As more public schools transition to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) focused curriculums, higher education follows. The push for more STEM-centric educational paths comes on the heels of reports of a growing shortage of skilled workers.
According to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PDF), the U.S. will need to increase the number of STEM graduates by 34 percent to meet projections -- more than 1 million new graduates. STEM career fields are open to those of all ages and a wide variety of interests. Here are just a few of the brightest minds paving the way forward:
1. Bill Gates
Microsoft co-founder, philanthropist and computer programmer William Henry Gates, III is one of the most recognizable names in this century. Microsoft produces software used in virtually every office, school, and home around the world. The philanthropic works of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also make an impact with large grants and studies.
2. Steve Jobs
The late Steve Jobs led Apple to prominence with a technology brand focused on quality and ease of use. Today, iPods, iPads, iPhones, and iWatches litter the landscape.
3. Burt Rutan
Noted engineer, Rutan designed the first airplane to circumnavigate the globe without a single refueling stop.
4. Fazlur Khan
Engineer and architect, Khan, redesigned the concept of skyscrapers, implementing better material usage standards and pioneering the use of computer-aided design (CAD) for architectural use. CAD is still in use today, more than three decades after his death.
5. Willis Carrier
One year after earning a master’s degree in engineering, Carrier went on to develop the air conditioner. This simple device has improved the quality of life for people around the globe.
6. Albert Einstein
Physicist and mathematician, Albert Einstein, introduced the Theory of Relativity, which became the basis for an entirely new understanding of the universe and physical laws.
7. Sally Ride
Ladies have also left their mark in STEM-related fields. Ride made history as the first American woman in space, where she logged 343 hours.
8. Caterina Fake
If you've ever snapped a selfie or posted a photo online, you've probably heard of a little site named Flickr. Fake started as the co-founder of Flickr and went on to develop Hunch, and sit on the Creative Commons and Etsy Boards.
9. Lucy Bradshaw
Gaming is no longer a male-dominated subset. In fact, female gamers have started to take center stage, and Bradshaw led the way with her work on the most popular version of "The Sims," ever released. She also worked for LucasArts and Activision, bringing an innovative and creative approach to digital effects.
10. Jack Andraka
Can you imagine a device that can detect early-stage lung, pancreatic and ovarian cancers in less than five minutes? Andraka could, and he made it a reality. Plus, the projected cost is only a few cents. That makes this test substantially quicker and less expensive than the $800 industry standard version. It also has a much higher accuracy rate and detects these cancers earlier. At 15, Andraka delivered a product that may revolutionize diagnostic medicine around the world.
11. Shiva Nathan
Another young STEM superhero, Nathan developed a prosthetic limb using a piece of PVC pipe and a minicomputer. Standard prosthetics have price tags in the thousands of dollars, but this inexpensive version could be available as soon as it gets FDA approval.
12. Esther Takeuchi
Many inventors have an engineering background, and Esther Takeuchi is no exception. Her background in chemical engineering and as a materials scientist led her on the path to becoming the most prolific female inventor in America. She holds more than 150 patents. Her work on a battery used to power implantable cardiac defibrillators led to a National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
13. George Edward Alcorn, Jr.
Minorities are also well-represented in STEM subjects with leaders like Alcorn creating an imaging x-ray spectrometer and various other devices and processes while working for organizations like NASA and IBM.
Programs like those offered at ECPI University have long helped African-Americans develop the skills needed for STEM success. In fact, ECPI University's program is 4th in the country in the total number of undergraduate degrees awarded to African-Americans in the fields of Computer Science, Engineering and Engineering Technologies (Source: IPEDS Database, U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences National Center for Education Statistics).
Become a STEM Superhero!
If you're interested in following in the footsteps of one of these great minds, consider enrolling at ECPI University. As a STEM Jobs Approved College, ECPI University combines STEM-related degree and certification programs with potential career paths. Contact ECPI University today to get more information about our STEM-related programs, from cyber security to mechatronics. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
#Career ECPI University named 2016 STEM Jobs Approved College and Industry Award Winner https://t.co/eByChLTIKS #Job
— Robert L Goodman (@RobertLGoodman) November 29, 2015
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