Contributions of Ada Lovelace, Hedy Lamarr & Philip Don Estridge

Ada Lovelace

Major Contributions: Ada Lovelace was a mathematician who helped create the world’s first computer program. She is best known for her translation of a French paper about the Analytical Engine, which described how it could perform calculations. This work laid the foundation for computer programming.

• Has a program named after her.
• There is an Ada Lovelace Day in her honor.
• Considered the first computer programmer.
• Translated papers to English.
• Was an accomplished English writer.

Hedy Lamarr

Major Contributions: Hedy Lamarr was an inventor who co-developed frequency hopping technology, which became the basis for modern wireless technologies like WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

• National Inventors Hall of Fame
• Pioneer Award
• Invention Convention’s Bulbie Gnass Spirit of Achievement Award

• Actress during the WWII era and part of Hollywood Film Studio.
• Studied drama in her early years.
• Contributed to the ally war effort during WWII.
• Collaborated with George Antheil to create frequency hopping.

Philip Don Estridge

Major Contributions: Philip Don Estridge is credited with developing the original IBM Personal Computer (PC). With a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Florida, he was nicknamed "Father of the IBM PC." He made computers widely accessible by creating an open architecture design that allowed other companies to build compatible devices and software.