July 21

Fiammetta Wilson (1864–1920) was an English astronomer dedicated to advancing science education. She authored influential textbooks that introduced astronomical concepts to young learners. Wilson lectured extensively, inspiring countless students to explore the stars and planets. She collaborated with scientific societies to promote public interest in astronomy. Her passion for teaching helped bridge the gap between academic research and classroom learning. Through her work, she fostered a deeper appreciation of the universe among educational communities.

Bohdan Lepky (1872–1941) was a prominent Ukrainian poet and literary scholar. He authored lyrical poetry that celebrated Ukrainian folklore, nature, and national identity. Lepky taught literature at universities in Lviv and Prague, shaping generations of students. He translated works of European writers into Ukrainian, fostering cross-cultural exchange. His scholarship and creative writing played a vital role in the Ukrainian cultural renaissance. Lepky's legacy endures through his contributions to poetry and academic study of Slavic literature.

Born in Prague in 1884, Philipp Frank studied engineering and physics before joining the Vienna Circle, a group of logical empiricists. He collaborated with Moritz Schlick and Rudolf Carnap to develop a scientific philosophy grounded in logical analysis. Frank fled Europe in 1938, emigrating to the United States where he taught at Harvard and Boston University. He authored influential works on the philosophy of science, applying his background in physics and mathematics to questions of scientific theory and methodology. His efforts helped popularize logical positivism, shaping the course of 20th-century philosophy. Frank's interdisciplinary approach bridged the gap between the sciences and the humanities, leaving a lasting impact on both fields until his death in 1966.

Born in 1907 in Morshansk, Russia, Mikhail Gerasimov combined his passions for anthropology and art to develop groundbreaking methods in forensic facial reconstruction. He studied at Leningrad University and honed his sculpting skills at the Imperial Academy of Arts. Gerasimov's technique involved careful measurement of the skull to recreate the facial features of historical figures and prehistoric humans. His reconstructions brought to life the appearances of figures like Ivan the Terrible and ancient hominids, earning him international acclaim. Throughout his career, he led archaeological expeditions and trained a generation of anthropologists in his methods. Gerasimov's work bridged the gap between science and art, leaving a lasting legacy in both forensic science and museum exhibitions. He passed away in 1970, but his innovative approach remains a cornerstone of facial anthropology.

Edward B. Lewis was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and became a pioneer in developmental genetics. His research on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster uncovered homeotic genes that control the body plan of embryos. In 1995, he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries concerning the genetic regulation of organ development and programmed cell death. Lewis’s work laid the foundation for understanding how genes orchestrate the complex process of embryogenesis. He served as a professor at the California Institute of Technology, mentoring numerous scientists. Lewis passed away on July 21, 2004, leaving a transformative legacy in genetics and developmental biology.

Dubravko Škiljan was a professor at the University of Zagreb and a leading figure in Croatian linguistics. His research focused on the historical and comparative study of Indo-European languages, with a particular interest in South Slavic and Balkan Sprachbund phenomena. Škiljan published numerous works on phonology, morphology, and language contact, shaping modern understanding of language convergence in the Balkans. He contributed to international linguistic journals and served as president of the Croatian Linguistic Society. His teaching influenced generations of students in Southeastern Europe. Škiljan passed away on July 21, 2007, remembered for his scholarly rigor and contributions to linguistic theory.

Lettice Curtis (1915–2014) was an English aeronautical engineer and aviator who served in the Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II, ferrying over 900 military aircraft. One of the first women to graduate in engineering from Oxford University, she later worked at the De Havilland Aircraft Company as a performance engineer. Curtis was a founding member of the British Women Pilots’ Association and competed in international air races. Her technical expertise and dedication to aviation earned her numerous honors, and she remained an influential figure in flying communities throughout her life.

Born in 1918 in Poland, Marchaj studied marine engineering and became a professor at the University of Southampton. He authored seminal works like Seaworthiness: The Forgotten Factor and The Symmetry of Sailing, advancing the scientific understanding of sail performance. His research blended theoretical analysis with experimental testing, influencing yacht design and sailing practices worldwide. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he mentored students and collaborated with leading maritime institutions. Marchaj passed away on July 21, 2015, at the age of 97, leaving a lasting impact on nautical science.