THE SUN QUEEN | Chapter 1 | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS

Spanning a career of almost five decades, the brilliant chemical engineer and innovator Mária Telkes channeled her exceptional talents into the exploration and exploitation of solar energy, leading to her pioneering construction of the first fully-operational solar-powered home. Throughout her tenure, especially at MIT, she encountered numerous professional obstacles erected by her male supervisor and peers, yet she remained steadfast in her determination and continued making significant strides in her field.

The person in the photograph appears contemplating, gazing into the distance with an air of resolve. They’re donning a fur coat, suggesting the image might have been captured in a cooler climate or during the colder months. The backdrop includes architectural elements and the photograph has a vintage feel, likely indicating that it was taken several decades ago.

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