From 2000 BC to the present, women have recorded observations on astronomy, metallurgy, chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology, recently including cloning, space explorations and the development of CRISPR.  We will discuss some of these women, emphasizing the 19^th and 20^th centuries, and their many outstanding contributions.

Convener: Pat Vary has convened several LLI courses on Microbiology, Climate Change, Great Orchestras, Musical History and, most recently, Survivors of the Cold. She is a retired Distinguished Research Professor of microbiology at NIU and active in the local community.

The NIU Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), established in 2000, is a member-directed group of individuals primarily age 50 plus who enjoy learning in informal, flexible, non-competitive groups and like connecting with peers who share their interests. No grades, no tests – just Learning for the Fun of It.