In the realm of aerospace engineering, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Mary Jackson, whose journey is emblematic of the struggle for equality and representation in science.
The 2016 film Hidden Figures brought her remarkable story to a global audience, highlighting not only her groundbreaking achievements but also those of her fellow African American women mathematicians at NASA.
Mary Jackson played a pivotal role in the success of the United States space program during a time when racial and gender biases were deeply intertwined in American society.[1]
Early life and education
Born in Hampton, Virginia, in 1921, Mary Jackson showed an early aptitude for mathematics and science.
Jackson's early life was marked by academic excellence. She attended Hampton's all-Black schools, including the George P. Phenix Training School, where she graduated with high honors in 1937. This achievement, despite the challenges of racial segregation, demonstrates her exceptional abilities and determination from a young age.[2]
After high school, Jackson went on to attend Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), a historically black college. She graduated with high honors in 1942, earning dual bachelor's degrees in mathematics and physical science.
Obtaining a dual degree was a significant accomplishment, especially for a black woman in the segregated United States of the 1940s.
It's important to note that while racial segregation presented significant barriers, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like Hampton Institute played a crucial role in providing higher education opportunities for African Americans during this period. These institutions allowed talented students like Jackson to pursue advanced studies in fields that might have been otherwise inaccessible due to racial discrimination.
Mary Jackson's early career
Mary Jackson's career path before joining NASA reflects the complex challenges faced by African American women in the 1940s and early 1950s. Despite her impressive educational background, with dual bachelor's degrees in mathematics and physical science, Jackson navigated a series of diverse positions shaped by the societal norms and limitations of her time:
Jackson began her professional journey as a mathematics teacher at an African American school in Calvert County, Maryland, for a year after graduation.
Returning to Hampton in 1943, she took on a role as a bookkeeper at the National Catholic Community Center.
Her career then led her to a position as a receptionist and clerk at Hampton Institute's Health Department.
Following societal expectations for women of that era, Jackson took time away from her career to focus on family responsibilities after the birth of her son.
She later worked as an Army secretary at Fort Monroe.
In 1951, just before joining NASA, Jackson held a clerk position at the Office of the Chief Army Field Forces at Fort Monroe.[3]
This varied career trajectory illustrates the limited opportunities available to African American women in STEM fields during this period.
Jackson's experiences were shaped by racial and gender discrimination, economic necessities, and societal expectations regarding women's roles. Despite these challenges, she consistently sought positions that would allow her to utilize her strong background in mathematics and physical science, demonstrating her determination to pursue a career aligned with her education and skills.
Mary Jackson' contributions to aerospace engineering
Finally, in 1951, Jackson was recruited by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. This marked a pivotal moment in her professional journey, as she began her career as a research mathematician in the West Area Computing Section at Langley Research Center, where she could finally apply her scientific knowledge and skills in a meaningful way.
Mary Jackson's career at NASA represents a remarkable journey of perseverance, innovation, and advocacy in the field of aerospace engineering.
As the first African American female engineer at NASA, Jackson broke through significant barriers in a male-dominated and racially segregated environment, making substantial contributions that advanced the field of aerodynamics and aircraft design.
The Supersonic Pressure Tunnel
One of her most notable achievements was her groundbreaking research in the Supersonic Pressure Tunnel, where she studied the effects of airflow on aircraft traveling at nearly twice the speed of sound. This facility was crucial for understanding how aircraft behave under extreme conditions, and Jackson's work focused specifically on the complex dynamics of boundary layer effects on aerospace vehicle configurations at supersonic speeds. By analyzing data from wind tunnel experiments and real-world flight tests, she gained insights into air flow, thrust, and drag forces that were essential for improving the performance of U.S. aircraft.
To explain this in simpler terms:
Imagine a paper airplane flying through the air. The way the air moves around the nose (front) of the plane affects how well it flies.
Mary Jackson studied how the shape of the nose and the speed of the plane change the way air flows over it when the plane is flying incredibly fast - faster than the speed of sound.
She found that by adjusting the angle of the nose and the speed of the aircraft, engineers could control where the smooth air flow around the plane becomes turbulent.
This discovery was crucial because it helped designers create better, more efficient supersonic aircraft by reducing drag and improving overall performance
This research was published in her first co-authored report in 1958, titled "Effects of nose angle and mach number on transition on cones at supersonic speeds".[4]
Her work contributed to the development of faster, more aerodynamic planes, which was vital for both military and civilian aviation advancements during the space race era.
Throughout her career, Jackson authored or co-authored twelve technical papers for NACA (the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) and NASA, contributing valuable knowledge to the aerospace community.
Advocating for women and minorities in the aerospace
Mary Jackson's legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking technical achievements in aerospace engineering. Throughout her career and especially in her later years, she became a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, working tirelessly to create opportunities for women and minorities in science and engineering.
After 34 years of distinguished service at NASA, Jackson made a bold and selfless decision. Despite having reached the highest engineering title available to her, she recognized that to effect real change, she needed to shift her focus.
In a move that exemplified her commitment to others, she accepted a demotion to become the manager of both the Federal Women's Program and the Affirmative Action Program within NASA's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs.[5]
In these roles, Jackson's impact was profound and multifaceted. She mentored countless young students, particularly women and minorities, providing personalized guidance and unwavering support.
Her famous quote,
We have to do the best we can with what we have,
became a rallying cry for those facing obstacles in their STEM careers.
Jackson worked diligently to improve hiring and promotion practices at NASA, challenging discriminatory policies and advocating for systemic changes. She was instrumental in establishing programs that provided resources and opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM, laying the groundwork for initiatives like STEM Goes Red, [6] which continues to inspire middle school girls to pursue science and technology careers.
As a public speaker and role model, Jackson used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of diversity in STEM fields. Her own career served as a powerful example, demonstrating that women and people of color could not only succeed in engineering but make significant contributions to scientific advancements.
Jackson's advocacy work has had a lasting impact on the scientific community. Her efforts have inspired numerous programs and initiatives that continue to support diversity in STEM fields today. By working to ensure that future generations would have better opportunities than she faced, Mary Jackson played a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and diverse scientific landscape.
Through her technical brilliance, unwavering determination, and commitment to others, Mary Jackson not only broke barriers for herself but dedicated her life to dismantling them for those who would follow. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide efforts to create a more equitable and diverse STEM community.
Intersectionality in science: Mary Jackson's impact
Mary Jackson's life and career powerfully illustrate the importance of embracing intersectionality in science. As an African American woman in aerospace engineering during the mid-20th century, Jackson navigated multiple intersecting layers of discrimination and barriers. However, her unique perspective and experiences allowed her to:
Bring diverse viewpoints to problem-solving in aerospace engineering
Inspire and mentor other underrepresented individuals in STEM
Challenge and change institutional practices that hindered diversity and inclusion
Awards and recognition
Mary Jackson's contributions to science and society have received significant recognition, particularly in recent years:
The book and film "Hidden Figures" brought Jackson's remarkable story to a global audience, highlighting her groundbreaking work as NASA's first Black female engineer. Portrayed by Janelle Monáe in the 2016 film adaptation, Jackson's character embodies resilience and determination, inspiring a new generation to challenge societal norms in STEM fields.
In a momentous tribute to her legacy, NASA renamed its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters in 2019. This honor acknowledges her pivotal role in advancing both aerospace technology and equality within the organization.
Jackson was also posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2019, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. This prestigious recognition further cements her place in history as a trailblazer who overcame significant barriers to make lasting contributions to science and society.
These accolades serve to preserve Mary Jackson's legacy, ensuring that her pioneering spirit and dedication to advancing both scientific knowledge and social progress continue to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.
Conclusion
Mary Jackson's legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential that exists when we embrace diversity and intersectionality in science. Her story inspires us to continue breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments where all individuals, regardless of their background, can contribute to scientific advancement and sustainable innovation.
This article is part of a series "Embracing intersectionality in science: the key to innovation and sustainability".
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