Lynn Conway, a trailblazing computer scientist and microchip designer, has passed away at the age of 86. Her remarkable career was marked by both technological innovation and personal struggle, as she braved transgender discrimination and prejudice. Despite these challenges, she continued to make groundbreaking contributions to the field, earning her a revered place in the annals of computer science history.
Conway’s most notable achievement was her work on developing a simpler method for designing microchips in the 1970s, along with Carver Mead of the California Institute of Technology. This breakthrough enabled the creation of increasingly complex integrated circuits, revolutionizing the field of computer engineering. As Valeria Bertacco, a computer science professor and university vice provost, noted, “Chips used to be designed by drawing them with paper and pencil like an architect’s blueprints in the pre-digital era.” Conway’s work, on the other hand, enabled the use of software to arrange millions, and later billions, of transistors on a chip.
Conway’s professional journey began in the early 1960s when she joined IBM after graduating from Columbia University with two degrees. However, her career took a sudden turn when she disclosed her gender transition in 1968. Despite being a talented and dedicated employee, IBM terminated her employment, citing “violation of company policies.” It wasn’t until 2020, more than 50 years later, that IBM formally apologized for its actions and awarded Conway a lifetime achievement award for her work.
Lynn Conway (Via Lynn Conway/Twitter)
The story of Conway’s dismissal was brought to the attention of IBM executives by an employee who is transgender. This revelation sparked a wave of recognition and admiration for Conway’s contributions to the field. As Diane Gherson, senior vice president of human resources, said in a transcript, “We deeply regret what you went through, and I know I speak for all of us.” Dario Gill, director of research, added, “Quite simply: You have helped define the modern computing industry.”
In a 2014 video posted on YouTube, Conway reflected on her transition, noting that there was a dearth of understanding and knowledge about transgender identities in the 1960s. She also shared her remarkable observations about the impact of parental acceptance on the development of transgender children. “If they let the person blossom into who they need to be they often see just remarkable flourishing,” she said.
Throughout her career, Conway was a highly respected and accomplished professional, earning five US patents and working at esteemed institutions such as Xerox, the National Science Foundation, and the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency. She also received numerous honorary degrees from universities including Princeton University.
In the words of Nickle LaMoreaux, IBM’s chief human resources officer, “Lynn Conway broke down barriers for the trans community and pushed the limits of technology through revolutionary work that is still impacting our lives to this day.” Her legacy serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of innovation and the importance of inclusivity and acceptance.
