Stephanie Kwolek

You have to be prepared to work hard and to be dedicated. You have to be curious and questioning.

I think knowing what you don't know is more important than being brilliant.

Persistence is key. You can't give up easily.

I didn't feel I was any smarter, but I was curious and I liked to solve problems.

The Kevlar discovery was a case of serendipity, but you have to recognize it when it happens.

I was always interested in medicine, but I didn't have the money for medical school. Chemistry was a good alternative.

I enjoy the challenge of trying to do something that hasn't been done before.

There is a great need for new materials, and polymers are a wonderful area to explore.

I hope that young people will be inspired to go into science and technology. It's a wonderful career.

It's important to have mentors and people who believe in you.

The polymer I synthesized was a liquid crystal, but we didn't know that at the time.

When you are involved in something creative, you are not aware of time. You are in a different world.

I never expected that my discovery would save thousands of lives.

Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

The joy of discovery is certainly the most fun part, but seeing it applied is deeply satisfying.

You must not let setbacks discourage you. You must keep going.

I am more interested in the future than in the past.

A good scientist is like a good detective, looking for clues.

The process of invention is a combination of hard work, knowledge, and a little bit of luck.

I was taught to be observant and to question everything.