Did you know that Florence Nightingale pioneered the use of statistics in public health? That Marie Curie is still the only person to have won the Nobel Prize in both physics and chemistry—and the only winner whose daughter also won a Nobel Prize? That in the 17th century, the most accomplish - ed scholar in mathematical astronomy was a Polish woman, Maria Cunitz? That the first computer compiler was created by a woman, Grace Hopper? That a woman, Lise Meitner, was the first to interpret an experiment showing that an atom could be split in two?

 

In the book, Magnificent Minds: Sixteen Remarkable Women in Science and Medicine, published by Tumble - home Learning, author Pendred (Penny) Noyce introduces the lives and accomplishments of 16 women over four centuries, chronicling their contributions to mathematics, physics, chemistry, astronomy, computer science, and medicine. Each entry is accompanied by a timeline and sidebars that provide social and scientific context.

 

The book evolved from a Grolier Club (New York City) exhibition on “Four Centuries of Remarkable Women in Science and Medicine.” The curators – Ronald Smeltzer, Paula Rose, and Robert Ruben – had spent two years assembling information and artifacts for 32 women, and in the course of giving exhibition tours had become interested in seeing their labor become a book for young people. Introduced to the curators by a mutual friend, Noyce acted as an informal advisor to the exhibition and was then asked to write the book. Noyce, whose father co-founded Intel, is among a group of scientists, educators, and writers who are making the world of math and science more colorful for the next generation. A former internal medicine doctor, she is now a full-time author and science education advocate.

 

To do justice to the women, yet keep the books affordable, the group decided to cover 16 women in each of two volumes. Remarkable Minds, covering the other women, will follow Magnificent Minds within a year. An Ebook version and hardcover copies are available.

 

Founded by science professionals, science educators, and writers, Tumblehome Learning focuses on creating books and activities that get kids excited about science. Learn more at http://tumblehomelearning.com/

 

Johnson Austin Named Penn State Outstanding Engineering Alumna

Pennsylvania State University College of Engineering has named Saundra Johnson Austin, senior vice president for operations at The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc. (NACME), an Outstanding Engineering Alumna. Johnson Austin earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Penn State in 1986.

 

The Out standing Engineering Alumni award has recognizes graduates who have reached exceptional levels of professional achievement and is the highest honor bestowed by the College of Engineering.

 

Johnson Austin received her award, along with 11 other recipients, at a ceremony on April 14 on Penn State’s University Park campus. “I am honored and grateful to be recognized as an Outstanding Engineering Alumna,” says Johnson Austin. “My years at Penn State, both as a student and a faculty member, have been cornerstones in my career. I have also known and admired many of the other alumna who have received this award over the years, which only adds to my appreciation.”

 

Johnson Austin began her career at Bechtel Power Corporation in Gaithersburg, MD where she worked in project controls, estimating, and business development.

 

In 1994, she became director of the Minority Engineering Program in the College of Engineering at Penn State. In 1998, she was recognized with the National Society of Black Engineers’ Golden Torch Award for Minority Engineering Program Director of the Year and the National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates (NAMEPA) Outstanding Contribution by a Minority Engineering Program Administrator Award.

 

Johnson Austin left Penn State in 2000 to become head of the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science at the University of Notre Dame. She is also a graduate of the University of Notre Dame’s Executive MBA Program.

 

In 2005, she was named executive VP of the Community Partner ship for Lifelong Learning in Benton Harbor, MI. Later she served as the first president and CEO of St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe, NM.

 

In her role at NACME, Johnson Austin supports the president and CEO on key organizational and strategic direction and is responsible for the execution of programs, research, communications, and engineering public policy.