29 Highly Influential African American Scientists
Black scientists have done it all. They've traveled to space, saved countless lives, and fought for the recognition that often came easier to white colleagues. Due to systemic racism, many contributions of these key players were overlooked at the time. These 29 African American scientists have made significant contributions to their respective fields, and greatly deserve their place in history.
Born in Harlem in 1942, Bath was encouraged by her working-class parents to pursue her interests in science. She was the first African American to ever complete a residency in Ophthalmology, which she completed at New York University in 1973.
After graduating, she would go on to lead a fruitful career in ophthalmology with the 'cherry on top' being her invention of the Laserphaco Probe - making her the first African American female medical professional to earn a medical patent, in 1986.
Bath also became the first female faculty member at the Department of Opthalmology at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute. She would also establish the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in 1976.
