Reviving the Legacy of Overlooked Innovators in STEM Fields

As a journalist, it is my responsibility to report on issues of social justice and equity, even when they are uncomfortable or difficult to confront. One such issue is the overlooked legacy of innovators in STEM fields, particularly those who have been historically marginalized and excluded from recognition.

Throughout history, there have been countless individuals who have made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, yet their stories have often been erased or forgotten. Many of these innovators have been women, people of color, and members of other marginalized communities, who have faced systemic barriers to recognition and advancement in their fields.

One example of an overlooked innovator is Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who worked for NASA during the Space Race. Johnson’s calculations were critical to the success of the first manned spaceflight, yet her contributions were largely unrecognized until the release of the film “Hidden Figures” in 2016.

Another example is Rosalind Franklin, a chemist whose work was instrumental in the discovery of the structure of DNA. However, Franklin’s contributions were largely ignored and overshadowed by her male colleagues, James Watson and Francis Crick, who received the Nobel Prize for their work on DNA.

The overlooked legacy of innovators in STEM fields is not limited to these examples, but is found throughout the history of science. As a journalist, it is my responsibility to uncover and report on these stories, and to hold institutions and individuals accountable for their actions. This requires me to develop rigorous research techniques for verifying information and uncovering sources, and to approach each story with an open mind and a commitment to uncovering the truth.

In reporting on the overlooked legacy of innovators in STEM fields, I must also be mindful of my own positionality as a non-marginalized journalist. This requires me to approach the topic with humility and respect, and to center the voices and perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized and silenced. It also requires me to be aware of the power dynamics at play, and to use my platform to amplify the voices of those who have been excluded from recognition and advancement in their fields.

In conclusion, the overlooked legacy of innovators in STEM fields is a pressing issue that demands our attention and action. As a journalist, it is my responsibility to report on this issue with accuracy, fairness, and impartiality, and to center the voices and perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized and excluded. By doing so, we can begin to build a more just and equitable world, one that recognizes and values the contributions of all peoples.