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Biography - Women in Science - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

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Women have been behind great breakthroughs in science. Others have explored scientific fields, telling their own stories in the process. These books celebrate their efforts, bringing them out of the shadows, inspiring a new generation. A Christchurch City Libraries list.

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

19 items

19 items

My Remarkable Journey

My Remarkable Journey

A Memoir

by Johnson, Katherine G., 1918-2020

Book - 2021

As one of the “Hidden Figures” scientists and mathematicians, Katherine G Johnson’s lifetime love of Mathematics and her dedication to her career at NASA...Show more As one of the “Hidden Figures” scientists and mathematicians, Katherine G Johnson’s lifetime love of Mathematics and her dedication to her career at NASA brings into focus the barriers she broke down as a woman of colour. She is truly an inspiration to many young women. A wonderful, uplifting memoir written by Katherine and two of her daughters. Sadly, Katherine passed away recently at the age of 101. Show less

As one of the “Hidden Figures” scientists and mathematicians, Katherine G Johnson’s lifetime love of Mathematics and her dedication to her career at NASA...Show more As one of the “Hidden Figures” scientists and mathematicians, Katherine G Johnson’s lifetime love of Mathematics and her dedication to her career at NASA brings into focus the barriers she broke down as a woman of colour. She is truly an inspiration to many young women. A wonderful, uplifting memoir written by Katherine and two of her daughters. Sadly, Katherine passed away recently at the age of 101. Show less

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Lab Girl

Lab Girl

A Story of Trees, Science and Love

by Jahren, Hope

Book - 2016

“Lab Girl” is both a story of personal discovery, and an inspirational tale of connection between a geobiologist, the field of science and the natural wor...Show more “Lab Girl” is both a story of personal discovery, and an inspirational tale of connection between a geobiologist, the field of science and the natural world. Hope Jahren studies live and fossilised plants. She describes leaves as elegant machines, soil as the interface between the living and the dead, and seeds as the most patient and hopeful of all life forms. This is an absorbing, honest and intimate portrait of Jahren that explores her journey as a woman in the world of science and academia. Show less

“Lab Girl” is both a story of personal discovery, and an inspirational tale of connection between a geobiologist, the field of science and the natural wor...Show more “Lab Girl” is both a story of personal discovery, and an inspirational tale of connection between a geobiologist, the field of science and the natural world. Hope Jahren studies live and fossilised plants. She describes leaves as elegant machines, soil as the interface between the living and the dead, and seeds as the most patient and hopeful of all life forms. This is an absorbing, honest and intimate portrait of Jahren that explores her journey as a woman in the world of science and academia. Show less

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Bright Galaxies, Dark Matter, and Beyond

Bright Galaxies, Dark Matter, and Beyond

The Life of Astronomer Vera Rubin

by Yeager, Ashley Jean

Book - 2021

Painting a rich and compelling picture of Vera, chronicling her persistence in fighting to be taken seriously in a discipline where sexism was rife and in...Show more Painting a rich and compelling picture of Vera, chronicling her persistence in fighting to be taken seriously in a discipline where sexism was rife and in a time when women were not given access to observatory telescopes, she broke open boundaries for women, while family raising four children. Concise and lucid explanations of her groundbreaking work on the existence of dark matter including interviews with Rubin herself before her death in 2016. Show less

Painting a rich and compelling picture of Vera, chronicling her persistence in fighting to be taken seriously in a discipline where sexism was rife and in...Show more Painting a rich and compelling picture of Vera, chronicling her persistence in fighting to be taken seriously in a discipline where sexism was rife and in a time when women were not given access to observatory telescopes, she broke open boundaries for women, while family raising four children. Concise and lucid explanations of her groundbreaking work on the existence of dark matter including interviews with Rubin herself before her death in 2016. Show less

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Working Stiff

Working Stiff

Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of A Medical Examiner

by Melinek, Judy

Book - 2014

Work in a morgue can be murder and Judy Melinek – who recently moved to New Zealand – lifts the lid on life as a medical examiner in New York. Cases inclu...Show more Work in a morgue can be murder and Judy Melinek – who recently moved to New Zealand – lifts the lid on life as a medical examiner in New York. Cases include said murder, suicide, accidents and terrorism and Melinek gives her readers the real deal as opposed to the glamour of CSI and other pop-forensic TV shows. Show less

Work in a morgue can be murder and Judy Melinek – who recently moved to New Zealand – lifts the lid on life as a medical examiner in New York. Cases inclu...Show more Work in a morgue can be murder and Judy Melinek – who recently moved to New Zealand – lifts the lid on life as a medical examiner in New York. Cases include said murder, suicide, accidents and terrorism and Melinek gives her readers the real deal as opposed to the glamour of CSI and other pop-forensic TV shows. Show less

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Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures

The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race

by Lee Shetterly, Margot

Book - 2016

Until recently, a hidden part of the history of the space race, ‘Hidden Figures’ brings to the forefront the extremely important role women, talented stro...Show more Until recently, a hidden part of the history of the space race, ‘Hidden Figures’ brings to the forefront the extremely important role women, talented strong clever women of colour, had in the space programme as ‘human computer’ mathematicians. Overcoming racism and segregation, they were a key factor of successful rocket launches. The author, Margot Lee Shetterly, is the niece of one of these incredible women. ‘Hidden Figures’ was released in 2017 as a film. Show less

Until recently, a hidden part of the history of the space race, ‘Hidden Figures’ brings to the forefront the extremely important role women, talented stro...Show more Until recently, a hidden part of the history of the space race, ‘Hidden Figures’ brings to the forefront the extremely important role women, talented strong clever women of colour, had in the space programme as ‘human computer’ mathematicians. Overcoming racism and segregation, they were a key factor of successful rocket launches. The author, Margot Lee Shetterly, is the niece of one of these incredible women. ‘Hidden Figures’ was released in 2017 as a film. Show less

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Fox & I

Fox & I

An Uncommon Friendship

by Raven, Catherine, 1959-

Book - 2021

A revealing nature memoir of friendship with a wild fox full of lush prose and dreamy portraits of wildlife yet this is far more than a simple tale. In C...Show more A revealing nature memoir of friendship with a wild fox full of lush prose and dreamy portraits of wildlife yet this is far more than a simple tale. In Catherine's exploration of rejection and solitude this compelling narrative questions whether humans are as superior in intelligence as we think. As an ecologist Catherine teaches her students not to ascribe personalities to animals yet as their relationship grows she wonders if this scientific view should be challenged. You are left with the thought in her words “Maybe we like pretending that they are not very human. Or that we are not very wild.” Show less

A revealing nature memoir of friendship with a wild fox full of lush prose and dreamy portraits of wildlife yet this is far more than a simple tale. In C...Show more A revealing nature memoir of friendship with a wild fox full of lush prose and dreamy portraits of wildlife yet this is far more than a simple tale. In Catherine's exploration of rejection and solitude this compelling narrative questions whether humans are as superior in intelligence as we think. As an ecologist Catherine teaches her students not to ascribe personalities to animals yet as their relationship grows she wonders if this scientific view should be challenged. You are left with the thought in her words “Maybe we like pretending that they are not very human. Or that we are not very wild.” Show less

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The Disordered Cosmos

The Disordered Cosmos

A Journey Into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred

by Prescod-Weinstein, Chanda

Book - 2021

A timely reminder that science is not immune to racial and colonial bias. Prescod-Weinstein brings experiences from her own background to illustrate the s...Show more A timely reminder that science is not immune to racial and colonial bias. Prescod-Weinstein brings experiences from her own background to illustrate the social issues of gender disability and race that affect inclusivity in science, as well as the prejudice pervading them along with plenty of physics and maths. Show less

A timely reminder that science is not immune to racial and colonial bias. Prescod-Weinstein brings experiences from her own background to illustrate the s...Show more A timely reminder that science is not immune to racial and colonial bias. Prescod-Weinstein brings experiences from her own background to illustrate the social issues of gender disability and race that affect inclusivity in science, as well as the prejudice pervading them along with plenty of physics and maths. Show less

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The Plant Hunter

The Plant Hunter

A Scientist's Quest for Nature's Next Medicines

by Quave, Cassandra Leah

Book - 2021

Medical ethnobotanist Cassandra Quave take us on a thought-provoking investigation into the world of medicinal plants revealing a compelling and alarming ...Show more Medical ethnobotanist Cassandra Quave take us on a thought-provoking investigation into the world of medicinal plants revealing a compelling and alarming wake up call to the perils of antibiotic resistance. She shares an inspiring, engrossing, eloquent memoir of the ups and downs of her struggle to overcome bullying, sexism and disability with an honest and very personal a book. For fans of Lab Girl. Show less

Medical ethnobotanist Cassandra Quave take us on a thought-provoking investigation into the world of medicinal plants revealing a compelling and alarming ...Show more Medical ethnobotanist Cassandra Quave take us on a thought-provoking investigation into the world of medicinal plants revealing a compelling and alarming wake up call to the perils of antibiotic resistance. She shares an inspiring, engrossing, eloquent memoir of the ups and downs of her struggle to overcome bullying, sexism and disability with an honest and very personal a book. For fans of Lab Girl. Show less

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The Arbornaut

The Arbornaut

by Lowman, Margaret D., 1953-

Book - 2021

"A riveting memoir from “Canopy Meg,” a pioneer in treetop science." - Kirkus reviews Discover how Margaret came to excel in a the pursuit of s...Show more "A riveting memoir from “Canopy Meg,” a pioneer in treetop science." - Kirkus reviews Discover how Margaret came to excel in a the pursuit of science where she was often the only woman and fighting years of discrimination and harassment. As a conservationist who looked upwards to the canopy she shares exciting anecdotes as she chronologs her travels and discoveries along with insights into her childhood. Show less

"A riveting memoir from “Canopy Meg,” a pioneer in treetop science." - Kirkus reviews Discover how Margaret came to excel in a the pursuit of s...Show more "A riveting memoir from “Canopy Meg,” a pioneer in treetop science." - Kirkus reviews Discover how Margaret came to excel in a the pursuit of science where she was often the only woman and fighting years of discrimination and harassment. As a conservationist who looked upwards to the canopy she shares exciting anecdotes as she chronologs her travels and discoveries along with insights into her childhood. Show less

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Rise of the Rocket Girls

Rise of the Rocket Girls

The Women Who Propelled Us, From Missiles to the Moon to Mars

by Holt, Nathalia, 1980-

Book - 2016

From WWII to the present day, ‘Rise of the Rocket Girls’ is based on extensive interviews with the women who worked for the Jet Propulsion Lab and later N...Show more From WWII to the present day, ‘Rise of the Rocket Girls’ is based on extensive interviews with the women who worked for the Jet Propulsion Lab and later NASA. These human computer mathematicians then became the first computer programmers and engineers, paving the way for the future women in STEM. Show less

From WWII to the present day, ‘Rise of the Rocket Girls’ is based on extensive interviews with the women who worked for the Jet Propulsion Lab and later N...Show more From WWII to the present day, ‘Rise of the Rocket Girls’ is based on extensive interviews with the women who worked for the Jet Propulsion Lab and later NASA. These human computer mathematicians then became the first computer programmers and engineers, paving the way for the future women in STEM. Show less

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Our House Is on Fire

Our House Is on Fire

by Ernman, Beata

Book - 2020

A memoir about teenage activist Greta Thunberg and her family, written by her mother Malena Ernman. Follow the story of Greta’s initial school strike. Fin...Show more A memoir about teenage activist Greta Thunberg and her family, written by her mother Malena Ernman. Follow the story of Greta’s initial school strike. Find out how she gained international attention and support. An inspiring account about how anyone can make a difference in the fight against climate change. Show less

A memoir about teenage activist Greta Thunberg and her family, written by her mother Malena Ernman. Follow the story of Greta’s initial school strike. Fin...Show more A memoir about teenage activist Greta Thunberg and her family, written by her mother Malena Ernman. Follow the story of Greta’s initial school strike. Find out how she gained international attention and support. An inspiring account about how anyone can make a difference in the fight against climate change. Show less

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H Is for Hawk

H Is for Hawk

by Macdonald, Helen, 1970-

Book - 2014

When Helen MacDonald was left devastated by the unexpected death of her father, she decided to confront her grief by purchasing and attempting to train he...Show more When Helen MacDonald was left devastated by the unexpected death of her father, she decided to confront her grief by purchasing and attempting to train her own goshawk. At once, a meditation on grief and an exploration of the ancient art of falconry, H is for Hawk is Helen Mac Donald’s brave and affecting story of learning to accept life and death through a wild experiment with nature. Show less

When Helen MacDonald was left devastated by the unexpected death of her father, she decided to confront her grief by purchasing and attempting to train he...Show more When Helen MacDonald was left devastated by the unexpected death of her father, she decided to confront her grief by purchasing and attempting to train her own goshawk. At once, a meditation on grief and an exploration of the ancient art of falconry, H is for Hawk is Helen Mac Donald’s brave and affecting story of learning to accept life and death through a wild experiment with nature. Show less

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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

by Skloot, Rebecca, 1972-

Book - 2010

Long after her death, the cells of one woman are perhaps the most important in the world - dubbed HeLa, they have been grown until they number in their bi...Show more Long after her death, the cells of one woman are perhaps the most important in the world - dubbed HeLa, they have been grown until they number in their billions, used in the developments of vaccines, and in countless tests leading to astounding medical breakthroughs, making billions of dollars for the companies that “own” them. Yet Henrietta Lacks, the poverty-stricken black woman who these cells were taken from, never knew any of this, and her own children only learnt of HeLa cell over twenty years after her death and never saw a cent from their mother’s medical legacy, even as they struggle in poverty and are unable to afford medical insurance. This remarkable story of highlights the extraordinary applications for Lacks’ cells, the racist history of medical research in the United States, the beginning of bioethics and the legal ambiguities of who can profit from our genes. Show less

Long after her death, the cells of one woman are perhaps the most important in the world - dubbed HeLa, they have been grown until they number in their bi...Show more Long after her death, the cells of one woman are perhaps the most important in the world - dubbed HeLa, they have been grown until they number in their billions, used in the developments of vaccines, and in countless tests leading to astounding medical breakthroughs, making billions of dollars for the companies that “own” them. Yet Henrietta Lacks, the poverty-stricken black woman who these cells were taken from, never knew any of this, and her own children only learnt of HeLa cell over twenty years after her death and never saw a cent from their mother’s medical legacy, even as they struggle in poverty and are unable to afford medical insurance. This remarkable story of highlights the extraordinary applications for Lacks’ cells, the racist history of medical research in the United States, the beginning of bioethics and the legal ambiguities of who can profit from our genes. Show less

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Rising

Rising

Dispatches From the New American Shore

by Rush, Elizabeth A.

Book - 2018

An elegant perspective on the rising waters and the impact on vulnerable communities in low-lying areas. The author includes her own experiences making pa...Show more An elegant perspective on the rising waters and the impact on vulnerable communities in low-lying areas. The author includes her own experiences making parts of the book read much like a memoir, alongside her scientific research. A very readable, emotive account. Show less

An elegant perspective on the rising waters and the impact on vulnerable communities in low-lying areas. The author includes her own experiences making pa...Show more An elegant perspective on the rising waters and the impact on vulnerable communities in low-lying areas. The author includes her own experiences making parts of the book read much like a memoir, alongside her scientific research. A very readable, emotive account. Show less

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The Code Breaker

The Code Breaker

Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race

by Isaacson, Walter, 1952-

Book - 2021

Bringing an engrossing true life detective story of how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna with Charpentier discovered how CRISPR operates. An investigati...Show more Bringing an engrossing true life detective story of how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna with Charpentier discovered how CRISPR operates. An investigation in the scientific rivalries intrigues over patents, its life changing potentials and the moral questions it opens. We learn there is a fine line between collaboration and competion.an investigation of how a junior researcher fascinated by nucleic acids becomes a savvy player at the pinnacle of science. Show less

Bringing an engrossing true life detective story of how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna with Charpentier discovered how CRISPR operates. An investigati...Show more Bringing an engrossing true life detective story of how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna with Charpentier discovered how CRISPR operates. An investigation in the scientific rivalries intrigues over patents, its life changing potentials and the moral questions it opens. We learn there is a fine line between collaboration and competion.an investigation of how a junior researcher fascinated by nucleic acids becomes a savvy player at the pinnacle of science. Show less

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Mozart's Starling

Mozart's Starling

by Haupt, Lyanda Lynn

Book - 2017

When Lynda Lynn began to research the special relationship between Mozart and his starling, Star (the composer’s pet, and inspiration), she determined to ...Show more When Lynda Lynn began to research the special relationship between Mozart and his starling, Star (the composer’s pet, and inspiration), she determined to gain a more thorough understanding of their unique bond by raising a starling of her own. Delving into the science of mimicry, as well as Mozart’s life and music, ‘Mozart’s Starling’ takes a delightful look at the link between creativity, and the joy of a feathered muse. Show less

When Lynda Lynn began to research the special relationship between Mozart and his starling, Star (the composer’s pet, and inspiration), she determined to ...Show more When Lynda Lynn began to research the special relationship between Mozart and his starling, Star (the composer’s pet, and inspiration), she determined to gain a more thorough understanding of their unique bond by raising a starling of her own. Delving into the science of mimicry, as well as Mozart’s life and music, ‘Mozart’s Starling’ takes a delightful look at the link between creativity, and the joy of a feathered muse. Show less

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Broad Band

Broad Band

The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet

by Evans, Claire Lisa

Book - 2018

From Kilogirls and Gamer chicks to Cyber feminists and dot com entrepreneurs Claire Evans’s gives us an entertaining and edifying insight into the role w...Show more From Kilogirls and Gamer chicks to Cyber feminists and dot com entrepreneurs Claire Evans’s gives us an entertaining and edifying insight into the role women played in forming the internet, developing the earliest computer programmes and coding the earliest computer games. Evan’s has written for Vice and Wired she takes you on a tour of the unknown heroes of computer science having interviewed most of her subjects she makes you feel you know them intimately. Wherever you look, Evans has found women are hidden in plain sight declaring “Even when women were invisible, it never means they weren’t there.” If you enjoyed Hidden Figures then this one’s for you. Show less

From Kilogirls and Gamer chicks to Cyber feminists and dot com entrepreneurs Claire Evans’s gives us an entertaining and edifying insight into the role w...Show more From Kilogirls and Gamer chicks to Cyber feminists and dot com entrepreneurs Claire Evans’s gives us an entertaining and edifying insight into the role women played in forming the internet, developing the earliest computer programmes and coding the earliest computer games. Evan’s has written for Vice and Wired she takes you on a tour of the unknown heroes of computer science having interviewed most of her subjects she makes you feel you know them intimately. Wherever you look, Evans has found women are hidden in plain sight declaring “Even when women were invisible, it never means they weren’t there.” If you enjoyed Hidden Figures then this one’s for you. Show less

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Dr James Barry

Dr James Barry

A Woman Ahead of Her Time

by Du Preez, Michael

eBook - 2016

James Barry was a famous and flamboyant 19th century medic with a notorious temper. Dr Barry was also a mother called Margaret Bulkley, who took her uncle...Show more James Barry was a famous and flamboyant 19th century medic with a notorious temper. Dr Barry was also a mother called Margaret Bulkley, who took her uncle’s name, adopted a colourful male persona and built a celebrated medical career. Du Preez and Dronfield have combined to deliver a compulsively readable bio of a remarkable woman. Show less

James Barry was a famous and flamboyant 19th century medic with a notorious temper. Dr Barry was also a mother called Margaret Bulkley, who took her uncle...Show more James Barry was a famous and flamboyant 19th century medic with a notorious temper. Dr Barry was also a mother called Margaret Bulkley, who took her uncle’s name, adopted a colourful male persona and built a celebrated medical career. Du Preez and Dronfield have combined to deliver a compulsively readable bio of a remarkable woman. Show less

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The Gamekeeper

The Gamekeeper

by Simpson, Portia

Book - 2017

Portia Simpson, a make-up loving tomboy, broke through all the stereotypes when she became the first female gamekeeper in Scotland. Her fascinating memoir...Show more Portia Simpson, a make-up loving tomboy, broke through all the stereotypes when she became the first female gamekeeper in Scotland. Her fascinating memoir celebrates the raw beauty of nature, the majestic animals she oversaw, and the highs and lows of a career in game keeping Show less

Portia Simpson, a make-up loving tomboy, broke through all the stereotypes when she became the first female gamekeeper in Scotland. Her fascinating memoir...Show more Portia Simpson, a make-up loving tomboy, broke through all the stereotypes when she became the first female gamekeeper in Scotland. Her fascinating memoir celebrates the raw beauty of nature, the majestic animals she oversaw, and the highs and lows of a career in game keeping Show less

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