pioneer

Noun

• one the first colonists or settlers in a new territory
  • they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them
    

• someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art

Verb

• open up and explore a new area
  • pioneer space
    

• take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
  • This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants
    

• open up an area or prepare a way
  • She pioneered a graduate program for women students
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  innovator , trailblazer , groundbreaker , initiate , open up