Human Computer Mary Jackson Engineer: A Picture Biography of the Pioneering Woman Who Crunched Numbers at NASA

Mary Jackson was a brilliant mathematician, physicist, and engineer who played a vital role in NASA's early space program. She was a force to be reckoned with at a time when women and minorities were severely underrepresented in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Despite facing discrimination and segregation throughout her career, Jackson never gave up on her dreams of making a difference in the world.

Mary Jackson was born into a large family in the town of Hampton, Virginia in 1921. She attended Hampton Institute, a historically black college, where she excelled in science and mathematics. After graduating in 1942, she took a job as a human computer at Langley Research Center, NASA's predecessor. Human computers were responsible for performing complex mathematical calculations by hand, and their work was essential to the success of America's early space program.

Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer (Picture Book Biography)

by Andi Diehn

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3815 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Jackson quickly proved herself to be one of Langley's top human computers. Her work on the U.S. space shuttle and the Lunar Orbiter missions was instrumental in the success of these programs. In 1958, Jackson was promoted to engineer, becoming one of the first African-American women to earn that title. She continued to work at NASA for 34 years, retiring in 1974. After her retirement, Jackson continued to mentor young people and work to promote diversity in STEM fields.

Mary Jackson was a true pioneer. She faced discrimination and segregation throughout her career, but she never gave up on her dreams of making a difference in the world. Through her work as a human computer and engineer, she helped to pave the way for other women and minorities in STEM fields. Her legacy is one of perseverance, determination, and excellence.

Mary Jackson's Accomplishments

• Earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Hampton Institute in 1942
• Hired as a human computer at Langley Research Center in 1943
• Promoted to engineer in 1958, becoming one of the first African-American women to earn that title
• Worked on the U.S. space shuttle and the Lunar Orbiter missions
• Retired from NASA in 1974 after 34 years of service
• Received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1968
• Inducted into the Virginia Space Hall of Fame in 2005

Mary Jackson's Legacy

Mary Jackson's legacy is one of perseverance, determination, and excellence. She faced discrimination and segregation throughout her career, but she never gave up on her dreams of making a difference in the world. Through her work as a human computer and engineer, she helped to pave the way for other women and minorities in STEM fields.

Mary Jackson's story is an inspiration to all of us. It shows us that anything is possible if we have the courage to follow our dreams.

Resources for Learning More About Mary Jackson

• Mary Jackson Biography
• Mary Jackson
• Mary Jackson: NASA's 'Human Computer'

Picture Books About Mary Jackson

• Human Computer Mary Jackson Engineer: A Picture Biography of the Pioneering Woman Who Crunched Numbers at NASA by Don Tate
• Mary Jackson by Mary Clement Price
• Mary Jackson: NASA Mathematician and Courageous Computer by Clayton Anderson

Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer (Picture Book Biography)

by Andi Diehn

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3815 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE