Description
This course covers lesser-known female scientists who made major contributions but were discriminated against, denied recognition or credit for their work. It presents bios and major accomplishments along with obstacles they faced. We’ll learn about Hypatia in ancient Greece (murdered by a mob), Caroline Herschel (first female professional astronomer), Ada Lovelace (first published computer program), and Vera Rubin (dark matter), progressing through 2023. What is the Matilda Effect? Why do few women receive major awards? Several co-discoverers denied Nobels awarded to their male counterparts include Lise Meitner (nuclear fission), Jocelyn Bell (pulsars), Rosalind Franklin (DNA) and Esther Lederberg (virology). Even future laureate Katalin Kariko (mRNA, 2023) was declared “not faculty material,” demoted, then forced to retire ten years before her Nobel. Note: No scientific prerequisites needed, only a curiosity about these largely unrecognized female scientists and their uphill struggles is required.
