I was shocked to learn she became the first Hispanic female astronaut in space. More than two decades ago, and only three years after her first space flight, Ochoa spoke about her life and inventive career with middle-school students at a 1996 Innovative Lives program at the Lemelson Center. Uruguayan entrepreneur and biochemist Alejandro Zaffaroni created a system for drugs to be administered to the body through skin bandages. Downing who invented a public mailbox design that featured both an outer and inner safety door, ensuring that when a letter or package went in, it would be safe until it was picked up by the mailman. Mary Bellis covered inventions and inventors for ThoughtCo for 18 years. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006. The field of X-ray optics was greatly expanded after its invention. Ochoa also invented the Ochoaplane and the adjustable wrench. He spent time in both nations during the following years until passing away in Chile in 2003. In other words, his invention helped introduce the world to colored television! Courtesy of NASA. Bellis, Mary. California-born Luis W. Alvarez was the sole winner of the 1968 Nobel Prize in Physics for his decisive contributions to elementary particle physics, in particular the discovery of a large number of resonance states, made possible through his development of the technique of using hydrogen bubble chamber and data analysis. He was also the first Hispanic inductee into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1978 for his radio distance and direction indicator (US Patent2,480,208). Madam C.J. Mexican American physicist Albert Baez co-invented the x-ray microscope with Dr. Paul Kirkpatrick in 1948. She participated in four NASA missions and spent 978 hours in space. Liotta's device was implanted in a 47-year-old patient with severe heart failure. Peruvian engineer Claudio Castilln Lvano created a portable respirator and incubator for premature babies. Made from a material that is specifically designed to retain moisture, rather than repel it, the beautyblender gives the perfect application of foundation every time. She is known for her independent films and documentaries, including one about Alexander Graham Bell. Diamond knife. First on the list is Ignacio Urresti. Mario Molina is a Mexican scientist and chemist. He was the first to transmit the human voice via radio waves, sending a signal from one radio tower to another. Though annoying at times, reCAPTCHA helps computers differentiate between robots and human beings, keeping internet users safe from malware and spam. Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing. Angela Ruiz Robles (1895-1975) was a pioneer and inventor of the mechanical forerunner of the electronic book. inventions have changed the world in the last decade, everyday things that were actually invented for World War I. you can stay at underwater hotels like these, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. By successfully isolating stem cells, Tsukamoto's team opened up a whole realm of possibilities for future medical advancements and cures. And then in 1900, on December 23 on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., an inventor named Reginald Fessenden accomplished a remarkable feat: He made the first wireless telephone call. This procedure helps clear blocked blood vessels and improves blood flow to the heart. Walker, she manufactured beauty products for other African-American women using formulas she developed after working for a pharmacist who taught her chemistry. #11. As the father of modern neuroscience, the list of his discoveries in this field is quite long, and most of them have very complicated names. Frank S. Greene, an electrical engineer, inventor, teacher, and advocate, was a Silicon Valley powerhouse. At the ripe old age of 97, Liotta passed away on the 31st of August, 2022. Juan Lozano's company Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana sells the Rocket Belt for a hefty price. Here are some of the famous Hispanic inventors . Manuel Ussel de Guimbarda/Wikimedia Commons, Spanish engineer and naval officer Isaac Peral y Caballero (1851-1895) is credited with creating an early electrical-powered submarine, the "Peral Submarine.". He did serve two years in jail and lost his U.S. citizenshipfor organizing an army in the United States for the purpose of invading Mexico. After his release, President Theodore Roosevelt restored his citizenship by a special proclamation in 1906. Guillermo Gonzlez Camarena (1917-1965), an electrical engineer by trade, invented a chromoscopic converter in 1940 at the age of 23. Linares invented the pressurized space suit in 1936, initially to protect people flying in hot air balloons to high altitudes. The result was the creation of the term "Hispanic", first introduced in the US Census in 1970. From award-winning astronauts to some of the brilliant botanists of the 21st century, we're celebrating these famous Hispanic scientists who've had a positive impact on their field. Material in this article is for general information or entertainment purposes only and was accurate as of the date of first publication. The first oral contraceptive, tradename Norinyl, was manufactured by Syntex Corp. Victor Celorio patented the "Instabook Maker" a technology supporting e-book distribution by quickly and elegantly printing an offline copy. Walker (December 23, 1867-May 25, 1919) Smith Collection / Gado / Getty Images. These Hispanic inventors, many of which toiled in obscurity have incredible stories that are worth sharing. Though grouping such a diverse collection of people under a single rubric -- particularly the politically expedient but dubious term Hispanic - isn't ideal, it does make room to explore their wide-ranging array of backgrounds and accomplishments. Mexican American physicist Albert Baez co-invented the x-ray microscope with Dr. Paul Kirkpatrick in 1948. On February 8, 1963, he was permitted to transmit Paraso Infantil on the station he founded in Mexico City, XHGC-TV, the country's first officially announced color broadcast. By Camilo Smith September 28, 2015 5:48 pm. His invention is still useful today in the study of phonics and the diagnosis of oral conditions like laryngitis. This is a kind of irregular combat where a small . Most Americans at that time did not have indoor plumbing, central heating and electricity. The audio and video signals were sent in the 40-meter band at 115 MHz. Ellen studied physics at San Diego State University. The X-ray reflection microscope was created in 1948 by Paul Kirkpatrick, a Stanford physics professor, and Mexican-American physicist Albert Vinicio Bez (1912-2007). Henry submitted her first patent, for a vacuum ice cream freezer, while still a college student in 1912, and moved to New York City in 1924 to found two companies to sell . First observed as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, the commemoration has expanded to a month-long event honoring the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. We recommend our users to update the browser. Abbas ibn Frinas was an Andalusian inventor in the 10th century. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. Here are a select few of some of the most notable. The creation of norethindrone, a compound obtained from the tortoise plant (dioscorea Mexicana), a wild Mexican yam, was essential to the idea. A doctorate holder and one of the world leaders in semiconductor technology . This includes people who reported detailed Hispanic or Latino groups.". Norton is a robot who creates inventions with his robotic dog Alpha. According to the Smithsonian Institution, Ellen Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman astronaut. The network that would later become Univision released this series of ads calling on "Hispanics" to fill out the 1980 Census. Field: Botanist, Inventor and Teacher. It was the first scientific Nobel for a person of Spanish origin. Luis von Ahn is also the co-founder ofDuolingo, a completely free app that has caused major buzz among those wanting to learn another language. He was also inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007. Dr. Liotta developed the organ in 1969 at a hospital in Houston, Texas. She was looking for a way to allow her students to carry fewer books to and from classes, so she created a mechanical encyclopedia. Julio Palmaz, a vascular radiologist from Argentina, is credited with advancing the field of angioplasty surgery. Can you describe the problem? Born in Guadalajara, Mxico, Guillermo Gonzlez Camarena was granted U.S. Patent 2,296,019 for a "Chromoscopic adapter for television equipment", an early color television transmission system. He died in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1999 at the age of 75. "Hispanic or Latino refers to a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. The erectile dysfunction drug, Viagra, on the other hand, was an accidental discovery. Victor Ochoa invented an early form of electrical brakes. The son of Puerto Rican immigrants, he was born in 1940 and grew up in the Bronx, New York, where he received a diploma from Cardinal Hayes High School. Left: Victor Leaton Ochoa, inventor and Mexican revolutionary, undated, AC0590-0000008. Like all other human ethnicities, Hispanics have their fair share of great minds and inventors. Well, Zaffaroni helped create multiple biotechnology companies that are responsible for many brilliant medical breakthroughs. Inventors Jacob Fitzgerald and William H. Silver applied for a patent for the 'potato-masher and fruit-crusher' which was designed to crush the potato through a series of small holes, similar to a garlic press. Their technological inventions have paved the way in the fields of physics, the medical sciences, and music, among others. Before developing the "BeautyBlender," Silva also worked on the sets of films, including "Friday" (1995), "Money Talks"(1997), and "Idle Hands"(1999), as well as television programs like "Girlfriends" and "Moesha.". A former captain in the Mexican Federal Army, he also served two years in jail and lost his U.S. citizenship for organizing an army in the United States for the purpose of invading Mexico. After his release, President Theodore Roosevelt restored his citizenship by a special proclamation in 1906. He is also credited with developing clips for pencils and pens, which enable them to fit into shirt pockets. Although today underwater travel and leisure is so commonplace that you can stay at underwater hotels like these, it was once a leading-edge and daring technological advancement. She would later spend many years working as a makeup artist for musicians like Dr. Dre, Eve, Tupac, and Brandi, among others, during her time at MTV. ThoughtCo. Before being hired at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas as Director of the Artificial Heart Program, he worked in Lyon, France. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. He immigrated to the United States in 1884 and . He then went back to the University of Chile in the 1980s. As impressive as this was, the submarine's absence of a double hull and a diesel engine only limited its use to coastal actions. Ruiz received a Spanish patent number of 190,698 in 1949 for devices with buttons that displayed the lesson materials when pressed and engaged. Patents 4,229,845 and 5,046,203 for a "Collapsible Hammock Support.". The unique egg shape of this sponge-like tool came to Silva during a special effects makeup class when she learned the value of makeup application with different sizes and shapes of beauty tools. The inventor was issued U.S. Patent No. At that point, the government approved the NTSC television color standard. When not in prison, he was busy filing for USand international patents and even incorporated the International Airship Company in Patterson, New Jersey, presumably to manufacture his Ochoaplane. His invention became famous in its day when opera singer Jenny Lind, who had had vocal damage from overuse in her early 20s, gave him credit for rescuing her career, thanks in part to Garca's groundbreaking device. Jose Hernandez-Rebollar invented the Acceleglove, a glove that can translate sign language into speech. He made a number of inventions related to high speed trains. In addition to being a noted physicist, he was also a passionate humanitarian and educator. It launched in 1888, leading to other countries to design and test similar submarines around the world. It uses magnetic attraction to make it easier for trains to slow down. He also founded the Venezuelan Institute for Neurological and Brain Studies, the predecessor of the current Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC). Learn about these trailblazing Hispanic Americans who made history. Mousepad. The information is turned into data that a computer converts into words on a speaker or into text on a screen. She also added co-inventor to her resume when she helped develop three patents in the field of optics. Ellen Ochoa. After having her invention stolen by a man who claimed that there was no way a woman could have invented such a . Alejandro Zaffaroni (1923-2014) was a biotechnology pioneer. Ellen Ochoa (1958-present): First Hispanic Woman to Visit The Space; Top 10 Famous Hispanic Scientists #10. Returning to the topic of Nobel Prize winners, besides chemist Mario Molina mentioned above, there are several Hispanic Nobelists in the sciences who deserve recognition. For now, I would like to share a few intriguing stories, primarily of people who have been documented at the Lemelson Centerso far. And, on the 8th of September, 1888, it was launched. Ildaura Murillo-Rohde, PhD, RN (1920-2010): Changing the face of nursing. Manuel Patricio Rodrguez Garca (1805-1906) was born on the 17th of March, 1805, in either Zafra in the Badajoz Province of Spain or Madrid. There, she created three inventions that improved the speed and effectiveness of how computers handle information. Source. Born in California, Ellen Ochoa was granted U.S. Patent 4,838,644 for "Position, Rotation, and Intensity Invariant Recognizing Method " and two other optical-related patents. Mexican inventor Victor Ochoa was also a Mexican revolutionary. Currently, he is the Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Morn in Argentina. Dr. Ellen Ochoa, a veteran astronaut shown here on the flight deck of the space shuttle Atlantis on April 15, 2002, is currently the 11th director of NASAs Johnson Space Center. Nevertheless, the University of Knigsberg later awarded him an honorary M.D. His best-known invention, the Ochoaplane was a small flying machine with collapsible wings. For his invention, Camarena became the first person in history to receive a patent for the development of a color television (U.S. Patent 2,296,019). According to their website: Emilio Sacristan of Santa Ursula Xitla, Mexico, invented an air-pressure powered driver for pneumatic ventricular assist device (VAD). Moving on to another impactful inventor is Albert Bez who co-invented an x-ray reflection microscope in 1948. A . These are some of their most notable names and contributions. In 1881 he received a patent for inventing a method of producing carbon . NASA has much to thank the Spanish inventor. However, we'll use the official U.S. Census definition for this compilation of inventors, with no distinction made between U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. Photo by Monica M. Smith. World Book Online is an engaging, verified, and trustworthy digital resource for grades pre-K through high school. Between 1976 and 1983, he conducted research and taught at the Engineering Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Rea Ann Silva and her now famous invention. Victor Ochoa, who was born in Ojinaga, Mexico, in 1850, created an early form of electric streetcar brakes. LEMELSON CENTER for the Study of Invention and Innovation. It became law on August 17, 1988, after Public Law 100-402 was approved. He was laid to rest on the grounds of the St. Edward's Catholic Church in Sutton Green, Surrey. However, it is essential to note that the term "Hispanic" is very nebulous, with many interpretations, including conflicting official definitions from the U.S. Census and other "official" sources. A laundry operation circa 1925 . 1. Raised in Guatemala, Ahn received his bachelors degree from Duke University and obtained his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. Plasma engine for rockets. This device allowed color to be captured by the black and white cameras of the time. 1938-2009. Of course there are many more inventors and innovators who merit further attention. For other assistance, please see our contact us page. The Alaskan Inuit people were the first to build and use kayaks, at least 4,000 years ago. Paper-bag-making machine. It could travel at max speeds of nearly eight knots and hold a crew of 12. A Netflix series based upon her life, Self Made, premiered in March 2020. He also filed for additional patents for color television systems in 1960 and 1962. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2012. Csar Milstein (1927-2002): A Pioneer in the Field of Monoclonal Antibodies #8. Thats why in the early aughts, Mexican scientist Jos Hernndez-Rebollar invented an electric glove that can turn sign language into spoken words and text. He was also the first one to build a tunnel under a navigable river. Side note: He is the father of singer Joan Baez. Ochoa is also known for inventing the ochoaplane, an adjustable wrench, and a pen and pencil clip, among other inventions. She was born Sarah Breedlove on 12/23/1867 in Delta Louisiana. 11 Inspiring Famous Hispanic Scientists. Guerrilla warfare was developed in Spain. A fury erupted when the Washington Post reported last week that Former Heritage Foundation researcher Jason Richwine argued in his Harvard doctoral dissertation that Hispanics are genetically predisposed to have lower IQs. Even after his death in 2014, Zaffaronis work continues to live on. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Miguel Angel Ondetti has been granted more than 100 patents, including U.S. Patent 4,105,776 for "Proline Derivatives and Related Compounds" also known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to treat hypertension. Most recently, Villafaa started a new venture, Medical 21, which aims to develop artificial blood vessels as a safer, less invasive alternative for coronary artery bypass graft surgeries. CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart and was invented in 2000 in part by Guatemalan professor of computer science, Luis Von Ahn.