In an era when many womens roles were confined to the home, Ada Lovelace defied expectations to become a pioneer in computing. Born in London on December 10 1815, she was the only legitimate child of the famous poet Lord Byron, although she never knew him. Her mother, Anne Isabella Milbanke, ensured Ada received a rigorous education in mathematics and logic. At age 17, Ada met the brilliant inventor Charles Babbage and was captivated by his Analytical Engine. She translated a paper about the mac