News and Features
Black Heroes: a Doctor, a Chemist, a Mathematician and a Computer Scientist
February 22, 2017
African American men and women continue to contribute to the advancement of science and engineering. The accomplishments of the past and present can serve as inspiration to aspiring engineers and scientists. African American chemists, biologists, inventors, engineers, and mathematicians have contributed in both large and small ways that can be overlooked when studying the history of science. Describing the scientific history of African American men and women will show the efforts of individuals who have advanced human understanding of the world around us. The following are only some of many examples.
Astronaut, Doctor (1956–)
"... is the first African-American female astronaut. In 1992, she flew into space aboard the Endeavour, becoming the first African-American woman in space."
Academic, Civil Rights Activist, Chemist, Scientist, Medical Professional (1899–1975)
"...was a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs such as cortisone, steroids and birth control pills."
Mathematician (1918–)
"...performed the complex calculations that enabled humans to successfully achieve space flight as one of NASA's human 'computers'."
Computer Scientist (1954–)
"...came up with the formula for allowing a large number of computers to communicate at once."