One notable Black female engineer in history is Patricia Bath. She was an ophthalmologist, inventor, and academic who became the first African American female doctor to receive a medical patent for her invention of the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment in 1988.

Born in 1942, Patricia Bath faced discrimination and obstacles as she pursued her education and career in a predominantly white and male-dominated field. Despite these challenges, she became a trailblazer in the field of ophthalmology and was a pioneer in the use of laser technology for the treatment of cataracts.

In addition to her groundbreaking invention, Patricia Bath was also a champion for health equity and access to healthcare for underserved communities. She co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, which aims to provide vision screenings and eye care services to those in need, particularly in underserved communities.

Patricia Bath's legacy as a Black female engineer and doctor continues to inspire future generations of women and people of color to pursue careers in STEM fields and make a difference in the world through innovation and activism.