose: an unwavering dedication to repaying the acts of kindness she had received in…
Cecilia Aragon: An Unsuspecting Expert
An unknowing aerobic brewing in the small town. Born in 1960, raised in Indiana. In school she’d be framed for plagiarism. Aragon was made to feel ashamed of her Hispanic heritage and sex to which caused the accusations of cheating because she was underestimated. . Math became her best friend because she could back up…
An Introduction to Her Studies: Florence B. Seíbert
Florence Barbara Seibert was an American biochemist who helped shape the world by inventing the first reliable tuberculosis test and improving the safety of intravenous injections. Florence Seibert was born in Easton, Pennsylvania where she then contracted a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord called polio. Due to this, she would suffer…
Dr. Nina Starr Braunwald: What She Did for Cardiothoracic Surgery
Who She Is: Dr. Nina Braunwald was born on March 2, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were Morris C. and Mary Starr. As she grew up her education was mostly in public schools. She later went on to attend Washington Square College of Arts and Sciences at New York University and attended medical…
Sally Ride- Physicist and Astronaut
Sally Ride was born on May 29, 1951, in the state of California. Ride was born to parents Carol Joyce and Dane Burdel Ride. Ride and her sister were always encouraged by their parents to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Ride was encouraged to pursue science as her parents saw her drawn to the field.…
Karen Horney – The Woman Who Challenged Sigmund Freud
Born in 1885, a girl who would soon challenge Sigmund Freud’s ideas was born. Karen Horney was known as a psychoanalyst from Germany and was one of the first female Freudian psychoanalysts. This means that Horney was taught on behalf of Freud’s principles and beliefs. As much as she appreciated the realm of psychology, she…
From Patient to Pioneer: Tu Youyou’s Journey to Overcome Malaria
Tu Youyou, born on December 30th in 1930 in Ningbo, China, into a family who placed a strong emphasis on education. Through this, she had the opportunity to attend high-quality institutions all her life. However, at the age of 16, her journey was halted and interrupted by tuberculosis. For 2 years, Tu Youyou battled her…
Mae Jemison: Making history as the first black women in space
A cool breeze in late October of 1956. Walking through the door hit with the sound of Elvis who could make people dance even from thousands of miles away. A lovely African American couple welcomed home their sweet baby girl. Little did they know, that baby girl would be the first African American woman on…
Hedy Lamarr: Hollywood Star turned Mother of Wi-Fi
A renowned actress known for her beauty, created the fundamentals of today’s wireless technology, including the GPS, Bluetooth, CDMA, and Wi-Fi. In other words, Hedy Lamarr demonstrated what it means to be a ‘Beauty with Brains’. In Vienna, Austria on November 9th, 1914, Hedy Lamarr, formerly known as Hedwig Eva Keisler, was born in a…
Showcasing Underrepresented Groups in STEM
Diversity in STEM fields is pivotal for fostering innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. When people from diverse backgrounds come together, they bring a range of perspectives, experiences, and concepts to the table, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions to complex challenges. Embracing diversity in STEM not only enriches the field but also addresses the equity…
Chien-Shiung Wu: The First Lady of Physics
In the quaint Liu He town in China, Chien-Shiung Wu was born on May 31st, 1912. Her parents encouraged a pursuit of knowledge, and inspired Wu’s love of science and math very early on. She had a thirst for knowledge like no other. Wu constantly excelled and even graduated at the top of her class…
Marie Curie: The Groundbreaking Pioneer, Physicist, and Chemist
Marie Curie was a Polish-French physicist and chemist known for her cutting-edge research and work on radioactivity. In addition, Marie Curie was the only person to have won a Nobel Prize in two fields: chemistry and physics. At an early age, Marie Curie showed prestigious intelligence. Due to financial difficulties, she was forced to work…
UC Berkeley and Its Dominance in Chemistry
UC Berkeley is a school renowned for its #1 spot as a public university. This university is recognized as an extraordinary place for individuals to start their STEM careers, or conduct research with the help of their incredible funding and notable mentors. UC Berkeley grew to fame during the 1910’s with their second dean, Gilbert…
8 Inspirational Women in STEM
Women have faced severe discrimination in the STEM field. However this has not stopped many brave women who paved the way for other women. They took on being, in some way, a first in STEM. Lillian Gilbreth began her career with her husband inventing a time and motion study. They would analyze ways to lessen…
Happy Women’s History Month!
This month, we are celebrating by honoring 5 influential women in STEM. Subscribe for more posts! Emails may end up in Social or other categories. Please drag emails from us into your primary tab and save settings for future emails.
Her Stem Space 