Stephanie Louise Kwolek

Born: 1923
Birthplace: New Kensington

Kevlar (Aromatic polyamides and fibers)—Kwolek's processes have resulted in hundreds of new polymers used in producing mooring ropes, fiber-optic cables, aircraft parts, and canoes. The most famous product was Kevlar, five times stronger than the same weight in steel, used in light-weight bullet-resistant vests. (1995)

Raymond KurzweilThe National Inventors Hall of FameIrwin Lachman