THE SUN QUEEN | Chapter 1 | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS

Spanning a remarkable career of almost half a century, Mária Telkes, a chemical engineer and innovator, dedicated her extraordinary mind to the exploitation of solar energy. Her efforts culminated in the creation of the first solar-heated dwelling of the modern era. Despite encountering resistance and belittlement from her male superiors and peers at MIT, she remained resolute in her pursuits. The monochrome photograph depicts a woman garbed in a fur coat, gazing into the distance with a poised expression. Her head is tilted slightly upwards, as if contemplating or facing something unseen, reflecting perhaps a blend of determination and contemplation. The backdrop features the clean lines of a structure, reminiscent of modern architectural design, which frames her in a moment of quiet strength and elegance.

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