pioneer
/ˌpaɪəˈnɪəɹ/noun
Someone who is among the first to enter new territory or explore a new field, opening the way for those who come after.
Example sentences
- “She was a pioneer in the early days of computer programming.”
- “The pioneers crossed the plains in covered wagons.”
Also a verb: to pioneer a technique. 'Pioneering work' is a standard phrase of praise in science writing.