GREAT WOMAN OF MATHEMATICS: DR. NANCY GRACE ROMAN, 1925-2018. The "Mother of Hubble," Dr. Roman was the first woman to hold an executive position @NASA, the agency's first Chief of Astronomy. Her interest in science was lifelong, supported by her parents but discouraged by 1/7 
many others, including teachers. A high school counselor responded to her request to take algebra: "What lady would take mathematics instead of Latin?" She earned her undergraduate degree in astronomy from @swarthmore and her PhD from @UChicago, despite her adviser ignoring 2/7
her for six months straight. Upon earning her PhD, she worked in research at @YerkesObs and @mcdonaldobs, then as a professor of astronomy. During this period, she observed that the emission spectrum of the star AG Draconis had changed entirely, and this led to publication 3/7
that supported her career progression. A decade after her PhD, she joined @NASA, where she was a trailblazer, the first Chief of Astronomy. The challenge of setting up a department that would influence astronomy for decades to come appealed to her. She spearheaded many 4/7
important projects, including orbiting solar observations. The @NASAHubble Telescope was her mission, advocating for funds and setting up the program. She was so instrumental in its trajectory from idea to reality that she is known as the "Mother of Hubble." After retirement 5/7
in 1979, she continued to work towards Hubble's launching as a consultant. She taught astronomy to fifth graders and sought to inspire girls to pursue scientific careers. She has been honored with innumerable awards and prizes, coolest among them being the inclusion of her 6/7
likeness in the @LegoNASAWomen set. Dr. Roman died on Christmas 2018, at the age of 93, leaving a legacy that has enabled humanity to see, understand, dream about, and reach for arenas far beyond the confines of earth.
