Women Who Changed History: Highlighting Influential Women Whose Contributions Have Been Underappreciated

With International Women’s Day coming up on Saturday, we at the BDR want to recognize the women who have shaped and transformed our world. Women have been underappreciated for their innovation in engineering throughout history. This article not only highlights the importance of their inventions but also the remarkable individuals behind them. Women are important to engineering teams, offering a different perspective in problem-solving. For the students at Brigham Young University, diversity in teamwork is introduced during first-year engineering classes—an essential principle for companies looking to expand their ability to innovate. Women not only have the power to bring in new ideas, but they also offer important insight that drives the development of products. Women have been the inventors of some of the biggest advanced technology, yet their accomplishments often go unrecognized. Today, we highlight some of these pioneering women and their inventions.

Stephanie Kwolek: Kevlar

Stephanie Kwolek | sciencehistory.org

In 1965, Stephanie Kwolek discovered the first family of synthetic fibers, leading to the creation of Kevlar [1]. Known for its exceptional heat resistance, tensile strength, and puncture resistance, Kevlar is most commonly used in bulletproof vests [2]. She discovered the process to create liquid crystalline polymers while working at DuPont, a chemical company. This job at DuPont was meant to be a temporary position before she headed to medical school. However, Kwolek’s passion for chemistry led her to stay and continue her research. 

Kwolek’s work centered on studying long molecule chains at low temperatures. Eventually she found that “under certain conditions large numbers of the molecules of these rodlike polyamides become lined up in parallel [and] form liquid crystalline solutions” [1]. This discovery led to the development of Kevlar.

Interestingly, Kwolek initially aspired to be a fashion designer, but her mother dissuaded her, saying that she was too much of a perfectionist [1]. She ultimately found her passion in chemistry and medicine and decided to pursue these instead. However, her early interest in fashion design didn’t go to waste as she ended up using her knowledge in chemistry to bridge the gap between science and material creation. Her story reflects the power of following one’s evolving passions, proving that the path to success isn’t always a straight line.

Ada Lovelace: Computer Programming

Ada Lovelace | Britannica

Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the world's first computer programmer, made groundbreaking contributions to the field of mathematics and engineering in the 19th century [3]. She was one of the first to recognize that machines could perform more complex tasks than just numerical calculations, such as carrying out complicated sequences of instructions. With this insight, she laid the groundwork for the future digital era of computing and programming. Lovelace’s approach was not just technical, she also thought creatively about the potential of machines, blending logic with imagination to envision a world where technology could tackle abstract tasks. 

What truly set Ada apart was her exceptional intellect, important in a time when science and engineering were overwhelmingly dominated by men. She worked closely with Charles Babbage, English mathematician and inventor of the Analytical Engine [4]. Lovelace refined his designs and wrote detailed annotations that included the first algorithm tailored for machine execution. She recognized that the engine could manipulate symbols and solve complex problems, a concept that anticipated the principles of modern computing. Her legacy is a testament to the power of curiosity, intellect, and imagination in shaping the future of technology.

Mary W. Jackson: NASA’s first Black female engineer

“When I was around 7 years old, I wanted to be an astronaut like many kids. I was fortunate to always see at least one woman on the team when shown pictures of astronauts, but they never looked like me. They were all white. As I got older, I thought about becoming an engineer and in 2016 I saw a picture that made me more confident of that future” (Joselyn Cortes).

Mary Jackson | NASA

Mary Jackson was foundational in opening the path for more women to work for NASA. Earning her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physical Science, she began working at NASA in 1958 [5]. As NASA’s first Black female engineer, she overcame many obstacles, inspiring many who followed in her footsteps. During her time at NASA, she co-authored many research reports and later, became Langley’s Federal Women’s Program Manager. Jackson worked hard to expand the opportunities for female engineers, mathematicians, and scientists at NASA [6].

Jackson helped widen the opportunities for women in STEM not just at NASA but across the nation. Her influence opened the path for many women to pursue their dreams. In 2016, the movie Hidden Figures was released, focusing on her life alongside two other African-American women who helped in the success of early spaceflight (link). Despite being not just a woman, but a black woman, she accomplished the seemingly impossible. Recognizing the need for systemic change, she even took a demotion to better advocate for women in STEM. She demonstrated perseverance, sacrifice, and patience throughout her career so that other women would be able to accomplish just as much and more. From spaceflight to paving the way for other women, Mary Jackson is a model for what we can achieve and inspire others to be. 

Conclusion

The contributions of women like Stephanie Kwolek, Ada Lovelace, and Mary Jackson have left their mark on the world of technology. Their innovations not only transformed their respective fields, but also paved the way for future generations of women in STEM. Despite the challenges they faced, their perseverance, creativity, and grit have led to amazing discoveries and incredible technology.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to recognize and appreciate the impact of women in engineering and technology. Their achievements remind us that diversity in problem-solving drives progress and innovation. By continuing to support and encourage women in STEM, we are ensuring a future filled with opportunity and success.

References

[1] Science History Institute. “Stephanie L. Kwolek.” Scientific Biographies, Science History Institute, https://www.sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/stephanie-l-kwolek/. Accessed Feb. 15, 2025.

[2] DuPont. “What is Kevlar?” Dupont, https://www.dupont.com/what-is-kevlar.html. Accessed Feb. 15, 2025

[3] The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “Ada Lovelace.” Britannica, 12 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/technology/Analytical-Engine. Accessed Feb. 15, 2025.

[4] Hollings, Christopher, Martin, Ursula, Rice, Adrian. “Ada Lovelace and the Analytical Engine.” Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, 26 July 2018, https://blogs.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/adalovelace/2018/07/26/ada-lovelace-and-the-analytical-engine/. Accessed Feb. 18, 2025

[5] Shetterly, Margot Lee. “Mary W. Jackson.” National Aeronautics and Space Administration, https://www.nasa.gov/people/mary-w-jackson-biography/. Accessed Feb. 16, 2025.

[6] Wikipedia. “Mary Jackson (engineer).” Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia, 28 Feb. 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Jackson_(engineer). Accessed Feb. 16, 2025.

[7] “From Hidden to Modern Figures.” National Aeronautics and Space Administration, https://www.nasa.gov/from-hidden-to-modern-figures/. Accessed Feb. 16, 2025.

To cite this article:

Cortes, Joselyn, Amber Glorious, and Emelia Sunday. “Women Who Changed History: Highlighting Influential Women Whose Contributions Have Been Underappreciated.” The BYU Design Review, 3 Mar. 2025, https://www.designreview.byu.edu/collections/women-who-changed-history-highlighting-influential-women-whose-contributions-have-been-underappreciated.