Star Signs: Women in STEM

Zodiac signs know no gender, race, or sexual orientation. Astrology helps give insight into a person, based on the placement of the planets. Astrology helps us answer the question, “So that’s why I’m the way I am!” The four elements–air, fire, water, and earth–create a harmonious world, brought to life by the various signs’ strengths and weaknesses.

In honor of Women’s History Month and our dedication to diversifying representation in the field of STEM, DoSomething has put together a list of some stellar women in STEM, along with their zodiac signs. Perhaps you’ll find that your perfectionism (here’s looking at you Virgos!), sense of logic, or ambition, means you’re best suited for a career in STEM. Check out the signs below and learn how these STEM goddesses tapped into their astrological strengths.

🐏 Aries (March 21 – April 19):

Dr. Wangari Maathai (she/her)

Dr. Wangari Maathai made history as the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize and the first female professor in Kenya! In true Aries fashion, she was bold and ambitious, starting and leading the Green Belt Movement in 1977 to counter deforestation in the country. Her mission lives on to this day and, because of her, 51 million trees have been planted in Kenya! Her sustainable development work extended to include issues of democracy, women’s rights, and international solidarity. An Aries through and through, Dr. Maathai is willing to tackle any problem put in front of her.

🐂 Taurus (April 20 – May 20):

Nina Tandon (she/her)

Nina Tandon is the CEO of bringing things to life, literally. Tandon, who is a Taurus, is the co-founder and CEO of EpiBone, the world’s first company growing living human bones for reconstruction. Like her star sign, Tandon is grounded and logical in her approach, having studied multiple types of engineering including electrical, bioelectrical, biomedical, and tissue engineering. Tandon has three patents, published a book, and has spoken at TED three times. As any Taurus would, Tandon is graceful and humble, despite her accomplishments being nothing short of incredible!

🦚🦚 Gemini (May 21 – June 20):

Chien-Shiung Wu (she/her)

Known as “the first lady of physics,” Chien-Shiung Wu was a Chinese American physicist who made significant contributions to the field of physics. And did we mention that this intelligent queen was also a Gemini? While Gemini star signs have a reputation for being a bit chaotic and spontaneous, her ability to form connections through dialogue and debate helped her contribute to the Manhattan Project during World War II and late conduct what became known as the Wu Experiment, leading to significant discoveries about parity. Unfortunately, two of her male colleagues received the Nobel Prize in Physics for her work and only years later was she acknowledged and awarded the Wolf Prize in Physics.

🦀 Cancer (June 21 – July 22):

Anne-Marie Imafidon (she/her)

Highly intuitive Cancer, Anne-Marie Imafidon, is a pioneer who began making history at eleven years of age! At the age of eleven, she became the youngest girl to ever pass A-level computing and received her Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Oxford at the age of twenty. After working at multiple prestigious organizations and universities, she co-founded what became known as The Stemettes, a social initiative to promote young women and girls’ involvement in STEM! Cancers are the most supportive and nurturing of the star signs–demonstrated perfectly by her commitment to helping other women and girls get involved in STEM.

🦁 Leo (July 23 – August 22):

Rosalind Franklin (she/her)

Rosalind Franklin was a Pioneer Molecular Biologist who--like many women in STEM--was not credited for her groundbreaking work and discoveries. Franklin’s research and work led to a more in-depth understanding of DNA. Instead, the men who she worked with received credit and a Nobel Prize for the double-helix model of DNA. If Franklin was around today, we can only imagine how she would respond. A Leo not being the center of attention? We don’t think so! We applaud Franklin for her passion and commitment to her work in STEM.

🥼 Virgo (August 23 – September 22):

Dr. Antonia Novello (she/her)

Dr. Antonia Novello is the first woman and Hispanic individual to serve as Surgeon General of the United States. You know the saying, “If you want something done, give it to a Virgo!” Well, enter Dr. Novello. Dr. Novello spent much of her time in the role thinking about how to help others, especially women, children, and minorities. As a Puerto Rican woman, physician, and public health administrator, she broke down many barriers and paved the way for women and minorities. Putting that Virgo perfectionism to work!

⚖️ Libra (September 23 – October 22):

Ann Makosinski (she/her)

Libra queen Andini Makosinski, also known as Ann, is an inventor and writer. Her innovations relating to green energy have been inspirational to others who are also working around these issues. Libras are often praised for their strong leadership skills and fair and idealistic approaches to work. The Filipina- Polish Canadian has been featured in Forbes, Times Magazine, Glamour Magazine, and, more recently, became a Maybelline New York campaign face for the Green Edition makeup line. Beauty, brains, and bettering the planet! Her love of science and art has allowed her to express her creativity in unconventional ways.

🦂 Scorpio (October 23 – November 21):

Gitanjali Rao (she/her)

She’s an innovator, changemaker, author, STEM promoter, and a Scorpio? She really is winning! Sixteen-year-old Gitanjali Rao has big dreams and goals. If you know a Scorpio, you’ll know they are fearless and bold, committed to bringing their big picture ideas to life through hard work. Her goal is “to create global change by starting an innovation movement of teens looking to make a difference.” She’s been named America's Top Young Scientist of 2017 and is an active STEM promoter who’s involved in promoting STEM-based activities in schools, clubs, and the community.

🏹 Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21):

Ada Lovelace (she/her)

Ada Lovelace grew up during the 19th century but was brought up in an unconventional way. Her mother thought it best to have her tutored in math and science starting at the age of four. She was considered a tech visionary as she imagined that the modern computer could do much more beyond calculations. As a Sagittarius does, she embraced her intellectual spirit, considering herself to be an analyst and metaphysician, and is regarded as the founder of scientific computing. This Sagittarius is truly one-of-a-kind, smart, and talented!

🐐 Capricorn (December 22 – January 19):

Tu Youyou (she/her)

Tu Youyou is a Chinese pharmaceutical chemist who studied ancient medical texts to find a traditional cure for malaria. She ultimately extracted a compound called artemisinin, which has helped to save millions of lives around the world. Youyou became the first mainland Chinese scientist to receive a Nobel Prize in a science category and she did all of this without any advanced degree or training abroad. This ambitious Capricorn (who has leaned heavily into her star sign trait of patience and perseverance) is ninety-one years old! Her contributions to STEM and society will continue to live on forever.

💧 Aquarius (January 20 – February 18):

Tierra Guinn Fletcher (she/her)

Tierra Guinn Fletcher knew that she wanted to work in the STEM field and at the age of eleven, she realized that she had a passion for aerospace engineering! No shocker considering Aquarius star signs are known to be shamelessly revolutionary, free-spirited, and progressive! She graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2017 and at twenty-two years old, she worked as a Rocket Structural Design and Analysis Engineer for the Space Launch System being built by Boeing for NASA. As an Aquarius, she uses her cleverness and optimism to also help younger generations realize and achieve their dreams- whether that’s in STEM or in other fields!

🐟 Pisces (February 19 – March 20):

Alyssa Carson (she/her)

Pisces. The most intuitive of all the signs. Since the age of three, Alyssa Carson knew that she wanted to be an astronaut. She has attended various space camps, becoming the first person to attend all three NASA Space Camps in the world. She’s also been an ambassador representing Mars One--a mission to establish a human colony on Mars in 2030. She is currently a STEM intern at the Jacobs Engineering Group Incorporation. As a Pisces, Carson is a true empath--striving to help others “break through the ceiling of possibility and make a positive and lasting impact on the world!”

No matter your zodiac sign, gender, or race, STEM works for everyone! If you want to learn more about a career in STEM and how you can help diversify the field, take our STEM Works For Me quiz! You’ll find out what careers best suit your interests and personality…or zodiac sign!