Annie Easley began her career at one of the leading science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) organizations of her day. She was one of the first "Human computers" employed in 1955 to perform complex mathematical calculations at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the forerunner of NASA. (Photo credit: The NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio)

According to NASA, when human computers were replaced by machines, Easley became an adept computer programmer, using languages like the Formula Translating System (Fortran) to support a number of NASA’s programs.

She developed and implemented code used in researching energy-conversion systems, analyzing alternative power technology—including the battery technology that was used for early hybrid vehicles, as well as for the Centaur upper-stage rocket. Her contributions to the Centaur project framed the technological foundation for launching future satellites and space vehicles, including the 1997 launch of Cassini to Saturn.

Later in her career at NASA, she took on the additional role of equal employment opportunity (EEO) counselor. In this role, she helped supervisors address issues of gender, race, and age in discrimination complaints at the lowest level and in the most cooperative way possible. Easley retired in 1989 after 34 years with NASA. She passed away on June 25, 2011.

Take a listen to Christine Darden, a mathematician who joined NASA in 1957.

In 2005, Lynnae Quick earned a bachelor's degree in physics from North Carolina A&T State University. Four years later, she received a master's degree in physics with a concentration in astrophysics from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.

In 2011, she earned another master's degree in Earth and planetary sciences from Johns Hopkins University, where she received a Ph.D. in the same field in 2013.

Dr. Quick's work focuses on geophysical processes on the Ocean Worlds in our solar system and in extrasolar planetary systems. She applies principles of fluid dynamics and heat transfer to model cryovolcanic processes and ocean crystallization on the icy moons of the giant planets and on dwarf planet Ceres.

She also studies silicic volcanism on Venus and the Moon and utilizes knowledge of the planets and moons in our solar system to characterize Earth-like exoplanets.