"Hedy" Stuff

If you're reading this, it's probably thanks to access to wi-fi and if you're wondering who thank for that, try an iconic actress from Hollywood's Golden Age: Hedy Lamarr. 

Lamarr possessed insatiable curiosity and a mechanical aptitude that was not well known or appreciated during her lifetime. During World War II, she co-invented a radio technique called "frequency hopping" that would have allowed American submarines to fire torpedoes in a way that could prevent enemy from interfering with their guidance. It wasn't adopted in time for use during that war but was introduced during the Cuban Missile Crisis. 

This technology became the foundation for other communications advances including Wi-Fi.  Click here for a Smithsonian article that outlines this and other contributions made by a woman who enjoyed a double life as an world famous actor and a pioneering inventor. There is also included a link to a podcast about Lamarr's life you may wish to share with a young woman in your life who should be considering a career in STEM.