Books in STEM Trailblazer Bios series

Do you love solving problems with mathematics? So did groundbreaking computer programmer Jean Bartik. She turned her passion for math into a successful career in what was then a brand-new field. During World War II, women took on more technology jobs as men joined the armed forces. Bartik started her career doing mathematical calculations for top-secret weapons systems projects. After the war, a new machine took over these calculations. It was the first all-electronic computer, and Bartik helped build and program it. But how did Bartik's interest in mathematics take her to the forefront of cutting-edge technology? Find out how she went from gifted student to software pioneer.

Have you ever used your imagination to solve a problem? When Albert Einstein was young, he was fascinated by the way magnetism made a compass work. As an adult, he used thought experiments to solve some of the universe's greatest mysteries. Einstein loved to think about math and science. He worked for a while at a patent office, but his mind wasn't focused on inventions. Instead, he thought about the universe. In 1905, Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity solved questions that scientists had grappled with for hundreds of years. Learn how Einstein's imagination became a powerful tool that helped him understand the nature of space and time.

Do you enjoy snapping photos or taking movies of your adventures? So does Nick Woodman―but when he was growing up, most of his activities weren't camera-safe. Woodman was a diehard surfer. He couldn't hold a camera―or keep it dry―while he was boarding. So many of his memorable moments went unrecorded. As an adult, Woodman set out to invent a camera that's easy to use anywhere. The result was GoPro―a company that builds sturdy, waterproof, wearable cameras. GoPro cameras have been used everywhere from the ocean floor to outer space. They've captured athletic thrills, exotic journeys, and everyday moments on the go. Discover how Woodman turned his tech vision into reality.

Do you like to take pictures and share them online? Do you like to share comments on photos, places you've been, or articles? If so, you've probably heard of Flickr and other websites that Caterina Fake developed! Fake is always interested in making online sites into communities. She created Flickr and other websites that bring people together to share reviews, photos, thoughts, and more. Companies like Yahoo! and eBay have tapped her talent to make their websites more interactive and tailored to each visitor. But how did she get there? Find out how she went from a gifted student to helping people connect online!