Select Page:
Ida Barney (November 6, 1886 – March 7, 1982) was an American astronomer, best known for her 22 volumes of astrometric measurements on 150,000 stars. She made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and played a crucial role in the development of star catalogs.
Pamela L. Gay, an American astronomer, is known for her work in astronomical podcasting and citizen science projects. She has made significant contributions to galactic astronomy through her research and has a passion for science popularization and educational outreach. Pamela has also been involved in various positions within the field of astronomy education and research, and is the director of CosmoQuest.
Williamina Paton Stevens Fleming was a Scottish-American astronomer who overcame hardships to make significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Working at the Harvard College Observatory, she was appointed the head of the Henry Draper Catalogue project and developed a simplified system for star classification. Fleming’s work included cataloging thousands of stars, discovering the Horsehead Nebula, and advancing the field of astronomy for future generations. She received several awards for her achievements, breaking barriers for women in science.
Anna Winlock (1857-1904) was a pioneering American astronomer and human computer who made significant contributions to astronomy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As one of the first members of “the Harvard Computers,” a group of female astronomers, she played a vital role in making groundbreaking discoveries. Winlock’s work included creating a catalog of stars near the poles and conducting studies on asteroids such as 433 Eros and 475 Ocllo. Despite facing numerous challenges, she persevered in her passion for astronomy, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.
Charlotte Emma Moore Sitterly was an American astronomer born on September 24, 1898, in Ercildoun, Pennsylvania. She became known for her groundbreaking spectroscopic studies of the Sun and chemical elements. Her meticulous tables of data, known for their reliability, are still widely used today.
Penny Diane Sackett is an American-born Australian astronomer and former director of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Australian National University. She was the Chief Scientist of Australia from 2008 to 2011. Sackett’s research has made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics, focusing on planetary systems, gravitational lensing, and dark matter.
Dame Carole Jordan, DBE, FRS, FRAS, FInstP (born 19 July 1941) is a British physicist, astrophysicist, astronomer, and academic. She is widely recognized for her significant contributions to the field of astrophysics and her pioneering efforts as a woman in a male-dominated field.
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin was a British-born American astronomer and astrophysicist who revolutionized our understanding of stars and the universe. Her groundbreaking research challenged existing scientific beliefs and laid the foundation for modern astrophysics. Despite facing numerous obstacles in a male-dominated field, Payne’s determination and passion for astronomy propelled her to great heights, making her an enduring figure in the history of astronomy and astrophysics.
Ruby Violet Payne-Scott was an Australian pioneer in radiophysics and radio astronomy. She made significant contributions to radar technology and radio astronomy, focusing on solar observations. Despite facing gender discrimination and bias, Payne-Scott persevered and continued to make groundbreaking discoveries. Her work has left a lasting impact on society and has inspired countless individuals, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Catharine “Katy” D. Garmany, born in 1946, is an accomplished astronomer who has made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics. Her research focuses on massive stars and their evolution and formation, as well as astronomical education. Garmany’s expertise has earned her recognition within the scientific community and beyond, inspiring future generations of astronomers. She received the prestigious Annie J. Cannon Award in Astronomy from the American Astronomical Society in 1976.
Mary Watson Whitney was an American astronomer and the head of the Vassar College Observatory for 22 years. She published 102 scientific papers and was a dedicated advocate for women in science, encouraging them to pursue various fields and believing that scientific training could prepare women for motherhood. Whitney’s passion and groundbreaking research continue to inspire astronomers today.
Linda Maxine Godwin Ph.D. was a pioneering American scientist and NASA astronaut. Growing up in Jackson, Missouri, her passion for space and science flourished early on, leading her to pursue a career in the field. As an astronaut, she made significant contributions to space exploration, completed four space flights, and garnered numerous awards and honors. Beyond her remarkable accomplishments, Godwin’s impact on society as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field is immeasurable. She shattered gender barriers, challenged stereotypes, and continues to inspire future generations of scientists.
Natalie M. Batalha, born in 1966, is a prominent figure in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the study of exoplanets and has played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe. Batalha’s work with NASA’s Kepler Mission, in particular, has revolutionized the way we perceive the existence of Earth-like planets beyond our solar system.
Sophia Brahe, a Danish noblewoman and horticulturalist, defied societal expectations for a noblewoman and dedicated her life to the pursuit of knowledge and scientific discovery. Her contributions in astronomy, chemistry, and horticulture are significant, inspiring others and paving the way for future advancements in these fields.
Merieme Chadid is a renowned Moroccan-French astronomer, explorer, and astrophysicist. With a deep passion for the mysteries of the universe, Chadid has dedicated her life to unraveling its secrets and expanding human knowledge. Growing up in a modest family, her fascination with astronomy ignited at the age of 12 when her brother gifted her a book by Johannes Kepler. This serendipitous event sparked a lifelong curiosity that would shape her future. Chadid’s educational journey began at the University of Hassan II Casablanca and she has since made significant contributions to the field of astronomy.
Annie Jump Cannon, an American astronomer, overcame personal challenges and societal barriers to make groundbreaking contributions to astronomy. Her collaboration with Edward C. Pickering at the Harvard College Observatory resulted in the creation of the Harvard Classification Scheme, revolutionizing the way stars are categorized. Cannon’s perseverance and dedication continue to inspire scientists, and her legacy promotes gender equality and social progress.
Eleanor Margaret Burbidge, known as Margaret Burbidge, was a British-American observational astronomer and astrophysicist. She was born on August 12, 1919, in Davenport, England. Burbidge was one of the leading figures in astrophysics and made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe.
Jeanne Dumée (1660-1706), a French astronomer and author, made significant contributions to astronomy and challenged prevailing scientific beliefs. She published a groundbreaking work, “Entretiens sur l’opinion de Copernic touchant la mobilité de la terre,” showcasing her deep understanding of the subject and advocating for gender equality in the scientific community. Dumée’s legacy as a pioneering female astronomer paved the way for future generations.
Lyudmila Chernykh, a renowned Russian-Soviet astronomer, dedicated her life to the study of celestial objects and made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Her impressive discoveries of minor planets, numbering 267 in total, solidify her place in astronomical history and have expanded humanity’s knowledge of the Solar System. Chernykh’s tireless efforts and pursuit of knowledge have left an indelible mark on the scientific community and continue to inspire future generations of astronomers.
Allie Vibert Douglas, a Canadian astronomer and astrophysicist, overcame gender barriers to pursue her passion for science. Despite facing discrimination, she excelled academically and received numerous accolades, including the Order of the British Empire. Douglas played a pivotal role in promoting women’s education in Canada and made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics throughout her career.
Jessie Christiansen, an astrophysicist from Australia, has made significant contributions to the field of exoplanet research. Currently working at the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute, her passion for uncovering the mysteries of the universe has made her highly respected in the scientific community. She is also known for her involvement in the NASA Kepler and upcoming TESS missions, as well as her commitment to public engagement and science communication. Christiansen’s groundbreaking research and dedication to the advancement of science have shaped our understanding of the universe.
Sandra Moore Faber is an American astrophysicist known for her research on the evolution of galaxies. She currently holds the position of University Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and works at the renowned Lick Observatory. Faber’s groundbreaking observations and discoveries have revolutionized our understanding of galaxies and their dynamics, making her a trailblazing figure in scientific history.
Elsa van Dien (1914-2007) was an astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics. Born in Paramaribo, Surinam, she overcame adversity during World War II and went on to pursue her passion for astronomy. Her research on early type stars and her dedication to spreading scientific knowledge have left a lasting impact on the field. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring scientists.
Agnes Mary Clerke, born in 1842 in Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland, was an influential astronomer and writer. Inspired by her father’s interest in astronomy, she developed a passion for the stars at an early age. Her groundbreaking contributions to the field of astronomy and her dedication to the study of the universe made her a trailblazer in the scientific community.
Heather Couper, a British astronomer and science popularizer, dedicated her career to making astronomy accessible to the public. Her passion for astronomy and ability to convey complex scientific concepts captured the imagination of many. Couper’s impact in popularizing astronomy in the United Kingdom and her trailblazing efforts as a woman in the field solidified her place in history as a champion of science education.
Madge Gertrude Adam, an English solar astronomer, made groundbreaking contributions to solar physics. Despite overcoming skeletal tuberculosis and rickets as a child, she excelled academically and became the first woman to achieve a first-class degree in physics at Oxford. Her career in solar physics led to significant research on sunspots, earning her international recognition and a position as a lecturer at the University of Oxford. Madge Adam’s passion, knowledge, and pioneering spirit cemented her as a respected figure in the field.
Margaret Ebunoluwa Aderin-Pocock is a British space scientist and science educator. She is the chancellor of the University of Leicester and co-presenter of the astronomy television program The Sky at Night. Aderin-Pocock is the first black woman to win a gold medal in the Physics News Award and served as the president of the British Science Association.
María Luisa Aguilar Hurtado (1938-2015) was a Peruvian astronomer and the first professional astronomer of Peru. She founded and served as the director of the “Astronomy and Astrophysics Seminar,” now known as the “Permanent Astronomy and Space Sciences Seminar” of the National University of San Marcos. Aguilar specialized in astronomical spectroscopy, stellar atmospheres, and variable stars. She contributed significantly to the field of astronomy in Peru, promoting education and outreach programs. Despite her achievements, no awards or recognitions have been listed for her.
Neta Bahcall, an Israeli astrophysicist and cosmologist, has made significant contributions to our understanding of dark matter, the structure of the universe, quasars, and the formation of galaxies. She has held various positions at Princeton University and is currently the Eugene Higgins Professor of Astronomy. Bahcall’s work with the Hubble Space Telescope in mapping galaxies and calculating the mass of the universe has been groundbreaking. She has received numerous accolades, including being elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
Mary Adela Blagg was an English astronomer who made significant contributions in the field of lunar cartography and variable stars. She compiled a comprehensive list of all lunar features, identified discrepancies in the naming of lunar features, conducted research on variable stars, and even corrected a flaw in Bode’s Law. Her work helped further our understanding of the moon and the universe, and her pioneering efforts continue to inspire scientists today.
Esmeralda Herminia Mallada Invernizzi, a renowned Uruguayan astronomer and professor, was born on January 10, 1937. She made significant contributions to the field of cosmography and her groundbreaking work in astronomy has earned her numerous accolades, including having an asteroid named after her. Esmeralda’s dedication to promoting astronomy and inspiring future generations of astronomers is truly remarkable.
Amina Helmi, an Argentine astronomer and professor at the University of Groningen, is a leading figure in the field of galactic archaeology. With a focus on the Milky Way, she combines computer simulations and observational data to uncover the mysteries of galaxy formation. Her dedication and contributions have earned her numerous awards and recognition, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the scientific community.
Annie Scott Dill Maunder, an Irish-British astronomer, made groundbreaking contributions to solar astronomy. Her research on sunspots, particularly their movement over the sun’s 11-year cycle, revolutionized our understanding of solar activity. Despite facing gender discrimination, Annie’s talent and dedication led to her eventual recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Her perseverance and scientific advancements continue to inspire and shape our understanding of the sun.
Andrea Mia Ghez, born on June 16, 1965, in New York City, is an esteemed astrophysicist known for her groundbreaking work on the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Her research on the supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, has deepened our understanding of black holes’ structure and behavior. Ghez’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades and recognition, including the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020. Her dedication and passion have inspired countless individuals, especially young women, to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Maria Mitchell was an American astronomer, librarian, naturalist, and educator. She discovered a comet in 1847, known as “Miss Mitchell’s Comet,” and received a gold medal prize for her discovery. Mitchell was the first internationally known woman to work as a professional astronomer and a professor of astronomy. She was also a prominent advocate for women’s inclusion in scientific societies and careers in science. Mitchell’s contributions to the scientific community are widely honored and celebrated.
Hatice Nüzhet Gökdoğan, born on August 14, 1910, in Istanbul, Turkey, was a remarkable figure in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and academia. From her early years, Gökdoğan displayed an exceptional aptitude for mathematics and a keen interest in astronomy. She pursued these passions with determination, eventually establishing herself as a trailblazer for women in her field.
Eleanor Annie Lamson (19 April 1875 – 27 July 1932) was an astronomer and the first woman scientist at the US Naval Observatory. Lamson’s expertise and meticulous research paved the way for future women scientists, inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in astronomy and other scientific fields.
Margaret Harwood (1885-1979) was an American astronomer and the first director of the Maria Mitchell Observatory. She made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, focusing on photometry and studying the light variations of stars and asteroids. Harwood broke down gender barriers in the field and gained access to the Mount Wilson Observatory, becoming the first woman to use its 60-inch telescope. She faced societal prejudices but persevered, leaving a lasting legacy in astronomy and women’s history. She was honored with an asteroid named 7040 Harwood in her honor.
Isabel Martin Lewis was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. She was the first woman hired by the United States Naval Observatory as an assistant astronomer and her work played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the cosmos. Lewis’s dedication to science and her efforts to popularize astronomy have left a lasting impact on the field.
Caroline Ellen Furness, a pioneering American astronomer, made significant contributions to the field in the early twentieth century. After earning her Ph.D. in astronomy from Columbia University, she returned to her alma mater, Vassar College, where she collaborated with renowned astronomers and authored influential publications. Additionally, Furness advocated for women’s education and held important positions in women’s organizations. Her legacy as a dedicated scientist and advocate continues to inspire women in the field of science.
Nicole-Reine Lepaute, a French astronomer and mathematician, made significant contributions to astronomy during the 18th century. Despite being mostly self-taught, she exhibited exceptional intelligence from a young age and developed a fascination with comets. Lepaute’s marriage to a clockmaker allowed her to delve deeper into her scientific pursuits, and her collaboration with Jérôme Lalande on a clockmaking book showcased her calculative abilities. Her expertise in celestial predictions and involvement in the scientific community paved the way for future generations of female astronomers.
Henrietta Swan Leavitt revolutionized our understanding of the universe through her groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy. Her work on Cepheid variables and the period-luminosity relation allowed astronomers to estimate distances to other galaxies, expanding our knowledge of the vastness of the universe. Her legacy as a pioneer in astronomy lives on, inspiring future generations to explore the mysteries of the cosmos.
Maria Margaretha Kirch was a German astronomer who made significant contributions to the field during her time. Despite societal challenges and biases against women pursuing careers in astronomy, Maria overcame obstacles and published valuable findings on celestial events. Her dedication and passion for the subject continue to inspire women in astronomy today.
Hypatia (c. 350–370 – 415 AD) was a neoplatonist philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician who lived in Alexandria, Egypt. She was renowned in her own lifetime as a great teacher and a wise counselor. Hypatia’s intellectual prowess and practical applications of mathematics and astronomy gained her acclaim and respect. Her tragic death at the hands of a mob shocked the empire and inspired future generations to oppose anti-intellectualism. Her legacy lives on as a symbol for intellectual freedom and the pursuit of knowledge.
Elisabeth Catherina Koopmann-Hevelius, a pioneering astronomer, was born in Danzig, Poland in 1647. She made significant contributions to the field of astronomy in collaboration with her husband, Johannes Hevelius. After his death, Elisabetha completed and published their joint work, “Prodromus astronomiae,” showcasing her knowledge of mathematics and Latin. Elisabeth Hevelius passed away in December 1693 at the age of 46, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of astronomy.
Marta Graciela Rovira, an Argentine astrophysics researcher, became the first woman to be named president of CONICET. With a deep passion for astronomy, Rovira focused her research on studying the Sun. Her tenure as president witnessed a significant increase in government funding for CONICET, leading to a doubling of the total number of individuals affiliated with the organization. Rovira has received recognition for her exceptional contributions to the field of astrophysics, including a special mention by the Konex Awards in 2008.
Helen Battles Sawyer Hogg was an American-Canadian astronomer who paved the way for research into globular clusters and variable stars. She was a trailblazer in the field, being the first female president of several astronomical organizations, and advocating for women in science. Her contributions to astronomy and her dedication to mentoring aspiring scientists made her a beloved figure in the scientific community.
Vera Rubin, a renowned American astronomer, made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astrophysics. Her observations of galactic rotation curves provided evidence for the existence of dark matter, revolutionizing our understanding of the cosmos. Rubin’s dedication to advocating for women in science led to the establishment of the National Science Foundation Vera C. Rubin Observatory, ensuring her lasting legacy.
Catherine Heymans FRSE is a renowned British astrophysicist who has made significant contributions to the field of cosmology. She currently holds the esteemed title of Astronomer Royal for Scotland and serves as a professor at the University of Edinburgh, based at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh. Born and raised in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Heymans’ passion for astronomy was ignited at a young age.
Nancy Grace Roman was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to stellar classification and motions. She is widely regarded as one of the key founders of the US civilian space program, serving as NASA’s first Chief of Astronomy during the 1960s and 1970s. Roman played a crucial role in establishing NASA’s space astronomy program and is often referred to as the “Mother of Hubble” due to her foundational work in planning the Hubble Space Telescope.
Ellen Dorrit Hoffleit, widely known as Dorrit Hoffleit, was an esteemed American senior research astronomer at Yale University. Her pioneering contributions in the field of astronomy earned her recognition and admiration from her peers. Born on March 12, 1907, she embarked on an extraordinary journey that would leave an indelible mark on the scientific community.
Marie Paris Pişmiş de Recillas, known as Mari Sukiasian, was an Armenian-Mexican astronomer who played a crucial role in establishing Mexico’s importance in astronomical education and research. She was the first woman to obtain a Ph.D. from the Science Faculty of Istanbul University and went on to become the first professional astronomer in Mexico. Pişmiş’s extensive research and dedication to teaching left a lasting impact on the field of astronomy and inspired future generations of astronomers, including her daughter and granddaughter.
Martha Locke Hazen (1931-2006) was an influential American astronomer known for her contributions to the field, particularly her work as curator of the Harvard astronomical photographs collection and her research on variable stars. She played a crucial role in preserving and organizing the Harvard Plate Archives and was dedicated to advancing the status of women in academia. Hazen’s legacy extends beyond her achievements in astronomy and serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists.
Emerita Professor Tan Sri Dr. Mazlan binti Othman is a Malaysian astrophysicist who pioneered her country’s participation in space exploration. She was the first astrophysicist in Malaysia and contributed significantly to the field of astrophysics. Her work in creating a curriculum in astrophysics at the national university and promoting public awareness of astronomy and space issues has been instrumental in advancing Malaysia’s space program.
Charlene Heisler was a Canadian astronomer known for her groundbreaking work on Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). Her determination and passion for science, despite facing significant health challenges, serve as an inspiration to aspiring astronomers and women in science.
Antonia Maury was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. She was the first to detect and calculate the orbit of a spectroscopic binary, and her work on stellar classification laid the foundation for the International Astronomical Union’s system. Her dedication, perseverance, and groundbreaking research have cemented her place in history as one of the most influential astronomers of her time.
Caroline Lucretia Herschel, a German-born British astronomer, made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. She overcame challenges such as limited education and vision loss to become a respected scientist. Herschel’s astronomical discoveries were groundbreaking, leading to prestigious awards and recognition, and inspiring generations of women in scientific fields. Her legacy is an enduring testament to the potential of women in academia and the sciences.
Virginia Louise Trimble, born in 1943, is an American astronomer known for her expertise in the structure and evolution of stars and galaxies, as well as the history of astronomy. With an impressive publication record that exceeds 600 works in Astrophysics and numerous other works in the history of various sciences, Trimble has made significant contributions to the field.
Beatrice Muriel Hill Tinsley, a British-born New Zealand astronomer, made significant contributions to the understanding of galaxy evolution. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her career, including struggling to secure a permanent academic position, Tinsley became the first female professor of astronomy at Yale University. Tragically, her promising career was cut short when she passed away from melanoma in 1981. She left behind a lasting legacy in the field of astronomy.
Claudia Megan Urry, also known as Meg Urry, is a prominent American astrophysicist who has made notable contributions to the field of astronomy. She has served as the President of the American Astronomical Society, chaired the Department of Physics at Yale University, and has been recognized for her efforts to promote gender equality in science and academia. Urry’s passion for her research, dedication to addressing sexism, and numerous accomplishments have made her an influential figure in women’s history and a role model for scientists.
Wang Zhenyi, an extraordinary woman of 18th century China, defied societal constraints to become a renowned scientist. She excelled in astronomy, mathematics, and poetry, making groundbreaking discoveries and contributions despite her short life. Her deep understanding of celestial phenomena and innovative solutions in mathematics showcased her brilliance. Wang Zhenyi’s accomplishments continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.
Alenush Terian, the “Mother of Modern Iranian Astronomy,” was an Iranian-Armenian astronomer and physicist. Born into an Armenian family in Tehran in 1921, she pursued her education in science and made significant contributions to the field of physics in Iran. Despite facing obstacles, she became the first female professor of physics in the country and played a vital role in establishing the solar observatory at the University of Tehran. Terian’s dedication and expertise earned her recognition both nationally and internationally. She passed away in Tehran in 2011, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Jill Cornell Tarter is an American astronomer known for her groundbreaking work on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). She dedicated her career to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos and exploring the possibility of life beyond Earth. Tarter’s passion for astronomy and her relentless pursuit of knowledge began at a young age, igniting her imagination and sparking her curiosity about what lies beyond our planet. Her unwavering dedication, commitment to scientific exploration, and advocacy for gender equality have left an indelible mark on both the scientific community and society.
Karlina Leksono Supelli, born in Jakarta in 1958, is a pioneering Indonesian philosopher and astronomer. She was one of the first female astronomers in Indonesia and made significant contributions to the field. Additionally, Karlina actively engaged in activism, advocating for societal change and defending the rights of marginalized communities. Her dedication to academia and her commitment to creating a more equitable world make her an inspiration to future generations.
Mary Somerville (1780-1872) was a Scottish scientist, writer, and polymath who made significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy. Her breakthrough work, “The Mechanism of the Heavens,” published in 1831, established her as a respected scholar in the scientific community. In addition to her scientific achievements, Somerville also played a role in advocating for women’s rights and equality. She passed away on November 29, 1872, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire generations of scientists and women around the world.
María Teresa Ruiz is a Chilean astronomer known for being the first woman to receive Chile’s National Prize for Exact Sciences and the first female recipient of a doctorate in astrophysics at Princeton University. She has made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics and has been dedicated to inspiring future generations of scientists.
Carolyn Jean Spellmann Shoemaker was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. She is best known as a co-discoverer of Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 and for her extensive work on comets and asteroids. Shoemaker’s career in astronomy began when she demonstrated exceptional stereoscopic vision, a valuable quality for observing objects in near-Earth space.
Lee Anne Willson (born 1947) is an American astronomer who has made significant contributions to the field of variable stars. From her early fascination with space to her groundbreaking research on Mira stars, Willson’s journey in astronomy has been marked by determination and a passion for understanding the cosmos.
Moogega Cooper (born 1985) is an American astronomer, physicist, and engineer. She is best known for her work in planetary protection and her involvement in the Mars 2020 Mission and the InSight Mission. Dr. Cooper also takes part in programs and speaking engagements to encourage young women and others from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in science and technology.
Died:
Awards:
– NASA Early Career Public Achievement Medal (2018)