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The KC Tech Council, in partnership with Linda Hall Library, is proud to bring to you a series highlighting women in STEM throughout history.
Mary Somerville (1780 – 1872)
Born into an aristocratic Scottish family in 1780, Mary Fairfax Somerville was a scientist, writer, and polymath who was elected the first female Honorary Member of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1835. At John Stuart Mill’s insistence, Somerville’s signature was the first on a petition giving women the right to vote.
While a wife and mother, Somerville conducted experiments exploring the relationship between light and magnetism and translated the mathematical works of others into common language. Her English translation of Mécanique Céleste into The Mechanism of the Heavens made her famous as the creator of an undergraduate textbook used at Cambridge University until the 1880s. Somerville’s second of many books, On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences, established her scientific reputation. She also wrote the first English geography textbook bringing her the Victoria Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society.
Upon her death in 1872, Somerville was declared the Queen of Science.
FOR FUTURE READING AT LINDA HALL LIBRARY:
Mechanism of the heavens (by Mrs. Mary Somerville; 1831)
On the connexion of the physical sciences (by Mrs. Mary Somerville; 1834). Available in the History of Science Library and online (PDF).
Current Woman in STEM Making History: Emily Meyer
Emily has a background in biology and chemistry and spent almost a decade in a genetics research lab. After a fun ‘field trip’ to a first-grade classroom, she decided to go back to graduate school for education. Over the last seven years, she has spent her time working in the informal science education sector. Currently, she manages both student and teacher programs at Science City in Union Station, including Code.org as a Regional Partner and the GKC Science & Engineering Fair as the Director. Emily is excited to watch the importance of computer science education grow within and around our community!
WHAT IS ONE ITEM YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOLVING WITHIN THE KC TECH INDUSTRY?
As the Regional Partner for Code.org for both Missouri and Kansas teachers, it’s been a pleasure to work with KCTC on educational policy on both sides of the state line. I’m hoping to continue this work in Jefferson City, MO and in Topeka, KS until both states have a complete plan of action in place to promote CS education – with support for both students and teachers. I’m excited to see where the SC-KCTC collaboration can grow as we navigate CS Education in the Kansas City are and beyond!
IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A WOMAN INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN THE FIELD OF STEM, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
After my first career run in scientific (specifically genetic) research – another male dominated field – my biggest piece of advice is DON’T DOUBT YOURSELF. It’s very easy to question your goals, your aspirations, and what you’ve got your eyes set on when a majority of those around you may be naysayers. Be confident in what you do, because you have to OWN IT.