#Blacks in Science and Mathematics

#STEM

#Math

#Black History

1. George Washington Carver (c. 1860 - January 5, 1943)

Field: Botanist, Inventor, and Teacher 

Geroge Washington Carver, born into slavery, rose to prominence as a botanist, inventor, and educator. He discovered strategies to prevent soil depletion and invented over 300 uses for the peanut. He was elected to the British Royal Society of Arts, an unusual honor for an American. He advised important figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and President Teddy Roosevelt on agriculture and nutrition.

2. Percy Julian (April 11, 1899-April 19, 1975) 

Field: Civil Rights Activist, Medical Professional, Scientist, Chemist, and Academic

Percy Julian was a research scientist and pioneer in the chemical synthesis of plant-based therapeutic medications such as cortisone, steroids, and birth control pills. He was admitted into the National Academy of Sciences, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and the American Chemical Society for his long-lasting contributions.

3. Mae Carol Jemison (October 17, 1956-)

Field: Engineer, Physician, and NASA Astronaut  

Mae Carol Jemison, an American engineer, physician, and NASA astronaut, became the first African American woman to travel in space on September 12, 1992, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

4. Katherine Johnson (August 26, 1918-February 24, 2020)

Field: Mathematics 

Katherine Johnson was in the field of mathematics. She is best recognized for her significant contributions to the United States aeronautics and space programs through the early application of digital electronic computers. Her contributions were recently identified and included in the film Hidden Figures.

5. Gladys West (October 27, 1930 -)

Field: Mathematics

Gladys Walker was born and raised in Virginia. She used her mathematical and programming skills to create an accurate model of the Earth that served as the foundation for establishing the Global Positioning System (GPS). She was the second black woman to work for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame, one of the Air Force's highest accolades.

6. Marie M. Daly (April 16, 1921-October 28, 2003) 

Field: Chemist, Researcher, and Activist

Marie Daly was the first African-American woman in the United States to acquire a Ph.D. in chemistry. She collaborated closely with Dr. Quentin B. Deming, and their research provided a new knowledge of how foods and diet might affect the health of the heart and circulatory system.

7. Edward Bouchet (September 15, 1852-October 28, 1918)

Field: Physicist and Educator 

Edward Bouchet was known for becoming the first African-American to acquire a Ph.D. from any American university and the sixth person of any race to receive a Ph.D. in physics from an American university. For 26 years, he taught science at the Institute for Colored Youth.

8. Annie Easley  (April 23, 1933 - June 25, 2011)

Field: Computer Scientist, Mathematics, and Rocket Scientist 

Annie Easley is well known for her work at NASA as a "human computer," completing sophisticated mathematical calculations. She progressed with technology, becoming an expert computer programmer who assisted in developing and implementing code for several projects.

9. Walter Lincoln Hawkins (March 21, 1911 - August 20, 1992)

Field: Polymer Chemist, Scientist, and Inventors

Walter Hawkins is well known for creating a plastic covering for telephone cables, which enabled universal service. He has received the National Medal of Technology and has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

10. Alexa Canady (November 7, 1950-)

Field: Surgeon and Educator

Alexa Canady is well-known for being the first female African-American neurosurgeon in the United States and the first female African-American to be certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. After specializing in pediatric neurosurgery, she became the director of neurosurgery at the Children's Hospital. Under her leadership, the department quickly rose to become one of the best in the country.