I recently learned that March 24th has special significance in the technical and scientific communities, and one that I should have taken note of before this year. But as the saying goes, better late than never. For those who have not heard of this day before, much like I was until last week, it is Ada Lovelace Day, an international day of blogging to celebrate the achievements of women in technology and science. After learning that, there was no way could I not post today in celebration, and to honor my co-host, my friend, Sinead.

For a little background on the Enchantress of Numbers, I pulled a small excerpt from the Wiki to fill you in on this amazing woman.

Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace (10 December 1815 – 27 November 1852), born Augusta Ada Byron, was an English writer chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage’s early mechanical general-purpose computer, the analytical engine. Her notes on the engine include what is recognized as the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine; as such she is often regarded as the world’s first computer programmer.

Also for a more in-depth and sort of fun look at the woman behind today, you can view the short little video that BrainPOP made about her for kids.

So today has become a day to celebrate all women working in these fields and recognize their achievements. And given that Sinead has single handedly made science more accessible to the masses through the podcast and the blog, both with a level of listener interaction that allows the show to connect with each person, I had to give her a huge thanks. Not to mention, a long overdo pat on the back for taking on this challenge and reaching out in the community to help teach and enrich people’s lives through science.

I know that Sinead has done so many wonderful things that I should be mentioning, because she is that kind of dynamic and driven individual. But the podcast, naturally as it would, holds a special place in my heart for it’s is an enormous project that she began and has undertaken so brilliantly that I cannot help but give her praise for it. The show has taught me so much, and opened my eyes in ways I more than likely would have remained ignorant to, and for that I find myself constantly in awe of her ability to explain a topic and relate a topic to those outside her chosen field so effortlessly and comprehensively. It truly is a spectacular talent that she has.

So on this day of recognition, Sinead, I shine that spotlight on you for doing all of the amazing work and outreach that you do. You are an inspiration to us all!

For more on Ada

If you would like to find out more about the amazing woman who is responsible for this day of honoring, visit Finding Ada, to be connected with a network of related information and postings. Thanks for taking time to check out our feature for Ada Lovelace Day 2010.