VALERIE THOMAS
Valerie Thomas
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Valerie Thomas was a bright and curious young child who displayed interest in electronics, mathematics, and physics despite the fact that girls were not encouraged from those subjects. From a young age, Valerie Thomas was fascinated by science after observing her father tinkering with the television and seeing the mechanical parts inside the television. She read The Boys First Book On Electronics which sparked her interest in a science career. Not only did Thomas face the obstacles of gender discrimination but racial ones as well. However, that never stopped her from becoming very academically successful.
While enrolled in Western High School, an all-girls school, Thomas realized that resources to electronics were very limited, especially to women. At the time, school subjects relating to science were seen as unsuitable for women thus, making Thomas’s educational career challenging. Since the school had just integrated, no one encouraged her to take advanced math classes; but, that didn’t stop her. She enrolled at Morgan State University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in physics and soon after, began to work at NASA as a data analyst. She developed a real-time computer data system to support satellite operations and control centers. Additionally, Thomas oversaw the creation of the Landsat program and helped create the optical illusion of 3D images, which led to the birth of 3D movies. Later in her career, Thomas got her Master’s degree in engineering administration and in that same year, she served as the computer facility manager for NASA’s National Space Science Data Center. Soon, Valerie Thomas became project manager of the agency’s Space Physics Analysis Network and held the position of associate chief of the Space Science Data Operations Office before retiring. But that wasn’t the last thing she accomplished. In 2004 Thomas received a Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Delaware.
Valerie Thomas’s contributions to the scientific world has made an impact on all audiences because of her innovative mind, critical thinking, and determination. She is able to serve as a role model for all ages as she has continued to expose workforce stereotypes towards females and that they are an obstacle that can be overcome by staying true to your heart. Throughout her life she encouraged young people, especially African Americans and girls, that science is not limited to just men of privilege. Thomas states, “I want [people] to think back on me, first of all, as a lifetime learner. I want [young people] to not run away from challenges. I like to share knowledge with young people. And I would like to see them take their knowledge to the next level.” Her outstanding work is a tremendous inspiration to people around the world. Thomas continues her journey to inspire all audiences as a substitute teacher, teaching aerospace programs.
Dominic '25, Pallavi '23, Sarah '23
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