See the Salaries for 53 People in STEM Jobs

Levo League
Aug 27, 2015

Diving into the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (aka STEM) requires things like an affinity for numbers, talent for logical thinking and, if you’re a woman, a special brand of fortitude. “Women are leaking out of the STEM pipeline at every turning point in their career path, particularly during college. More resources need to be dedicated to fostering, mentoring and guiding women at this point in their educational path,” says Julia Tartaglia, co-founder and executive director of The Scientista Foundation, an organization created to do just that.

Our goal here at Levo is to give you the tools to achieve your professional dreams, and part of that is the confidence to ask for what you’re worth. Knowledge is power, especially in a field like STEM that can seem like an intimidating boys’ club. For an in-depth look at what you can expect to make at different points in your STEM career, we went to groups like The Scientista Foundation, asked friends of friends and even conducted an online survey so people felt comfortable fessing up. (It’s worth noting that the survey is unscientific and the salaries self-reported, but that doesn’t make the responses any less fascinating!) Read on to satisfy your STEM salary curiosity, broken down by region:

EAST COAST

1. $110,000 salary + moderate equity: “I’m quite happy with my salary and very happy with my position. I’m a new grad (I was a physics and computer science major at an Ivy League school), and I had offers from major tech companies for the same base salary with much larger bonuses of an extra $30,000-$50,000 annually, but I am really excited about what this startup is doing. There are also much larger opportunities to be mentored and to take leadership positions. Their initial offer was 30 percent lower and I was prepared to negotiate, but they knew I wasn’t thrilled so they bumped it up ‘to make [my] decision easy.’” — Rose, 22, software engineer for a medical startup in Connecticut and New York

2. $60,000: “I am a state employee. As a result, my salary is largely contingent on who is in office at the time, as well as the state budget. I know similar jobs in my field with my level of experience pay around $65,000 starting, but I’m learning a lot. That matters as much as money in my mind.” — Nicole, 28, Windows system administrator, Annapolis, MD

3. $46,344: “This is a horrible salary and not what I am worth. As a postdoc, we generally cannot negotiate. There are so many other postdocs available that a low salary is acceptable in the industry.” — Ania, 28, postdoctoral scientist at an academic institution in Boston

4. $67,500 + up to $3,000 bonus: “My company recently made all employees ‘bonus eligible,’ but how they did it wasn’t really a bonus. What they did was set aside a portion of our salary to be given after the year end as a merit bonus. While the overall salary stayed the same, now our monthly pay has been reduced in favor of a lump sum merit bonus later. Oh and, the merit bonus MAY be bring your total salary up to your previous yearly income, but it’s all subject to performance. So essentially we may actually make less than before the bonus! Considering I work in Big Pharma, you’d think the pay would be better to start, but it is in the lower range for similar-size companies in the area. Now with this, we really do make less than others in our field. Also, job promotions are hard to come by, so prospects for significant salary growth are slim. Most STEM professionals in my company end up leaving for better pay and career growth. With a Master’s degree and industry experience, I should be making closer to $80,000, if not more.” — Lynn, 36, cell and molecular biologist in pharmaceutical research, Boston

5. $60,000: “I am not happy with my salary, as I know that I am extremely undervalued. Initially my salary was even lower at $36,000, even though I had experience and a Master’s degree. Once I found out my coworkers were getting paid $70,000 – $75,000, I decided to talk to my boss. I theorize one main reason for this is that I am an international hire, so my boss feels OK underpaying me. He has done this to all the other international hires on our team as well.” — Maria, 28, IT business analyst, Boston

6. $67,500: “While this is obviously enough for me to survive on, I don’t think it is as much as what other people in the industry are getting paid. I didn’t negotiate at all for it since it’s my first job. I know some of my friends in STEM are definitely making a lot more. I’m sure that my salary will increase if I stay in the field, but from what I’ve heard, this is relatively low for people in my industry in this area.” — Katrina, 23, software engineer for a small software company, Boston

7. $102,000: “I feel satisfied with my salary now, but it took a long time for me to get to a point of satisfaction. I started with only $62,000 and worked my way to my current amount over six years. My last raise was very significant — 20 percent — but it was to get me to stay despite being unhappy with the working conditions. Because of that, I’m not sure how much that counts towards me actually earning it. I still left the job less than a week ago.” — Rudi, 33, microbiologist, Boston

8. $74,000: “I did not negotiate, but my salary is dependent on the government pay scale. I feel like I make a fair amount for having a Bachelor’s and living in a metro area with a high cost of living. Because I’m on the government pay scale, I’ll likely be making more than my peers in industry in 10 years.” — Melissa, 26, research chemical engineer for a US Army research center, Natick, MA

9. $65,000: “My salary is very fair, as I am fresh out of college and had no experience prior to this job. I did not negotiate because I didn’t want to risk my first job by trying to get more. If I had, I probably could’ve gotten into the high 60s, low 70s range. As it is, my salary seems to be on the higher side compared to classmates with a similar experience level, although I do live in a high cost of living area.” — Shannon, 21, ceramics engineer for a microelectronics company, Long Island, N.Y.

10. $80,000: “My salary has almost consistently gone down since I graduated university for engineering, but I am in the non-profit sector. Friends who stayed in the corporate sector are making $400K, but I’m glad I’m in the field I’m in, even though I did have to negotiate heavily to get this salary.” — Pallavi, 34, technology consultant for a non-profit, New York City

11. $83,000: “I’m pretty happy with my salary. It’s more than I expected to make at this point in my career. I didn’t really negotiate because I felt it was more than I deserved. I also don’t really have any idea how much my friends make. I expect that my salary will keep growing since I’m pretty fresh out of school, but I don’t really know by how much.” — Haley, 25, researcher for a technology company, Rochester, N.Y.

12. $25,000: “I got a fellowship. It’s more than most students in my department get, but typical for a Ph.D. student at a wealthy university. I am not wealthy, but because my expenses are low, it’s more than enough to cover everything I want to buy with some left over for an IRA. I’m happy with this income, especially in today’s economy.” — Kodi, 26, Ph.D. student in experimental psychology, Stony Brook, N.Y.

13. $60,150: “My salary could be a little higher. I’d like to be making closer to $70,000 within the next five years, but for my first job I am happy. When I was applying for jobs, I was going for business analyst positions more than developer positions. I ended up getting an offer from the tech department at the university I was attending. I was pretty nervous about starting and worried about whether or not I’d like it, but I absolutely love it!” — Ashley, 23, senior web developer, Bethlehem, PA

14. $86,000 + $10,000 bonus: “My salary is really good for my Bachelor’s in biology. However, compared to my co-workers who are engineers, I feel underpaid. I work in manufacturing, which doesn’t suit my mindset very well. I’d love to have more of a field biology position, but those roles pay half my current salary.” — Maggie, 35, environmental specialist for an oil and gas company, Philadelphia

15. $35,700: “I’m a graduate student, and the salary is fixed for our department. As someone in computer science, I know I could be making WAY more in industry than I am in grad school. All told, I feel as though this is plenty to cover cost of living and leave me enough to have some fun and save for the future. Hopefully finishing my degree will yield a higher salary with access to more interesting jobs.” — Maria, 25, graduate student in computer science studying computational biology, Providence, RI

16. $70,000 + possible overtime: “This is a great salary for the area in which I live, especially for my age. I live comfortably and save pretty aggressively. I know that friends in other areas make more, but they’re not saving nearly as much due to their areas’ cost of living. I could always be making more, but I’m content for now. I also got promoted fairly quickly to a mid-level position, so I don’t expect much more advancement for a while to come.” — Jessica, 25, net developer for a large industrial defense contractor, Newport News, VA

17. $85,000: “I feel my salary is more than fair. I make much more than I would in academia. It’s less than industry, but I have significant job security. That is more than worth the lesser salary to me.” — Anne, 35, research scientist for the federal government, Washington, D.C.

MIDWEST

18. $41,600 + overtime wages: “I make more than some of my friends, but I feel as though I am underpaid. I took on a lot of responsibilities that weren’t apparent when I interviewed. I still love my job very much, but I’m hoping for a raise since I have to do tasks above my pay grade and title.” — Marta, 23, junior IT analyst, Chicago

19. $34,000: “I’m happy with my salary because it’s my first job in tech. I hope that eventually I will break into the $40,000 bracket, but for now, I’m able to live semi-decently. I worked in this same department while I was a student at this school and made $12 an hour. Now I’ve returned to the department as a graduate, and I’m making $16.35 an hour. I’m considered a temporary employee, so I don’t get benefits. That would be the only thing that would make my job even more ideal.” — Nicole, 26, build tech specialist for data migration at a large public university, Ann Arbor, MI

20. $45,760: “I feel grossly underpaid for my field. Most of my friends working in the same field or with similar degrees are making a minimum of $10,000 more a year. I work for a small company, so if I ever want to make a competitive salary I will have to move to a much larger company with more growth opportunities.” — Lean, 26, cell biologist, Kalamazoo, MI

21. $73,000 + 10 percent year-end bonus: “I had a few contract and consulting roles in my field before taking this position. I feel like I’m being adequately paid, and I love my job. But even though it seems like I am doing well compared to some of my peers, with my high student loan debt from undergrad and graduate school, there’s not much left at the end of the month. I sometimes feel guilty about how much money I make when I learn a friend is making significantly less than me, but I also don’t feel like I have any assets or savings to show for it. I’m making more than a lot of my friends, but then on the flip-side, a lot them are buying houses and appear to be in a better place than me. Even though I’m making decent money, I don’t think I’m at a place where I’ll be able to buy a home or get ahead for a long time.” — Paige, 29, e-Learning Developer, Minneapolis

22. $58,000: “This number was definitely enough for me when I got the job. I’d just graduated with my Bachelor’s in computer science. After realizing that I was making about the median for current computer science grads, I was satisfied. I didn’t negotiate, since this was an offer I received at the end of an internship with the same company, and it was quite a lot more than the $45,000 they paid me for said internship. However, after reflecting on the offer for about a year now, I do wonder if I should have tried to negotiate. My mostly male peers all seemed to be making about $4,000-$9,000 more than I was for similar work at different companies in the same region.” — Betsie, 22, internet infrastructure engineer for a technology company, St. Louis

23. $78,000 + $15,000-20,000 bonus: “I’m comfortable at my pay, however I’m due for a raise. Given current industry conditions, that won’t happen for a while. After my industry gets out of this slump, I expect my salary to increase to around $85,000 with bonuses around $25,000-30,000 per year.” — Roxy, 28, hydraulic fracturing engineer, Williston, ND

24. $60,000: “I’m not okay with what I’m getting paid. I think it’s a fine salary, but I’m a contract worker, which means I don’t get benefits like holidays or paid time off. I feel like others with less experience are faring better than me.”— Nicole, 30, database developer for a retail company in Columbus, OH

SOUTH

25. $65,200: “The area I live in has an average salary of of $55,000 for engineers. I had one other offer that was $58,000 + $3,000 sign-on bonus. I didn’t negotiate for my current job as I already knew people who were working, and they got offered around the same amount. I also got offered about $3,000 more than my boyfriend who works at a competing company!”— Heather, 22, software engineer, Melbourne, FL

26. $83,000 + $8,000 bonus: “I just switched to this job from a position with a large telecom company where I was making $20,000 less than I am now. When my current employers asked me my salary requirement, I asked for $70,000. I was stunned when they came back so far over my offer. I never really felt the need to negotiate that further. For the area I’m in, that’s a great salary, and I am making more than anyone else I know around my age, including those in STEM. I hear that healthcare is one of the highest-paying sectors for developers, so I imagine if I stay with this company, my salary will continue to grow at a very good rate.” — Renee, 23, software developer for a healthcare company, Atlanta

27. $57,000 + $2,100 bonus: “I am not remotely happy with my salary. I know friends in the field with less experience than me who are making at least $20,000 more. The salary was not negotiated, and at maximum, I stand to earn only a three percent raise per year. I haven’t even received that three percent raise since I started working with this company over a year and a half ago.” — Nicole, 26, mechanical engineer for a global power industry corporation, Columbia, SC

28. $82,500: “My salary is about average for my position, experience and the area. I expect to make more as time progresses, but I don’t know at what rate. I’d rather negotiate for more vacation days than a larger salary. I have friends who make more in other jobs, but they also tend to work more hours in a more stressed environment. I’m happy to work at my own pace and still have time in the evenings and weekends for non-work activities.” — Catherine, 25, firmware engineer, Dallas

29. $52,000: “I have other friends in STEM who make more than I do. My company capitalizes on people needing work with no experience by overworking us but still paying very little.” — Delin, 26, developer, Dallas

30. $126,000: “My salary has slowly gone up with each job change. I currently make right around the average for my job in my area. Most women in my company are being paid less than their male counterparts, though.” — Amy, 35, senior Linux engineer for an insurance/financial company, Forth Worth, TX

31. $32,000 + undisclosed annual bonus: “My salary is definitely on the lower end of the spectrum for my field. I live in a large city with a low cost of living, so I’m doing okay. Many of my classmates who took similar positions in larger cities have higher salaries than I do. This is my first job after graduating college, and I was hired within a week of graduating. My starting salary was $30,000, and at the end of the year, it was increased to $32,000 as I had become a certified technologist. I don’t plan on being with this company for much longer as I would like to go to grad school, and I can’t possibly save enough money for that with my current salary.” — Gale, 24, cytogenetic technologist, San Antonio, TX

32. $22,000: “It’s not enough even though I split the rent with my boyfriend. For at least a week and a half each month, I’m short on money. I wasn’t able to negotiate because where I study, you can’t get paid more than the cost of living. My school established the cost of living from the 1980s.” — Marie, 27, anatomy and neurobiology Ph.D. student, San Juan, Puerto Rico

WEST COAST

33. $61,892: “I think my salary is much higher than many other post-doc salaries because it is a government post-doc. I did not negotiate because I didn’t really know I could. Most of my friends who are post-docs make much less than I do, unless they are government post-docs.” — Elizabeth, 31, research geneticist, Phoenix

34. $33,000: “This salary is enough for me to live on by myself, though I do think it’s a bit low for having a Bachelor’s and the amount of research experience I have. It’s decent enough for the city I live in, but I’d like to make more so I could do more things and possibly move or start a family. I’m planning on going back to school for a Ph.D.” — Lisa, 22, cellular biology research assistant, Tucson, AZ

35. $30,000: “My salary for a lab technician isn’t enough to live on in the San Francisco Bay Area, and neither is my salary plus a part-time position. I feel like I constantly do more work than some other people, yet I’m the first to be let go when we have funding issues. It’s frustrating and I wish that I could be more independent.” — Catherine, 23, neuroscience lab technician for a top university, Berkeley, Calif.

36. $48,000: “I feel that my salary is sufficient for life in general, but I wish it was comparable to what the same job in other countries pays. At least there has been recent progress through our union negotiating better deals for us. My position is a temporary one, so in the future I hope to move up the ladder and hopefully double my salary in the next five years.” — Kate, 31, postdoctoral researcher in biology in academia, Davis, CA

37. $68,000 for academic year + possibility of an additional 20 percent summer salary: “I am joining the faculty at a large, undergraduate state university. Since this is a public university, I was able to see other salaries online. My salary is at the high end for a new assistant professor in the school, so I’m satisfied. I also know from looking at other institutions I interviewed at (all undergraduate institutions) that my salary is probably at the higher end of the average salary range for similar positions, but this highly depends on the university and location. I negotiated for this salary and it was at the upper range of what they were willing to offer. In the future I can expect that my salary will increase over time, but not dramatically so because I am not climbing a corporate ladder or entering a field with high compensation. However, if I reach tenure, I will have a huge advantage in terms of job security. I also have good benefits and a good pension plan.” — Jane, 29, assistant professor of physics at a public undergraduate university, Los Angeles

38. $60,000: “I have mixed feelings about my salary because I am at a startup, and this is my first salaried position. I want my company to succeed, and that might mean taking lower pay until we get funding. At the same time, I hear my peers talking about being able to afford to live on their own, while I’m crunched into a two-bedroom apartment with three other people.” — Kimberly, 24, gameplay programmer for an educational games startup, Portola Valley, CA

39. $35,000: “I was offered this raise after working hourly in the same lab for about eight months. Honestly, I was happy to have a job after finishing my undergraduate degree. I live in a city with a very high cost of living, so my salary is doable, but not enough to live without roommates.” — Pamela, 24, research assistant for university biology lab, Santa Barbara, CA

40. $55,000 + $5,000 retention bonus + $5,000 yearly bonus: “It is not enough, but I was recently promoted from a low entry-level salary. My pay went up 20 percent, so I cannot really complain. The industry I work in is in a small niche, and the company I work for is still in its beginning stages. That’s why compared to other established companies, the pay is not competitive.” — Michelle, 26, research associate III at a biotechnology company, San Diego, CA

41. $90,000 + $8,000 bonus: “My salary is on par with my field, and actually the highest I have made. However, working for a larger company, it actually is lower than what most people in my field make at big companies. I did not negotiate, and I make the most out of all of my friends. Still, I should be making a slightly higher salary as I have more experience in my field than most people my age.” — Kim, 25, senior front-end engineer for a large company in San Francisco

42. $61,100: “My salary is determined by my university to be 80.5 percent of what my peers make, and they believe this is reasonable. Upon taking the job four years ago, I did not negotiate my salary, but I did negotiate over a start-up package for research worth about $20,000. None of this was take-home pay or bonus. I don’t feel that my salary will increase much in the future due to financial difficulties of my institution, but I hope to be a voice within our faculty to strongly encourage our administration to raise salaries to 90 percent of our peers.” — Wendilyn, 34, assistant professor of meteorology, Greeley, CO

43. $85,000 + up to $21,000 bonus: “I’m three months into the position, so it’s new to me. I negotiated a little, mostly around relocation expenses and extra vacation to travel home and see family. My current pay is $10,000 more than my previous job. I was there for nine years and underpaid. My bonus depends on if the company hits its growth, so it’s a sliding scale.” — Amy, next-generation sequencing scientist for a laboratory instrument manufacturer, Reno, NV

44. $44,000 pre-tax: “It’s a little less than I’d like, but I’m in a competitive area, so I’m happy to have a job in my field. I hope that upon getting licensing and finishing my Master’s, I’ll get more. Other friends in my area make about the same. I’d like to get to $50,000 in the next few years.” — Gabriela, 24, geologist for large environment/engineering consulting firm, Portland, OR

45. $71,000 + defined benefit pension (+ 12 percent): “My salary is okay, but not great. My student employees get substantially larger offers than what I make. My position is unionized, and I had to negotiate a much better offer than the union-negotiated rate in order to economically justify leaving my job. Future earnings potential at my present job are uncertain. Departmental funding sources are drying up and management often skips the performance reviews that are contractually required for raises. But I get invitations weekly from industry recruiters, so I could easily jump ship and earn more.” — Justin, 34, computer science/Linux system administrator for Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

46. $65,000 + $5,000 bonus: “I transitioned from being a flight attendant into technology last February, and this is my first job in software development. I attended a four-month bootcamp at Epicodus (the best and hardest thing I ever did) and found an internship immediately after. My employer ended up offering me a job very quickly for about $5,000 more than I was planning to negotiate for, so I just said yes without a counteroffer. I love what I do and where I work! We help high school students research and understand their college options. We also help active college students and entering college students find scholarships. We have the largest and most up-to-date database of scholarships. I know because I helped build the pages! I’m the luckiest person on earth to work for a boss I respect tremendously, work with people who teach me so much every day and work for people who are going to go on to do great things. I don’t know how my salary ranks next to anyone else at my age and my level of experience, but my job satisfaction is second to none.” — Maigen, 34, front end web developer/UX designer, Portland, OR

47. $37,440: “My salary is adequate for my current position. Once I have my full degree I expect it to go up fairly substantially. As an intern, I didn’t expect an astonishingly high start pay, but on the upside, my company gives full benefits to interns.” — Mark, 25, software development intern doing web development, Portland, OR

48. $58,000 + 100 percent of healthcare premiums: “It’s a bit low compared to similar jobs in the area, but my company is a very small company. The culture is really great, so there are lots of other benefits that don’t necessarily translate to salary dollars. If I were to work for a large company in my city, I would be making several thousand more, but I really enjoy where I am at and the work I do” — Jen, 28, electrical engineer for building automation, Portland, OR

49. $35,000: “I feel decently about my salary. I am in an entry-level internship position, so I think that it’s perfectly acceptable for a brief amount of time. Once the internship ends, I would hope for it to jump by $10,000. I was able to negotiate and increase the base by $4,000. In the future, it’ll likely more than double within three to four years. It has the possibility of tripling if I move down to California.” — Tyler, 24, web development intern for a financial company in Portland, OR

50. $95,000 + variable bonus (0-15 percent base): “I recently moved up to this salary after negotiating at my current position. I know this is more than others in my department. I was told this was unprecedented, but that I so valuable they moved resources to keep me. I am very happy with what I’m getting paid!” — Mark, 31, software engineer for a large non-technical company, Orem, UT

51. $125,000: “I started off at $96,000 three years ago. Discounting inflation, I expect to be making $180,000 within the next five years. Most friends either make significantly less or a comparable amount. My salary is very comfortable. I have a pretty low-stress job and plenty of vacation time.” — Catherine, 27, software engineer, Redmond, WA

52. $120,000 + 12,000 bonus: “My salary has steadily gone up since I entered the field, but I think other companies pay more competitively. It’s easy enough to move to another company and keep the same wage, along with potential for stock and stock options.” — Hadassah, 29, program manager for a software company, Seattle

53. $45,000 + bonus: “My salary is very fair for a starting wage fresh out of school, and it’s equivalent to what I made after 10 years in my previous career. I used to do regulatory compliance for the pharmaceutical industry, and then I went back to school for a diesel mechanic degree. Now I fix trucks, buses, boats, and generators. I also have way less stress.” — Kristin, 36, diesel mechanic for a major engine manufacturer, Seattle

What do you think of these salaries — are they what you expected, or were some surprising? Weigh in on the comment section below.

This post was originally published on Levo League by Zahra Barnes.

10 Women Scientists That History Shouldn't Forget

Although women are making steady inroads in STEM fields, the science and technology world remains dominated by men. According to the National Girls Collaborative Project, fewer than 30 percent of all science and engineering jobs are held by women. Though that figure is certainly better than it was in the past, we have a long way to go in lifting the barriers to science, tech, engineering, and math education that keep so many women out of those fields.

Throughout history, women have had to overcome obstacles to access education, yet many persisted in STEM nonetheless — despite the fact that their work may not always have gotten recognition (or was outright stolen) by their male colleagues. But it's never too late to give these brave, history-making women their due.

Here are 10 women in STEM who were forgotten by history — until now.

Mivela Maric:Albert Einstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds in history, but there has been some recent discussion over the role that his first wife, Mivela Maric, played in his success.

People who debate Maric’s involvement in the development of theories attributed to Einstein tend to fall into two camps. On one side, there are those who argue that she was merely a sounding board for her husband’s ideas; on the other, that she was a direct collaborator in his research and even helped create some of what we now consider Einstein’s greatest theoretical works. What’s not up for debate is that Maric was a fierce intellectual whose input Einstein took seriously.

Based on correspondence between the couple, historians do agree that Maric can be credited with working alongside her husband. (Einstein talks of “our studies” and “our theory” in many of the letters.) Despite her intelligence, by virtue of being a woman in the earlier part of the 20th century, Maric’s work has never been fully evaluated, and her role (however ambiguous) in her husband’s work will never be fully understood. Maric died in 1948, and for years was overlooked as a physicist and merely noted for her relationship to Einstein. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

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Jocelyn Bell Burnell:The name of British astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell may not be familiar to you, but her 1967 discovery of pulsars changed astronomy forever.

While still a graduate student at the University of Cambridge, Bell Burnell's research into quasars (enormous celestial bodies that emit huge amounts of energy) led her to stumble onto large neutron stars that act almost as smaller-scale quasars — now known as pulsars.

With her male advisor, Antony Hewish, Bell Burnell co-authored a paper on the revelation that would go on to help scientists study many facets of the universe, including the possibility of alien communication. In 1974, Hewish and physicist Martin Ryle won the Nobel Prize in physics for work made possible by Bell Burnell's discovery. Her name wasn't even included in the award.

Since Bell Burnell's discovery, she has been a teacher and researcher and has headed the Royal Astronomical Society. She also served as the first female president of both the Institute of Physics and The Royal Society of Edinburgh. In 2018, she was awarded a $3 million dollar prize for her work on pulsars, over half a century after she discovered them.

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Chien-Shiung Wu: Born in China in 1912, Chien-Shiung Wu attended a school founded by her father in Jiangsu Province. As a child, she encountered a biography of chemist Marie Curie (the first woman to receive a Nobel prize, and the only woman to date to win it twice) that sparked her imagination and drive. Wu's grades in school were so impressive, she was invited to attend the National Central University in Nanjing without having to complete the school's usually mandatory entrance exams.

After graduating in 1934, Wu realized she needed to attend graduate school abroad if she wanted to advance in her field. She achieved her Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley in 1940 and went on to teach at Smith and Princeton.

Wu was also involved in the highly secretive Manhattan Project — the US government's scientific race to create atomic weapons ahead of its enemies during the Second World War. Although her work was instrumental in developing the atomic bombs the US used in the Pacific theater, Wu subsequently expressed regret at her role in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and shared her wish that atomic warheads never be used again.

After the war, Wu remained at Columbia University in New York, where her research on the decay of atoms brought her work to the attention of two colleagues; in 1954, those colleagues were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for work that could only be verified through Wu's expertise. Wu's research went uncredited.

Her work did, however, earn other awards and accolades over the years. Wu is credited with helping scientists understand blood molecule changes and sickle cell anemia, and she was the first woman to serve as president of the American Physical Society.

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Lise Meitner: Austrian physicist Lise Meitner is sometimes credited as “the mother of the atomic bomb," but the scientist actually refused to work on the Manhattan Project. She reportedly declared, "I will have nothing to do with a bomb!" But her work in nuclear science helped pave the way for future discoveries; much like other women scientists, her name was left off the major awards that resulted.

After achieving her doctorate in the early 1900s, Meitner began a 30-year working relationship with chemist Otto Hahn, in which the two collaboratively studied radioactivity using insights from their respective fields. When Nazi Germany annexed Austria, the Jewish Meitner was forced to flee to Sweden to continue her work; once there, she received no support from the Swedish scientific elite, who were hostile to the idea of a female colleague.

Meitner continued her research in spite of rejection from her peers. Along with Hahn, scientist Fritz Strassmann, and her nephew Otto Frisch, Meitner began new tests on uranium in Copenhagen. Eventually, they were able to develop and prove a theory of nuclear fission. But it was Hahn who, in 1945, was awarded the Nobel Prize for this work.

Although the three other scientists who'd worked with Hahn on the discovery were awarded a different award in 1966, the Nobel “mistake" was never formally clarified.

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Rosalind Franklin:Biologist James Watson and physicist Francis Crick solved the riddle of DNA in the 1950s, but they couldn't have done their work without the findings of other scientists; notably Rosalind Franklin. The daughter of English socialites, Franklin was given every educational opportunity. At every turn, she was faced with resistance from colleagues, employers, and even her own father — a would-be scientist, himself, who worried about a woman's place in scientific research.

After graduating from Cambridge, Franklin bounced around between jobs in European laboratories, learning cutting edge X-ray techniques. She eventually took a three-year research scholarship at King's College in London.

Utilizing the radiology techniques she'd learned, Franklin and her lab partner, Maurice Wilkins, took some of the first clear images of DNA structures. The story goes that the pair were having a disagreement when Wilkins, without permission, took his research partner's unpublished work to his friends, Watson and Crick. Franklin's images directly informed the two scientists' first models of DNA structure, yet she was completely uncredited in their published work.

It was only after Franklin's death at the age of 37, from ovarian cancer, that Watson admitted her work had been “crucial" to his and Crick's discovery.

Caroline Herschel:Astronomer Caroline Herschel moved to England from Germany in 1772 to join her brother, William, after the death of their father. While the Herschel patriarch had approved of an education for his daughter, the Herschels' mother insisted Caroline leave school to take up housework after her husband's death.

The brother and sister performed together as a musical duo in England, and it was during this period that William became obsessed with telescopes and astronomy. Caroline soon followed suit.

William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. When William was appointed Royal Astronomer by King George III in 1782, he took his sister along with him.

Caroline worked alongside her brother, for which King George offered her an annual salary as an astronomer's assistant. She was the first woman to discover an unnamed comet and presented findings to the Royal Society that proved the existence of 560 stars omitted from the British Catalogue, along with a list of errors she found in the publication. Her work was so prolific and thorough that two of her astronomical catalogs are still in use today. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Justine Siegemund:Midwifery is as old as human history, but until the mid-1600s, the tricks of the trade were passed down orally from midwife to midwife. Enter Justine Siegemund, a German woman who, after suffering excruciating pain from a midwife’s misdiagnosis, began to study the craft herself. Siegemund became so renowned for her expertise that she was eventually encouraged by Mary II of Orange to write a guide on the subject.

Siegemund’s self-published midwifery book, The Court Midwife, became the first German medical text to be written by a woman. With the aid of illustrations by leading medical engravers, Siegemund shared wisdom on life-saving childbirth methods. She’s considered a pioneer in developing techniques to manually turn a breech baby during labor, and using a needle to break the amniotic sac to avoid hemorrhage in cases of placenta previa. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Emily Warren Roebling:If it weren't for Emily Warren Roebling, one of America's most iconic structures might not exist. When her husband, engineer Washington A. Roebling took ill during the building of the Brooklyn Bridge (probably from the bends, a disorder common in bridge-builders and deep-sea divers), Emily stepped in to ensure the bridge would be completed.

Though she was not an engineer by trade, Emily took over her husband's role as foreperson, project manager, and go-to during the bridge's treacherous building. Historians today are generally in agreement that without her involvement, the Brooklyn Bridge as we know it would likely never have been built. And she knew it, too.

“I have more brains, common sense and know-how generally than have any two engineers, civil or uncivil, and but for me the Brooklyn Bridge would never have had the name Roebling in any way connected with it!" Emily Warren Roebling wrote to her son in 1898.

After the bridge was complete, Emily Warren Roebling went on to attain a certificate in business law at a time when women were not typically allowed to enter law school and devoted her life to philanthropy. (Image via Charles Émile Auguste Carolus Duran/Brooklyn Museum for Wikimedia Commons)

Which STEM lady do you want to learn more about? Tell us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

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Your November Horoscopes Are Here — See What's In Store For Your Sign

Welcome to November 2024! It’s official, everyone. We are cleared of the eclipse season and approaching the holiday season and Election Day. The collective is stirring with anticipation, awaiting the next course in our journey. Breathe. Tensions are especially high due to the major polarity brought on by the collective planet Pluto's re-entry into Capricorn just months ago. The tides are expected to change as the regeneration planet regresses into Aquarius for good.

You may be thinking, “What’s in it for me?” Aligning with the cosmic flow will bring more peace, understanding, and balance in your everyday life. Scorpio season is in full swing, and it beckons you to begin analyzing your internal landscape, desires, and control. You'll improve the world by grasping the importance of revitalizing your inner self. Believe it or not, you're the main character of your story, and your light contributes more than you know. This November highlights this part of your narrative. Are you ready to learn what is in store for you this month? Read on for your sun, moon, and rising November horoscope below.

Themes For Your November Horoscope In 2024

Brian Yurasits

This month kicks off with the New Moon in Scorpio on November 1st, helping you see how you're being of service to yourself and others. Due to Scorpio's vibe of death and regeneration, this lunation will also materialize the importance of “clearing out” from the old. Remember last month’s solar eclipse?

This New Moon in Scorpio extends the path for you to turn over a new leaf and actualize your desired changes. Make a move.

The communication signals will power up as Mercury enters Sagittarius on November 2nd, manifesting a feeling of warmth and hope in our messages. The dialogue exchanged will be inspiring and educational.

Share information that will benefit others. You'll experience serendipitous moments as you give back.

Our drive and bravado will turn up as the motivator planet Mars enters Leo on November 3rd. Our self-worth will drive passion and desire. Step forward and claim your desire.

Patricia Luquet

Create your masterpiece and watch it come to life. Believe.

Love will shift to rationality and structure as Venus shifts into Capricorn on November 11. These next several weeks will help you gauge more accordingly with long-term plans and practical concerns. It will also invoke a more grounded approach to romance and dating.

Slow and steady builds stronger foundations in love.

On November 15th, the Full Moon in Taurus illuminates the sky, highlighting the importance of taking the reigns through a measured approach. With the rebel planet, Uranus, in alignment with this full moon, it will stir up massive changes involving our narrative and how we are playing our part in our storyline. It can lead to impulsive moves, so remember to be intentional. The great news is that Saturn, the structure planet, is direct today, bringing more clarity regarding our direction.

Ahmed ツ

Brilliance awaits as you hold steady.

Buckle up! On November 19th, Pluto ingresses into Aquarius, settling into this future-oriented sign. Anticipate significant technological advancements, including refined artificial intelligence, quantum computing breakthroughs, renewable energy innovations, and immersive virtual reality experiences. Side note: VR Games like Supernatural(I'm a BIG fan!) are revolutionizing workouts, allowing people to exercise in other worlds while engaging with a supportive community for weight loss, endorphins, and positive accountability. As you visualize your ideal paradigm, Pluto will guide you toward the tools or necessary changes to attract your desired results. Embrace this transformation and let go of outdated constructs, paving the way for a brighter, more interconnected future.

Vlada Karpovich

Happiness and fulfillment await those willing to adapt and grow.

This month ends with the Sun in Sagittarius on November 21 and Mercury Retrograde on November 25. Sagittarius season invokes wanderlust, adventure, and growth. Remember that you'll reign this season as you remain open-minded to new concepts and ideas.

Close-mindedness and dismissiveness of others' input lead to dead ends.

As we conclude working with Mercury’s backspin this month, steer clear of making traveling plans (like booking a ticket/itinerary), launching a business, or signing contracts. Plus, it will help you streamline your messages, think through your personal beliefs, and change your attitudes towards life. Going through reflection will help you gravitate toward your desired outcomes.

Which signs will be most affected in November?

Juliane Monari

As we journey through November 2024, Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius, and Sagittariuswill each feel the cosmic waves uniquely. Scorpios will harness the transformative energy of the New Moon to reflect on their desires and initiate powerful changes. Taurus will be called to acknowledge new narratives during the Full Moon, prompting them to take control of their path and make intentional decisions. Aquarians will experience a significant shift as Pluto settles into their sign, inviting them to envision a brighter future and release old patterns that no longer serve them. Meanwhile, Sagittarians will be inspired by the Sun’s entry into their sign, igniting a sense of adventure and growth. However, they should navigate Mercury's retrograde carefully to avoid miscommunications and hasty decisions. Allow these energies to guide you toward a more fulfilled and intentional existence this month!

​Key Dates & Transits This Week

Griffin Wooldridge

  • 11/1 New Moon in Scorpio
  • 11/2 Mercury enters Sagittarius
  • 11/3 Mars enters Leo
  • 11/11 Venus enters Capricorn
  • 11/15 Full Moon in Taurus, Saturn Direct
  • 11/19 Pluto re-enters Aquarius
  • 11/21 Sun enters Sagittarius
  • 11/25 Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius

​Read Your November Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Themes: Investments and Ambition

This month brings transformative opportunities for personal growth and ambition. The New Moon in Scorpio encourages you to dive deep into your desires and set intentions for long-term investments. As Mercury enters Sagittarius, your voice shines, sparking optimism and inspiring connections. Let love lead the way as Mars in Leo ignites your creative passion and pushes you to take bold steps in your relationships. Make a move while factoring in your happiness. The Full Moon in Taurus prompts you to let go of unwanted habits while tying loose ends with finances. The great news is that your adventurous spirit flourishes with the Sun entering Sagittarius later this month. Be mindful of impulsive trips or conversations, as Mercury retrograde calls for thoughtful reflection on your plans and communication style.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Themes: Connection and Identity

Expect a month filled with deeper connections and self-reflection as you reassess your values and domestic life. The New Moon in Scorpio encourages the exploration of your love life and partnerships, manifesting progress. With Mercury shifting into Sagittarius, discussions around shared resources become enriching and insightful. Consolidate your research or your internal landscape of beliefs and get to the bottom of what keeps you from attracting more abundance. Mars in Leo energizes your home life, inspiring you to create a nurturing environment. Rearrange furniture or begin visualizing your ideal home life — this new pattern will attract movement in your domestic life. The Full Moon in your sign focuses on your identity, offering a moment of self-realization and understanding about how you need to reshape your narrative. Mercury retrograde will help you retrace your steps regarding merged resources and enable you to work out your financial priorities or unresolved debts — research methods.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Themes: Wellness and Subconscious Needs

Prepare for a month rich in exploration and relationship review, inviting you to evaluate your connections and daily routines. The New Moon in Scorpio prompts you to reflect on health and work, paving the way for beneficial changes. Begin a new protocol and establish a sacred practice involving wellness that will reorient you with your goals. With Mercury entering Sagittarius, your focus shifts toward partnerships, enhancing the depth of your conversations. Work on listening intently to your partner or connections to find practical solutions. Mars in Leo ignites your curiosity, encouraging the pursuit of fresh ideas. Get involved in the local realms and initiate conversations — this will inspire you. Mid-month, the Full Moon in Taurus sheds light on your subconscious, urging you to confront hidden fears and clear out. The Sun in Sagittarius with Mercury retrograde will help you backtrack and analyze your relationships and their direction.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Themes: Happiness and Friendship Circles

This month invites you to balance your daily routines with self-care for emotional fulfillment. The New Moon in Scorpio inspires you to understand the core of your joy and what fulfills you. Mercury’s entry into Sagittarius shifts your focus to daily routines, enhancing discussions around wellness. Health is wealth. As you focus on your overall well-being, abundance will follow. The great news is that Mars in Leo energizes your financial goals, motivating proactive steps forward, so taking care of yourself this month will ensure the results. Later this month, the Full Moon in Taurus highlights your social circles, prompting a reassessment of friendships. As Pluto in Aquarius encourages transformative growth, the Sun’s ingress into Sagittarius and Mercury retrograde emphasizes health, inviting you to take self-care practices and review how you typically extend your energy to others.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Themes: Fulfillment and Reassess Life Purpose

Get ready for a vibrant month of self-discovery and creative expression. The New Moon in Scorpio prompts you to reflect on your domestic life and family, inspiring you to cultivate a supportive environment while establishing your terms. With Mercury entering Sagittarius, your focus turns to love and creativity, allowing you to step out of your comfort zone and explore these realms of joy. Mars in your sign boosts your confidence, empowering decisive actions in your pursuits. Be yourself and ignite your fire to get things done. Mid-month, the Full Moon in Taurus highlights your professional aspirations, prompting you to reassess your career goals. Factor in what makes you happy and optimizes your energy. The Sun's entry in Sagittarius alongside Mercury retrograde will help you backtrack and align with your priorities in love and your creative potential.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Themes: Ideas and Past Aspirations

This month brings clarity and enriched communication, inviting you to refine your thoughts and deepen your familial connections. The New Moon in Scorpio encourages engagement with new ideas and community interactions, promoting open dialogue. Being openhearted and receptive to people's feedback will lead to breakthroughs in your development. Mercury’s transition into Sagittarius shifts your focus to home and family, enhancing emotional discussions regarding your direction. Be curious in your approach; it will heal your unresolved matters. Mars in Leo energizes your subconscious, motivating you to confront hidden fears while helping you understand your habitual patterns. Rest and reflect. Mid-month, the Full Moon in Taurus prompts reflection on your philosophical outlook and long-term goals. Look back at your old journals or past aspirations to fill the gaps in your story. Mercury's backspin entails reviewing your next steps involving your emotional security — look within yourself and align with your feelings instead of seeking external validation.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Themes: Self-Worth and Vulnerability

You're in for a month filled with financial themes and meaningful interactions, guiding you to reassess your values and friendships. The New Moon in Scorpio inspires you to reflect on personal resources, setting intentions for more stability. This is an opportunity to revamp your approach to money and security — research new methods that will attract more abundance. As Mercury enters Sagittarius, your focus shifts to engaging conversations and learning opportunities. It is also an excellent opportunity to network locally and gain traction and confidence with the side hustles you may be working on. Mars in Leo energizes your social life, motivating you to cultivate new friendships and connections that will get you one step closer to achieving your long-term aspirations. Mid-month, the Full Moon in Taurus highlights shared resources, prompting a reassessment of intimate relationships and closing the chapter on any outmoded approaches. By the end of this month, Mercury retrograde will enable you to reflect on old ideas that may have rested on the back burner. This is your chance to let your past endeavors rest or revive once Mercury goes direct.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Themes: Self-Empowerment and Commitment

Embrace a month of self-confidence and financial insight! The New Moon in your sign empowers you to set intentions for your goals and new beginnings. You're worthy, as this is your chance to establish a new seed based on what's aligned with your heart. As Mercury moves into Sagittarius, your focus shifts to finances, enhancing your ability to express your needs clearly. It can lead to frivolous spending, so be mindful of ongoing patterns that can result in retail therapy. Your hard work will pay off as Mars in Leo energizes your career ambitions, motivating you to make bold moves. You'll shine as you begin to dream bigger and aim higher. Mid-month, the Full Moon in Taurus illuminates your partnerships, prompting a reassessment of commitments and closing the chapter on past disagreements. Hold space for your heart and your past to find a solution. As this month closes, Mercury retrograde will enable you to feel more in your power as you analyze your self-worth and become intentional with your next steps in financial planning or business endeavors. Clarity will be set next month.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Themes: Revelation and Health

Get ready for a month of revelations and enriching opportunities. The month begins with the New Moon in Scorpio inviting you to assess your emotional patterns, reorienting you toward powering up your inner belief and renewal. Begin an affirmation practice because this lunation will level up your manifestation abilities. Mercury gracing in your sign will invoke clarity and enhance your ability to articulate your ideas. Traveling or seeking out new experiences will be your go-to course, as Mars in Leo fuels your adventurous spirit, motivating you to seek a new perspective. Taking a class or engaging in higher study will fulfill you. Mid-month, the Full Moon in Taurus shifts attention to your work life and health, helping you to assess your well-being. Release whatever is weighing down at work or mental patterns — focus on one thing at a time to ensure productivity. Later this month, your season begins while Mercury retrograde occurs. It will be beneficial to slow down and observe your personal goals and how you're showing yourself up for others.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Themes: Community and Desires

Prepare for a month focused on community engagement and clarifying your core desires. The New Moon in Scorpio invites you to energize your social circles, sparking intentions for collaboration and shared goals. Be sure that your connections contribute to your vision — enthusiasm is vital for success. With Mercury moving into Sagittarius, you’ll gain insights into your emotional patterns, helping you navigate feelings more effectively. This is your chance to change what no longer meets your standards as Mars in Leo brings energy to transformative experiences in intimacy and with your vulnerability. Get to the root and realize what needs revamping. Mid-month, the Full Moon in Taurus shines a light on your creative and romantic pursuits, urging you to reassess what brings you joy and fulfillment. As Mercury retrograde approaches, take a moment to reflect on past experiences that shaped your emotional landscape; you might find clarity in revisiting old dreams and wishes.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Themes: Professionalism and Family Roots

Get ready for a month rich in professional focus and social opportunities. The New Moon in Scorpio prompts you to define your career goals, inspiring strategic intentions for success. With Mercury entering Sagittarius, your attention shifts to building social networks and enhancing collaboration and networking potential. Love and partnerships will fire up as Mars in Leo energizes your connections, motivating you to seek mutual growth and shared ambitions. It's time to set the terms with your relationship — this will help you get answers involving its direction. The Full Moon in Taurus highlights your dynamics, prompting a reassessment of your foundational support systems. Revisit the old structures regarding your family roots and decide whether you want to implement this as your course moving forward. As Mercury retrograde sets in, consider reaching out to old friends or colleagues; reconnecting could spark fresh ideas and rejuvenate your professional aspirations and inner needs.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Themes: Exploration and Purpose

You're in for a month of exploring and understanding your life purpose. The New Moon in Scorpio inspires a quest for new knowledge, guiding your intentions toward education, beliefs, or travel opportunities. It is time to fall in love with life by broadening your reach. As Mercury enters Sagittarius, your focus sharpens on your life purpose and public image, enhancing your ability to articulate your ambitions. Dig deeper and understand what stirs in your zest for life. Expect vitality and endurance as Mars in Leo energizes your daily tasks, fueling your enthusiasm for tackling responsibilities. Consider a health kick or a new regimen to help you keep up with your new endeavors. Your body is a temple, and this month is the starting point in getting things done with your motivation. The Full Moon in Taurus lights up your communication skills, enabling you to reassess your old ideas and how they can be cultivated. It's time to launch your idea or make room for something better. With Mercury retrograde approaching, reflect on past career choices; revisiting old projects or connections might unveil new growth opportunities.

With 2025 just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to explore how you can power up your year ahead. Lumi Pelinku invites you to dive deeper into your journey through an extended reading that can provide tailored insights and inspiration. Click here to book your reading today!

Wanna stay up-to-date on all things astrology? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter!

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Katie Bouman Is a STEM Hero — But Not for the Reason We Thought

A few hours after the world (by way of the internet) laid eyes on the very first photographic image of a black hole, the name “Katie Bouman” began trending. According to a tweet from the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, the 29-year-old MIT postdoctoral student had “led the creation of a new algorithm” that made the black hole image possible. After the pic went public on Wednesday, it wasn’t long before another photo began making the rounds: one of the fresh-faced scientist posed in front of a computer screen that displayed the groundbreaking image she’d helped create, with her hands clasped over her mouth in proud disbelief.

In an instant, Bouman became a stand-in for generations of women scientists whose contributions to technological breakthroughs were buried under the names of their male colleagues. Celebrities tweeted in appreciation. Others listed the names of female scientists that time, and sexism, had allowed us to forget. The moment felt triumphant: a chance for women in STEM to get their long-deserved moment in the spotlight. But there was also some pushback against this simple, feel-good version of events — namely, from Katie Bouman herself.

“I’m so excited that we finally get to share what we have been working on for the past year!” she wrote on Facebook. “The image shown today is the combination of images produced by multiple methods. No one algorithm or person made this image, it required the amazing talent of a team of scientists from around the globe and years of hard work to develop the instrument, data processing, imaging methods, and analysis techniques that were necessary to pull off this seemingly impossible feat. It has been truly an honor, and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with you all.”

In fact, Bouman was one of more than 200 scientists from 60 different research institutions, in 18 countries across six continents, to contribute to the project. Approximately 40 women (including Bouman) were involved.

While many media outlets (including us) mistakenly reported that Bouman had led the creation of the algorithm used to visualize the previously unphotographable image, a Harvard astronomer named Shep Doeleman was actually in charge of the project.

Bouman’s contributions were important to this process, and while it’s true that she led a team in developing an algorithm intended to create an image of a black hole, the New York Times reported Thursday that Bouman’s algorithm was not the one ultimately used to make the photo we saw on Wednesday. (On Friday afternoon, the MIT CSAIL Twitter account issued a series of posts to clear up earlier confusion.)

“There are women involved in every single step of this amazing project,” said Sara Issaoun, a 24-year-old graduate student at Radboud University in the Netherlands, in an interview with the Times. Issaoun was one of the researchers involved.

So, it appears that many of us got the details of this story a bit wrong, and the reasons why are pretty straightforward. Obviously, it’s easy to jump to less-than-accurate conclusions from information that’s shared on social media, especially in celebration of a young woman for a breakthrough in STEM, a field in which women are so notoriously underrepresented.

The Bouman story was also the product of our tendency to credit individual thought-leaders or “pioneers” for making change happen. We like being able to point to a single person who made a difference in the world, because it inspires us to try to do the same. But the truth is that no one person alone is responsible for making big things happen.

Collaboration is a superpower. As Katie Bouman wants us to remember, it’s when we work together that the impossible comes within reach — or, in the case of black holes, that the unphotographable becomes photographed. The Bouman story is one of teamwork and triumph, and by upholding that spirit, more of us will be able to shine. It may not be the story we wanted, but it’s the one with the most to offer.

RELATED: The Black Hole Photo Everyone’s Freaking Out About Was Made Possible by This Female Grad Student

(Photo by Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

stem

Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco Are Literally Unrecognizable In Their Halloween Costume

Things are heating up betweenSelena Gomez and Benny Blanco since late last year to the surprise of some, but it seems like the couple's romance is just getting started. They're not shy about PDA and posting each other on social media and pretty much telling anyone who doesn't like it to get lost. We love how fiercely supportive they are of each other, giving us so many good green flags! Here's everything we know about the lovely new couple so far.

Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship Timeline:

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

March 2019

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco first collaborated on the song "I Can't Get Enough" along with Tainy and J. Balvin in 2019. Though they were featured in a cute scene together, there weren't any rumors about them being romantically linked then.

August 2023

They didn't work together again until late summer 2023 when he produced Selena's single "Single Soon" with Cashmere Cat.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

December 2023

Before 2023 ended, Selena started leaving comments on Instagram that suggested she and Benny Blanco were in fact together. One of the comments she left appear on this Instagram fan page and it reads, "He is my absolute everything in my heart."

Some fans weren't so thrilled to see the two together though and they weren't afraid to express their opinions. But, this only prompted Selena to leave more comments that defended her relationship with Benny.

People grabbed a screenshot of one of the comments Selena responded that revealed the couple had been together for a while. "Not mad. It’s been 6 months bb. I will always defend my friends, family and fans till the day I die," she wrote. They even shared another screenshot from Selena's Instagram Story that showed her wearing a "B" ring on one of her fingers.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME

December 15, 2023

Soon after that, Selena shared a photo carousel on Instagram that included some of her favorite moments in New York and Benny Blanco can be seen in BTS moments. The last picture of the carousel features them sharing a kiss in a black and white photo that basically confirms the responses the singer had for fans.

December 28, 2023

Before the new year began, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco spent some time at a cute art exhibit during a date. From the looks of things, it seemed like they discovered their love language of physical touch early on.

Presley Ann/Getty Images for GQ

January 2, 2024

Feeling the love of being with Selena, Benny Blanco took to Instagram Stories to officially signal that the two are dating. People grabbed a few more screenshots that Benny shared and all we can see is the happy glint that was in Selena's eyes.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

January 3, 2024

The next day the couple were seen court side at one of the Los Angeles Lakers' game. Once again, their love language was on full display in the most intimate way. A source revealed to People that they understood why people had so many opinions about Selena's relationship with Benny. "Everyone was a fan of hers before Only Murders [in the Building], and now everyone is protective of her."

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

January 15, 2024

Later that month, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco showed up to the Emmy Awards together. They were sitting side-by-side and weren't afraid to show affection with each other.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AFI

March 2024

When Benny Blanco's birthday rolled around, Selena Gomez shared a sweet message to him on Instagram. She wrote, "Happy birthday baby! Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me. I love you @itsbennyblanco 🎂🥹."

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

April 2024

Although we're only four months into the new year, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship is still going strong! The Only Murders in the Building star has been seen smiling in every pic she posts which indicates she's genuinely happy in her relationship. A source hinted to People that the two are doing well. "It’s a very serious relationship, and they’re making long distance work while she’s in New York for work commitments," they said.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Spotify

April 25, 2024

In an interview with WSJ, Benny Blanco gave his POV of how his relationship with Selena Gomez began and it was the cutest revelation. "It’s crazy how your partner could just be sitting there the whole time, right in front of your eyes...And then you have a Clueless moment where you're like, Wait, I'm in love," he says.

A man who compares his relationship to that moment in Clueless where Cher and Josh admit their feelings for each other gets brownie points from us!

May 15, 2024

It looks like Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship may be ready for the next step — that's if you ask Mr. Blanco. He appeared on The Howard Stern Show yesterday to chat about everything, including his relationship with Selena. When Howard Stern asked, "You want to have kids with Selena? Have you told her you want to have kids yet," Benny replied, "That’s my next goal, to check the box. I have a ton of godkids. I've got a ton of nephews. I love being around kids."

However, he's not in a rush and wants everything to happen naturally. All that matters is that the two of them are in each other's life. He said, "I just know that when I look at her, I just say, ‘I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.’ That’s what I always say to her.”

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

May 29, 2024

Selena Gomez tells TIME just how much Benny Blanco means to her — no matter what anyone else says. "My own fans, who I adore and feel like have shaped who I am, will say the most hurtful things to me about how I live my life," she says. "But he has the strength in him that none of that noise fazes him. It’s really impressive, and I just cherish every moment with him. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that he’s not going anywhere any time soon.”

Selena Gomez/Instagram

October 27, 2024

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco looked amazing in their Alice in Wonderland couple's Halloween costume. "Curiouser and curiouser," Selena wrote on the post, which is totally reminding us of Taylor Swift's 1989 (hello "Wonderland"!!!).

Selena wore a corset dress in what looks like slate blue with cap puffed sleeves and a tulle skirt, along with a blonde wig, black bow, and slingback shoes. Benny went all out as the Mad Hatter with face paint, a wig, a top hat, and a waistcoat. We'd follow them down the rabbit hole!

What do you think about Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship?Follow us on Facebook for more celebrity news!

This post has been updated.

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'It Ends With Us' Star Brandon Sklenar's Next Movie Is Another BookTok Favorite

Gretchen Weiners' hair might be full of secrets in Mean Girls, but in Amanda Seyfried's new movie, her life is full of secrets. The Housemaid, based on the novel by Freida McFadden, follows Millie (played by Sydney Sweeney), who's down on her luck and in desperate need of a fresh start. When she snags a job as a housemaid in Nina's (Amanda Seyfried) beautiful home, it looks like things are finally moving in her favor. But all is not as it seems — and it doesn't take long for Millie to realize Nina's secrets are the most dangerous thing about her.

The book, which has sold over 3.6 million copies, has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for over a year and Amazon's Bestsellers list for 98 weeks (talk about popular). It was also the second-most-read title on Kindle for their 10th anniversary, so it's no surprise that the story is getting its own adaptation. Here's everything you need to know about The Housemaid starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar.

  • The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is getting the movie treatment.
  • Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney will star as Nina and Millie, respectively, while Brandon Sklenar will star as Andrew.
  • Seyfried promises fans "I'm gonna do you well."

Who's in The Housemaid movie?

Jon Kopaloff/Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

The Housemaid Cast

The cast of The Housemaid will be led by Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria, Anyone But You) as Millie, Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!, The Drop Out) as Nina, and Brandon Sklenar (It Ends With Us,Drop) as Andrew. Uma Thurman, Phoebe Dynevor, and Anthony Hopkins will also star. Check back here for the rest of the official cast list!

"I hope [die-hard fans of the book] accept this casting," Seyfried jokes in an interview with Bustle. "I know Sydney's amazing...I can't wait to work with her. I think we're going to have a lot of fun. But also, like, I don't know how people see Nina, my character...I hope they like the casting because the fans are the reason it's being made. So I'm here to tell all the fans that I'm gonna do you well."

"I can’t even express how excited I am to announce that #TheHousemaidMovie is coming soon!!!" McFadden said in an Instagram post. "@Lionsgate has come up with the absolute perfect cast and director, and I am just so grateful! I mean, Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Paul Feig…mind blown!!!! I’m so honored and thankful to all my readers who helped make this dream come true!!!!!"

Is The Housemaid going to be made into a movie?

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Yes, Deadline announced on October 8 that The Housemaid would become a film, thanks to Hidden Pictures and Lionsgate. Paul Feig will direct, Rebecca Sonnenshine will write the script, and Todd Lieberman, Laura Fischer, and Feig will produce while Alex Young, author Freida McFadden, Sydney Sweeney, and Amanda Seyfried will executive produce.

“I’m thrilled to have The Housemaid join our upcoming slate,” said Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “A great filmmaker and a great cast with a great script from a great book is a terrific place to start.”

“Part of the fun of the book was imagining the cast while we read it, and Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are perfect for Millie and Nina – they’re both mysterious, nuanced, and incredibly skilled at becoming characters who don’t reveal everything right away,” said Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.

What is the plot of The Housemaid?

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The Housemaid Plot

Millie has one more chance at starting over, and taking a job as a housemaid for wealthy couple Nina and Andrew is the perfect place to start. But as she cleans, cooks, and takes care of their daughter, Millie quickly realizes her employers are far from perfect — even if they'll do anything to keep up appearances.

When is The Housemaid coming out?

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The Housemaid Release Date

We don't have an official release date for The Housemaid yet, but there's a good chance we could see it in 2025. Stay tuned for more news!

How many books are in the series The Housemaid?

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Freida McFadden has three books in The Housemaid series: The Housemaid, The Housemaid's Secret, and The Housemaid is Watching.

Is The Housemaid spicy?

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There is some sex and violence in The Housemaid, but it's not as overwhelming as some other popular books on the market. One Goodreads user compares the content to what you'd watch in Law & Order: SVU or Criminal Minds. If you're concerned about one of your preteens reading this book, you could always read it first, or start a bookclub and read it together!

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This post has been updated.

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