Ms. Wu

Inspiring role model for young women interested in science and sustainability!

Bioengineer Frances Arnold has just become the first woman to win the Millennium Technology Prize, the world’s largest technology award! The Caltech professor received the prize, which comes with a $1.1 million award, for pioneering the field of directed evolution. Her research has created a revolutionary new way for scientists and engineers to design more environmentally-friendly industrial processes -- a method that is now being used in laboratories around the world. In announcing Dr. Arnold's win this week, the Technology Academy Finland’s Committee wrote, “Thanks to directed evolution, sustainable development and clean technology become available in many areas of industry that no longer have to rely on non-renewable raw materials.”

Dr. Arnold, who is a Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering and Biochemistry at Caltech, was described by TAF as a pioneer in “a previously male-dominated field." The trailblazer is also the first woman to have been elected to all three branches of the National Academies. The Pittsburgh native describes her method of directed evolution as “redesign by evolution,” stating that "this method can be used to improve any enzyme, and make it do something new it doesn’t do in nature.” The result are enzymes that can replace toxic products used in everything from biofuels to pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and other industrial processes. “My entire career I have been concerned about the damage we are doing to the planet and each other,” she explained. “Change is easier when there are good, economically viable alternatives to harmful habits.”

The Millennium Technology Prize was founded to celebrate discoveries and inventions that improve well-being in a sustainable way; it is widely considered the "Nobel Prize of Technology." Awarded once every two years, Dr. Arnold is the first woman to receive the award. Given the prestigious nature of this honor, she hopes that her example will inspire other girls and women to pursue their own scientific interests: “I certainly hope that women can see themselves in my position someday. I hope that my getting this prize will highlight the fact that yes, women can do this, they can do it well and that they can make contributions to the world and be recognized for it.”

Congratulations to Dr. Arnold on her trailblazing work! To learn more, visit the LA Times at http://lat.ms/1YY5HeH

For our favorite science kits and toys to encourage your own budding scientist from a young age, check out our blog post, "Top 40 Science, Math, & Programming Toys," at http://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=10528

To inspire your Mighty Girl with stories starring girls who love science, engineering, and math, visit our blog post, "Ignite Her Curiosity: 25 Books Starring Science-Loving Mighty Girls," at http://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=10940

To learn about more pioneering women of science, we highly recommend the book "Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science -- And The World," for teens and adults alike at http://www.amightygirl.com/headstrong-52-women

And, for fun ways to encourage your Mighty Girl's interest in engineering and invention, check out our blog post, "Building Her Dreams: Building and Engineering Toys for Mighty Girls" at http://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=10430

Four years ago I asked my 8th grade study lab students at Lanier to write a letter to themselves, and I promised to mail it back to them upon high school graduation. Well the time has come for me to mail out their letters, and here's the letter I addressed to them.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i_hrMU6Ec-vb5c_mXmAzYdFoPt9swNvjn5rod0z18I8/edit?usp=sharing

Letter to Former LMS Students May 28, 2016 Dear former Lanier student, A lot can change in a year, let alone four. The transition from middle school to high school probably felt daunting at the time, but now that it has happened, it probably seems like nothing. Now you’re facing another transition, either to college or ...