Lost Women of Science

Lost Women of Science tells the remarkable stories of groundbreaking women who never got the full recognition they deserved – until now.

The Lost Women of Science Initiative is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with two related missions: To tell the forgotten stories of female scientists who made groundbreaking achievements in their fields and to inspire girls and young women to embark on careers in STEM.

The Initiative’s flagship is the Lost Women of Science podcast, which, through deep reporting and rich storytelling, revisits the historical record one extraordinary scientist at a time.

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Our latest season

Yvonne Y. Clark, known as Y.Y. throughout her career, has also been nicknamed “The First Lady of Engineering,” because of her groundbreaking achievements as a Black female mechanical engineer. Season 3 of Lost Women of Science traces her trajectory, from her unconventional childhood interest in fixing appliances to civil rights breakthroughs in the segregated South; from her trailblazing role at historically Black colleges and universities to her work at NASA. What can Y.Y. teach us about what it means to be the first in a scientific field, especially as a Black woman in America?

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Recent episodes

Episode 4: The First of Many - The Success of STEM at HBCUs

Y.Y. taught at Tennessee State University for 55 years. We look at her legacy as an engineer, an educator and a mom. And we investigate how HBCUs are training the next generation of Black scientists.

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Episode 3: NASA, Rocket Engines, and the Moon Rock Box

What did Y.Y. actually do as a mechanical engineer? We dive into her work at NASA.

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Episode 2: The Three Nevers - From Undergrad to Engineer

When Y.Y. started college at Howard University, there were three things she swore she’d never do: marry a tall man, become a teacher, and work for the government. But love and life had other plans.

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Episode 1: If You Want It, You Will - Growing Up in Segregated Louisville

With her knack for fixing household appliances in early childhood, Y.Y. was practically born an engineer.

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The First Lady of Engineering: Trailer

Listen to the First Lady of Engineering Season 3 Trailer here

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Meet our Cohost and producer for Season 3

Meet our cohost and producer for season 3 of Lost Women of Science, Carol Sutton Lewis

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What our listeners say

Obsessed!
‍What a great idea for a show! The Matilda Effect episode was fascinating. Can’t wait for more. Telling all of my friends about this!

- cgb41, Apple Podcasts

Wonderful podcast!
Inspiring story of a bright and compassionate physician, ahead of her time. I am fascinated and eager for future episodes. What a delightful random discovery!

-Annie Flycaster, Apple Podcasts

Great show
‍Fabulous concept, well executed. I really like the voice of the host too, which is often a sticking point with me. Congratulations, all!

-Saltman52, Apple Podcasts

About our host

Katie Hafner

Host & Executive Producer

Katie Hafner was a longtime reporter for The New York Times, where she continues to be a frequent contributor. Katie is uniquely positioned to tell the stories of lost women of science. Not only does she bring a skilled hand to complex narratives, but she has been writing about women in STEM for nearly 30 years. She is the author of six books of non-fiction, and her first novel, The Boys, was published in July 2022 by Spiegel & Grau. Katie is also the host and executive producer of Our Mothers Ourselves, an interview podcast that celebrates extraordinary mothers.