In celebration of Pride Month, the ktMINE team is highlighting four of the most influential inventors from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Lynn A. Conway
Lynn A. Conway is an American computer scientist who holds several noteworthy innovations at a number of companies, including MIT, IBM, Xerox PARC, and DARPA. Conway is credited with the generalized dynamic instruction handling innovation used by most modern computer processors today. She is also known for her work on the VSLI microchip design that revolutionized the industry.
Sean Whelan
Recognized as LGBTQ+ Scientist of the Year in 2020 by the National Organisation of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals, Sean Whelan has made significant contributions to the field of virology. After graduating from the University of Birmingham in the UK, Sean Whelan moved to the United States, where he made influential discoveries in Ebola and Rabies research, as well as innovations in antiviral therapeutics.
Edith Perez
Through hard work and dedication, Edith Perez has become recognized as a world-renowned translational researcher and cancer specialist with over 25 years of breast cancer research experience. As a patent holder, Perez has directed several pioneering clinical trials, including new breast cancer monoclonal antibody therapies that spur the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Ann Mei Chang
As a leading expert on social innovation, Ann Mei Chang was recognized as one of the “most powerful LGBTQ+ people in tech” by Business Insider in 2019. The computer science expert and patent holder has held several high-powered jobs such as Senior Engineering Director at Google, Senior Advisor for Women and Technology in the US Department of State, and Chief Innovation Officer at USAID.
