mathematicians Flashcards
(24 cards)
Who was Grace Hopper?
Grace Hopper was a computer scientist, mathematician, and US Navy admiral known for pioneering work in computer programming and software development.
What significant contribution did Grace Hopper make to programming?
She created the first compiler for computers, converting programming languages into computer-readable code.
What coding language did Grace Hopper help develop?
She guided the development of COBOL, a popular coding language.
Who was Katherine Johnson?
Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician and aerospace technologist, one of the first African-American women to work at NASA.
What was Katherine Johnson’s role at NASA?
Her orbital mechanics calculations were vital in sending astronauts to space and to the moon.
What advocacy work did Katherine Johnson do later in her life?
She became a pioneer for racial and gender equality in mathematics and aerospace technology.
Who is Danica McKellar?
Danica McKellar is an actress and mathematician known for her work in Hallmark shows and movies.
What is one of Danica McKellar’s contributions to mathematics?
She has written numerous math books aimed at teenagers to encourage their success and enjoyment in math.
What theorem did Danica McKellar prove?
She proved the Chayes-McKellar-Winn theorem, published in a prestigious physics journal.
Who is Gladys West?
Gladys West is an African-American mathematician known for her contributions to the mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth.
What was Gladys West’s role in the development of GPS?
Her work on calculating the shape of the Earth was critical to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS).
What notable recognition did Gladys West receive?
She is the only African-American woman inducted into the Air Force Missile and Space Hall of Fame.
Who was Mildred Dresselhaus?
Mildred Dresselhaus was a physicist and electrical engineer known as the ‘Queen of Carbon Science.’
What materials did Mildred Dresselhaus research?
She conducted important research on carbon-based materials, including graphene and carbon nanotubes.
What advocacy did Mildred Dresselhaus support?
She advocated for the inclusion of women in physics and engineering.
Who is Shafi Goldwasser?
Shafi Goldwasser is a renowned computer scientist and cryptographer.
What significant contribution did Shafi Goldwasser make?
She contributed to the development of probabilistic encryption, enhancing the security of messages and computer data.
What award did Shafi Goldwasser win in 2012?
She won the Turing Award for her contributions to cryptography.
Who is John Urschel?
John Urschel is a mathematician and former NFL offensive lineman.
What is John Urschel’s area of focus in mathematics?
His work focuses on applied mathematics, particularly matrix and numerical analysis and linear algebra.
What impact does John Urschel’s research have?
His research aids in developing solutions to large-scale real-world problems in engineering, computer science, and society.
Who was Emily Noether?
Emily Noether was a German mathematician known for her contributions to abstract algebra.
What is Noether’s theorem?
Noether’s theorem establishes a connection between symmetries and conservation laws in physics.
What challenges did Emily Noether face?
She faced many struggles and obstacles as a woman mathematician in the early 20th century.
