Engineer Kazimierz Czarnecki took notice of her ability and asked Jackson to work with him on the Supersonic Pressure Tunnel. Like her counterpart Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson began her career at NASA as a computer. When interviewed, she quoted “Sometimes they are not aware of the number of black scientists, and don’t even know of the career opportunities until it is too late.” Image Source: NASA Her goal was to introduce science, math, and engineering in an interactive way.īy making it fun, she knew the children would eventually be drawn to careers in the science realm. She taught STEM-related projects to young African American boys and girls at a local recreational center. Her philanthropic efforts in her community weren’t left unnoticed. From a young age, she strived to implement a love for science in her community. Image Source: NASAįor Mary Jackson, the word no meant, try harder. Further, the path to becoming an engineer was easier for men as they were readily accepted into universities and programs. Sound familiar? Women who calculated the same crucial trajectories as men were offered less wage and minimal acknowledgment. Women of color not only had to fight for racial equality, they also had to overcome challenges associated with gender bias. Mary Jackson- Never Taking No for An Answer Mary Jackson. Since segregation was still a major part of American society, African American computers were assigned to work in a separate area from their White colleagues. Ironically, the women working in these departments were called “computers”. This unit resembled a typewriter and allowed users the ability to solve mathematical equations mechanically.
Because of this notion, women were assigned to calculate endless equations on the Friden calculator. A rather sexist conclusion was drawn as women were deemed detail-oriented with petite hands. NASA began hiring women in their mathematics department shortly after World War II began. Although her journey to achievements beyond earth is mind-blowing, the story behind how Katherine Johnson and her two colleagues changed NASA serves as a triumphant inspiration to little girls of color everywhere. Her revolutionary complement to the advancement of space exploration enabled her to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom granted by former president Barack Obama.
Katherine Johnson not only provided accurate trajectory calculations for future missions, she also developed navigational systems using stars, used mathematical equations for space capsules to orbit the moon, and authored over 25 essays. Before the technological advancements of calculators, handwritten estimates were used to solve math problems. The success of the iconic Freedom 7 mission of 1961 is attributed to the trajectory calculations of Katherine Johnson. Johnson solved complex equations that predicted launch timings for aeronautics that would eventually be placed into outer space. Her 1958 contributions to the iconic compilation of text called “Notes on Space Technology” was the blueprint for creating The Space Task Group. Katherine Johnson- An American Genius Image Source: NASAīlooming with spunk and intelligence was African-American mathematician, Katherine Johnson. In order to accomplish this feat, a stark expert in mathematical calculations was needed. Due to this launch, NASA, formally known as NACA began shifting their focus towards discovering more scientific information about space travel. However, this sensational advancement created an opportunity for immense social change. Image Source: Īlthough noteworthy, Sputnik wasn’t the only groundbreaking development to make scientific history. During this time, Sputnik shocked the world as the first artificial satellite to be released into orbit. The notion of equal opportunity was in its formative stages as more people of color sought out highly esteemed careers. Segregation was officially outlawed as illegal and employment was available to citizens of various backgrounds.
The year was 1957 and societal change was brimming with glory.