Maria Telkes was a scientist acclaimed for her pioneering work on solar-powered thermal storage systems. She crafted the blueprint for and built the first ever contemporary home that utilized solar energy for heating. Her groundbreaking achievements earned her the distinction of becoming the inaugural honoree of the Society of Women Engineers Achievement Award in 1952. Later, in recognition of her extensive contributions throughout her career, she was bestowed with a lifetime achievement award in 1977. A colorful illustration portrays a woman with red hair, in a stylized artistic representation, amidst a backdrop of various solar energy concepts and devices. Vibrant hues circulate around her, signifying the dynamic spectrum of sunlight, and technological elements reflect her innovations in solar power. The illustration commemorates her legacy and recognizes her as “the sun queen.”
