Skip to Content

Lynn Conway, microchip pioneer who overcame transgender discrimination, dies at 86

By ED WHITE
Associated Press

A pioneer in the design of the microchips that make modern consumer electronics possible has died. Lynn Conway also became known for overcoming discrimination. She was fired by IBM in the 1960s when she disclosed plans for a gender transition. Conway’s death, at the age of 86, was announced by the University of Michigan, where she had served on the engineering faculty. Conway is credited, along with Carver Mead at the California Institute of Technology, with developing algorithms that enabled software to arrange millions of transistors on each chip. IBM apologized in 2020 for firing Conway and awarded her a lifetime achievement award.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content