The web sites listed in this section offer short biographies and interesting information about individual scientists, both past and present. As you explore the careers of these accomplished people, you may wonder about their fascination with scientific exploration, and some of their stories may surprise you. Many scientists do not fit our conventional stereotypes.

For example, Maria Mitchell was a world-class astronomer who lived on Nantucket Island from the time of her birth in 1808 until she became the head of astronomy at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1865. Teaching at this all-women's college, she inspired many young women to pursue careers in astronomy. She is famous for winning a gold medal from the King of Denmark for discovering a comet. She once said:

In my younger days when I was pained by the half-educated, loose and inaccurate ways that we [women] had, I used to say, "How much women need exact science." But since I have known some workers in science who were not always true to the teachings of nature, who have loved self more than science. I have now said, "How much science needs women."

What do you think she meant by that comment?

The following sites will help you explore the lives of Maria Mitchell and many other dedicated scientists. Ask yourself what these people have in common.

Academy of Achievement: The Hall of Science and Exploration
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/halls/sci

Association for Women in Science: Outstanding Scientist of the Month
http://www.awis.org/voice/scientist.html

Atmospheric Sciences Data Center: Famous Scientists
http://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/EDDOCS/people.html

Distinguished Women of Past and Present
http://www.distinguishedwomen.com/

The Faces of Science: African Americans in the Sciences
http://www.princeton.edu/~mcbrown/display/faces.html

4000 Years of Women in Science
http://www.astr.ua.edu/4000WS/

JustGarciaHill: A Virtual Community for Minorities in Science
http://justgarciahill.org/webbiography.asp

National Academy of Engineering
http://www.nae.edu/
Look for the link to the Engineer Girl! page.

San Diego Supercomputer Center: Women in Science
http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/