The honorees are currently leading innovations in global science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Unique 3D printed statues displayed at the Cambridge Science Festival – (Photo: MIT).
The 3D statues depicting renowned contemporary female scientists are an initiative introduced by the Lyda Hill Philanthropies, founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Lyda Hill (USA). To date, the exhibition has attracted more than 4 million visitors.
This collection has been showcased in various locations throughout 2023, including the Smithsonian Institution (Washington DC), NorthPark Center (Texas), and the Central Park Zoo (New York), among many other sites across the United States, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Currently, 120 statues are featured at the Cambridge Science Festival, one of the prominent annual science events in the U.S. organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Space engineer Dana Bolles, a disabled individual working for NASA, is honored with a statue – (Photo: WASHINGTON POST).
According to a representative from the Lyda Hill Philanthropies, the 120 statues are solid 3D prints. Each statue portrays a contemporary woman who is pioneering innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Underneath each statue, there is a QR code that visitors can scan with their phones to access videos, images, and biographies of the honored scientists.
One of these stories is that of Chanté Summers, a pharmaceutical synthetic chemist at Pfizer’s Cancer Medicine Design Unit.
She has drawn motivation to research primarily to combat a hereditary disease that has affected her family. To date, Summers has achieved significant success by regularly synthesizing new compounds with anti-cancer properties.
Summers hopes that people can find inspiration in her scientific journey, just as she was inspired by others in the past.
Scientist Chavonda Jacobs-Young beside her 3D statue – (Photo: WASHINGTON POST).
Another inspiring story is that of Chavonda Jacobs-Young, who overcame barriers as an African American to become a respected scientist in agriculture. She is now holding senior management positions in U.S. government agricultural agencies.
According to Chavonda Jacobs-Young, the passion for science needs to be ignited early in children, especially in girls.
The 3D statues of 120 female scientists will “travel” to other countries The exhibition of 120 unique 3D statues at the Cambridge Science Festival is among the last events for this year. The exhibition currently holds the record for the largest number of female statues created and displayed at a single location at the same time. In 2024, the statues are expected to “go abroad” to participate in events at various universities worldwide to spread the message of encouraging women in science and technology research. |
