In an ever evolving world, our knowledge is constantly changing and growing with every new discovery. Scientists and mathematicians have worked tirelessly to figure out a theory for everything, right down to the atom. Sharing the story of eight successful scientists and mathematicians, you will be transported through time from 355 CE right up to the present day. These eight women have helped pave the way for change in science and maths over the years by testing the limits and forming complex theories that have led to a new view on how our world works.

Hypatia of Alexandria (355 CE)

Hypatia of Alexandria was a woman who was born in 355 CE. She was the leader of the neoplatonist school of philosophy in Alexandria. Hypatia was one of the first women to make an extraordinary contribution to mathematics. In her time, she was the world's leading mathematician and astronomer, the only woman for whom such a claim could’ve been made. Additionally, she was one of the first women to ever teach mathematics, philosophy and astronomy. Her philosophy was Neo-Platonist and was thus seen as “pagan”. This was during a time where the church was growing in power, and before long she was the target of a band of christian extremists eventually causing her brutal murder. She paved the way for women in academia through her influential lectures.

By Samirah Hussein

Mary Anning (1799)

Mary Anning is one of the most significant figures in scientific history becoming one of the most famous pioneering palaeontologists in the 19th Century. She was the first person to ever discover the fossils of prehistoric animals that date back to centuries ago. She was born in Lyme Regis, U.K on the 21st of May 1799 and died on the 9th of March 1874. Male scientists who frequently purchased her fossils, often discredited her, even the Geological Society of London refused to admit her into their association. Despite these setbacks in her lifetime, she created a substantial amount of change, inspiring the lives of women around the world. Her legacy continues to live on as she is remembered as one of the greatest fossil hunters to have ever lived.

By Zoie Bacal

Euphemia Lofton Haynes (1890)

Euphemia Lofton Haynes was the first African American woman to get a PhD in mathematics. She was born on 11th September 1890 and lived until 25th July 1980, where she passed away in Washington D.C United States. When she was 53, Euphemia earned her PhD with a thesis on The Determination of Sets of Independent Conditions Characterizing Certain Special Cases of Symmetric Correspondences. Over her lifetime she founded the Mathematics Department at Miner Teachers College, which was dedicated to training African American teachers. She also taught in public schools, including a premier African American High School. She was very against racial segregation, and supported a lawsuit to desegregate schools. Euphemia was able to give African Americans an opportunity to study mathematics and empowered them to succeed.

By Tasya Brough

Dame Mary Lucy Cartwright (1900)

Dame Mary Lucy Cartwright (1900-1998) was a British mathematician who pioneered chaos theory, a branch of mathematics used to explain the way complex systems such as astrophysics, climate change, and weather respond unpredictably to small changes. One example of chaos theory many people are familiar with is the butterfly effect. Because of her important work, Dame Mary was awarded the De Morgan Medal, becoming the first woman to receive the London Mathematical Society’s most prestigious award. Thanks to Dame Mary, our understanding of chaos theory has evolved significantly.

By Bianca Slomp

Rosalind Franklin (1920)

What is DNA? Everyone has heard of the term. Some may know it as how we are all genetically unique and some know it in more detail like the structure. But does anyone know who found the double helix structure of a DNA strand?

Rosalind Franklin is a British biophysicist who knew she wanted to be a scientist from a very young age. She lived from 25 July 1920 until 16 April 1958, dying at only 37 years of age due to cancer. Although she had a short life, she made a footprint on biology, discovering the double helix structure of a DNA strand. Without Rosalind the mystery of how life is passed on from generation to generation would remain a question unanswered. Franklin changed our knowledge on DNA and gave future scientists a base to build off.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Rosalind Franklin has an asteroid named after her? It was named Rosfranklin!

By Gracie Kerr and Laura De Souza

Dame Jane Goodall (1934)

Dame Jane Goodall is an English primatologist and anthropologist born 3 April 1934. She is known for her immaculate relationship and study between chimpanzees. She was one of the first people to observe chimpanzees – their lifestyle and behaviour. When Jane Goodall travelled the forest of Gombe, the world knew very little about chimpanzees, and even less about their diverse genetic kinship to humans. Goodwell took an unusual approach in her research field, immersing herself in their habits and living conditions rather than observing them from a distance and came to understand them not only as a species, but also individuals. Her field research at Gombe transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and redefined the relationship between humans and animals in ways that continue to emanate around the world.

By Anika Ridhi and Maimoona Aiyaz

Mae C. Jemison (1956)

Mae C. Jemison, 1956, has always known that she wanted to pursue a life of science. After graduating from Stanford University, she continued studying at Cornell Medical School. Afterwards, she opened up her own medical practice, however after seeing Sally Ride become the first woman in space, she also applied to NASA. Jemison was selected into the NASA  Astronaut Group 12 where she trained and worked on projects at the Kennedy Space Center. In 1992, Jemison and six others embarked on the Endeavour voyage making her the first African American woman in space. After 127 orbits around earth, eight days later they returned home. Eventually, Jemison left NASA and founded the Jemison Group, a consulting company pushing for science, technology, and social change. This is just the tip of the iceberg of Jemison’s achievements. She helps to change the way women view their potential and is truly an inspiration to every girl who dreams of reaching the stars.

By Katelyn Graham and Bella Pye

Maryam Mirzakhani (1977)

Maryam Mirzakhani was born in 1977 and in 2014 was the first ever woman to win a Fields Medal. A Fields Medal is roughly considered the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in mathematics. So far 62 men have received a Fields Medal while Maryam Mirzakhani is one of just 2 females to have received this award. Fields Medals have been awarded since 1936, so for Maryam Mirzakhani to receive this award in 2014 was empowering and made great strides for women in mathematics. She brought international recognition for not only her work in hyperbolic geometry but for women in mathematics. Her display of intellectual curiosity and ambition was inspirational for modern women. However, she sadly passed away in 2017 due to cancer.

By Sehansa Soyza

As you return now to the present day, reflect on the lives of these powerful and pioneering women. The trials and challenges they have overcome, and the legacy they have left behind. These women are a part of the journey that is scientific and mathematical discovery, and their stories cannot be forgotten.