Amazing Women and Girls in Science

By Beth Thomas

On February 11, we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Many of the world’s greatest discoveries have come from women and girls who used their curiosity and creativity to change the world. All the women below faced challenges. Some were told they didn’t belong in science. Some had to try many times before making a breakthrough. But they kept going because they believed their ideas mattered—and they were right. They remind us that science needs everyone—all kinds of backgrounds, personalities, and talents. You never know what discovery is waiting for someone brave enough to ask, “What if?”

Marie Curie            

Marie Curie grew up loving to learn, even though girls in her time had fewer chances to go to school. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize—and the first person ever to win two! She studied mysterious glowing materials called radium and polonium. Her work helped doctors learn how to treat cancer and better understand radiation. Marie never stopped exploring because she believed knowledge could make life better for everyone.

Jane Goodall                            

Dr. Jane Goodall didn’t start as a trained scientist—she started as a girl who loved animals. When she grew up, she traveled to Tanzania, Africa, to study chimpanzees in their natural habitat. She discovered that chimps use tools, have complex families, and express emotions like joy and sadness. Jane’s discoveries changed what the world knew about animals and inspired millions of people to protect the environment. She showed that patience and kindness can change science forever. 

Mae Jemison                 

Dr. Mae Jemison has done more than most people dream of—she became a doctor, worked in the Peace Corps, learned several languages, and even flew on the space shuttle Endeavour! In 1992, she became the first African-American woman in space. Mae shows that science and creativity go hand in hand, and that girls can reach for the stars—literally.

Katherine Johnson

Imagine doing math so complicated that it helps send astronauts into space! Katherine Johnson, an African American mathematician, worked for NASA during a time when not everyone believed women—or people of color—should be scientists. But Katherine’s talent was undeniable. She calculated the flight paths for the early space missions, including the first American to orbit Earth. Her accuracy was so trusted that astronauts wouldn’t fly without her checking the numbers. Katherine proved that brilliance knows no boundaries.

Tu Youyou

In China, a scientist named Tu Youyou searched for a cure for malaria, a deadly disease carried by mosquitoes. She studied old medical texts and combined them with modern science. Her discovery of a medicine called Artemisinin has saved millions of lives around the world. Dr. Youyou won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2015.

Gitanjali Rao

Science isn’t only for adults—kids can change the world too! Gitanjali Rao, a young American inventor, began creating science projects when she was in elementary school. At age 12, she invented a device that helps detect unsafe chemicals in drinking water. She has also worked on technology to fight cyberbullying and pollution. Gitanjali believes that anyone can become an inventor if they stay curious and don’t give up. She encourages kids everywhere to look at problems as opportunities to do something good.

The Bible says in Proverbs 25:2, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” When we explore God’s world, study creation, or try to solve problems, we’re using the gifts He gave us. Maybe one day, you’ll be one of the scientists who changes the world too!