Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, provides an opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations.
The presence of Latinos and Latinas in America spans centuries, predating Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War. Today their contributions enrich our society in all areas, especially across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Diana Trujillo is a leading scientist, inspiring women and men alike with her groundbreaking work in the field of space exploration. Her journey from humble beginnings in Colombia to becoming an integral part of NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover mission serves as a testament to perseverance and dedication.
Dr. Frances Rivera-Hernández, a native of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, runs the PLANETAS group at Georgia Institute of Technology, where she serves as Assistant Professor in the School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. Rivera-Hernández also devotes her time to outreach, encouraging students from underrepresented communities to pursue STEM careers.
Carlos Noriega, born in Lima, Peru, is a retired US Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, computer scientist, and NASA astronaut. Selected by NASA in 1994, Noriega flew aboard two Space Shuttle missions, where he helped deliver and install critical components of the International Space Station.
From Diana Trujillo’s trailblazing work on Mars exploration to Frances Rivera-Hernández’s planetary science research to Carlos Noriega’s contributions aboard the Space Shuttle, Latinas and Latinos in STEM have left an indelible mark on history. Their perseverance, innovation, and advocacy remind us that the future of science is brighter and more inclusive when all voices are heard.