Rachel Zimmerman

She was born Rachel Zimmerman in London, Ontario. From a young age she showed great interest in art, debate, music and especially science. At the age of twelve, Zimmerman Brachman developed a software program using Blissymbols. Zimmerman Brachman's original science project idea lead to her winning a silver-medal at the Canada-Wide Science Fair (1985) and the YTV Television Youth Achievement Award. With her interest in space technology and assistive intelligence, Brachman now works at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory with a goal of tailoring NASA innovations to the needs of people with disabilities.[2]

Zimmerman went on to earn a BA in physics from Brandeis University in 1995 and a master's degree in Space Science from the International Space University in France in 1998.[3] Zimmerman attempted to earn a master's degree in astronomy from the University of Western Ontario, but two months into the program she was hit by a car while riding her bike and forced to drop out of the program.[4]

In 1984, Rachel Zimmerman at age 12, invented a device called the Blissymbol printer, which used a unique software program to translate Blissymbols tapped on a board into clear written language on a computer, which allow the disabled to easily communicate with others. Her "Blissymbol Printer" is catered to those with severe physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, as it provides a facile method of communication. A user can simply point to various symbols on a page or board through the use of a special touch pad. When the user chooses a symbol, the Blissymbol Printer converts the image to written English or French; allowing his or her thoughts to be transcribed effectively. Her invention had begun as a project for a school science fair and she won the silver medal at the 1985 Canada-Wide Science Fair, showcased at the World Exhibition of Achievement of Young Inventors, she also won the YTV Television Youth Achievement Award.[5]

Zimmerman has worked at the NASA Ames Research Center, the Canadian Space Agency, The Planetary Society and the California Institute of Technology.[3]

Since 2003, Zimmerman has been employed as Solar System and Technology Education and Public Outreach Specialist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Using her connections made from the International Space University, Zimmerman is able to organize a Saturn essay contest for middle school and high school students in over 50 countries. Her work has been published in the Planetary Report, the Journal of the National Space Society and NASA's Ames Research Center Astrogram.[6] Zimmerman is now currently working on Radioisotope Power System Public Engagement as well as formal education for the Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn and Titan. Rachel leads teacher professional development workshops at National Science Teachers Association and California Science Teachers Association annual conferences. From 2013 to 2016, Rachel was president of Science Education for Students with Disabilities.[7]

In 2011, Zimmerman received the Visionary Award of the Women in Film and Television Showcase at the Toronto International Film Festival.[1]