LYNN CONWAY • Computer Scientist, out Trans Woman, and Transgender Activist • in 1968, Conway Was Fired from IBM for Revealing Her Intention to Physically Transition
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Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Scientists: CAROLYN BERTOZZI Dr. Bertozzi is a professor at Stanford University. She has been a pioneer in the field of bioorthogonal chemistry, with much of her work focusing on glycoscience to better understand human health and diseases. The Bertozzi Lab is also known for synthesizing the first cycloparaphenylene in 2008. Read about more LGBTQ+ scientist: https://www.500queerscientists.com Happy Eugene Pride 2018! Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Scientists: LYNN CONWAY • Computer scientist, out trans woman, and transgender activist • In 1968, Conway was fired from IBM for revealing her intention to physically transition. Following the start of her physical transition and name change, she restarted her career living stealth as a woman. Conway’s work has had lasting impacts. She innovated simplified methods for computer chip design, co‐authored the bestselling textbook Introduction to VLSI Systems, and pioneered the internet‐based rapid‐chip prototyping infrastructure (known as MOSIS) supporting development of thousands of chip designs. Read about more LGBTQ+ scientist: https://www.500queerscientists.com Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Scientists: ALAN TURING (1912‐1954) • Computer scientist, mathematician, and cryptanalyst • Turing is best known for his work devising a way to break code created by German Enigma machines at Britain’s Bletchley Park during World War II. He is also the inventor of the Turing machine, a hypothetical computer and precursor to the modern computer. Turing died by suicide after being convicted of “gross indecency” for homosexual acts. He was sentenced to probation on the terms he would undergo hormone therapy for a year and his security clearance was revoked. In 2013, Turing received a posthumous Royal Pardon, which lead to the Alan Turing law of 2017. This law pardons men who were cautioned or convicted under laws that outlawed homosexual acts. Read about more LGBTQ+ scientist: https://www.500queerscientists.com Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Scientists: NERGIS MAVALVALA • Astrophysicist, MacArthur Fellow, out lesbian • Mavalvala is currently a professor of astrophysics at MIT. She is best known for her role in detecting gravitational waves. Raised in Pakistan by parents who did not observe stereotypical gender roles, Mavalvala developed a hands‐on temperament. Her interests and practical skills led to her PhD thesis work developing sensing technology implemented at LIGO (laser interferometer gravitational‐wave observatory). In February 2016, Mavalvala and the team of scientists at LIGO Laboratory announced their detection of gravitational waves. On the topic of being a role model to women in science and queer scientists she says, “I am just myself, but out of that comes something positive.” Read about more LGBTQ+ scientist: https://www.500queerscientists.com.