We’ve all heard the names of famous male inventors throughout history like Albert Einstein, Alexander Bell and Steve Jobs. But there are also many women who have also contributed groundbreaking ideas to science, technology, and things we use in our daily lives.

  • Seminar encourages girls to become inventors
  • Author Susan Casey is founder of the seminar
  • One girl who attended was inspired

From windshield wipers, to rocket fuel, to the life raft, to the medical syringe, women have invented amazing things. 

March is the month when we take the time to look back and honor the many achievements of women throughout history. But it’s also a time to encourage future female history-makers. 

Susan Casey is the author of the book Women Invent! Two Centuries of Discoveries That Have Shaped Our World. 

She's holding a seminar at the Northridge Public Library for students that she hopes will become inventors.

Ivy Chen, 16, is checking out the construction of a product that was invented by an 11-year-old girl to cook fat free cook bacon in the microwave.

“See that? Abby, inventor,” says Casey, pointing to the young inventor’s picture on the cover of the box.

She then spreads out a dozen different products on a table for the group of girls to go through. Seeing all these things that were invented by women sparks Ivy's young imagination.

“I’m taking business classes at my high school. When I saw this seminar was happening, I was excited because I’m very interested in the invention of things that will help benefit daily lifestyle,” said Ivy.

“The world's improved by invention and I got involved in the topic and I couldn't let go of it," said Susan. "It’s a lot of fun to share ideas and tell others about the wonderful inventions by women. We need more women inventors in the world.”

According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, women make up only 7.7 percent of primary inventors patents.

Casey showed Ivy four coffee cup sleeves and explained how inventors can make slight variations on the same type of product and get it patented.

“If somebody else has something similar because you can create a better product like maybe one of these is better than the others,” explained Casey.

The students were also given the chance to come up with some ideas of their own.

“This is very informative and this maybe inspired me that I could one day be an entrepreneur and start my own business,” said Ivy.

For more information about Susan Casey and her book, Women Invent! Two Centuries of Discoveries That Have Shaped Our World:

www.susancaseybooks.com/bio.html