Leave it to the USPTO to provide a fresh twist on an annual event. Although America’s Black History Month celebration traditionally honors inventors from the past, a February 10 event will spotlight three female inventors who are still making history.

Panelists Aprille Ericsson, Ayanna Howard, and Arlyne Simon will discuss their inspirational careers. Slots are limited, so register today for this free event.

Ericsson was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Howard University and the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in engineering as a civil servant at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. She seeks to facilitate government partnerships that enable industry and small businesses to collaborate with universities to solve strategic R&D challenges faced by U.S. government agencies. She holds one patent.

Dr. Ayanna Howard (Inventors Digest cover story, October 2019) is the founder and chief technology officer of Zyrobotics, a company that uses machine learning and robots to make educational toys for kids—especially those with special needs. She was recently appointed to lead the Department of Engineering at Ohio State University, the first woman to hold that position there. She holds three patents.

Dr. Arlyne Simon, a biomedical engineer at Intel’s Health and Life Science business unit, is also the author of the “Abby Invents” picture book series. Simon founded a multicultural children’s products company, Timouns, which has reached more than 3,500 future inventors. She holds two patents.

For more information, or to ask questions about the program, email [email protected].

The USPTO will host another panel discussion on February 12. “A focus on business” will showcase the artistic collaboration between illustrator/cartoonist Liz Montague and Google Art Director Angelica McKinley. Learn how large-scale creative projects are produced from concept to launch, even during a global pandemic.

Register today for these free virtual programs at  http://bit.ly/33yN9wu  and http://bit.ly/3fYF60P. Questions? Call 571-272-8033.