While the tutors may not always recognize the positive impacts they’re having on students, they can be certain that they have helped each of their students to recognize their potential and that any one of their students could one day have achievements-like Katherine Johnson-beyond their or our wildest dreams. Our tutors help students build their skills and confidence in mathematics, and they also serve as mentors. Math Motivators’ mission is to close the opportunity gap to, in turn, close the achievement gap by supporting the math education of underserved students. She died last year, on February 24, 2020, at the age of 101. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She persevered against racism and sexism to leave her mark on the field of mathematics. Johnson was one of our honorees at LSCs Genius Gala. Before John Glenn’s orbit of the Earth in 1962, he reportedly asked that Johnson herself double-check the computer’s calculations, saying “if she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go.” Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician who inspired the 2016 film Hidden Figures, died today at 101. During her long, successful career, she contributed mathematical analysis to many historic space missions including the first human space flight and the Apollo missions. In 1953, however, she launched her career in aerospace technology at what is now known as NASA. In the 1950s, Katherine began her career as a research mathematician, and her first jobs were in teaching. She was later selected as the only woman, and one of only three Black students, to integrate West Virginia University’s graduate program. Bright and curious, she completed high school at 14 and went on to graduate summa cum laude from West Virginia State college with a degree in mathematics at age 18. Katherine Johnson was an African American woman born in 1918 in West Virginia. Celebrating a pioneering NASA mathematician who broke barriers. Her name was Katherine Johnson, and her life is an extraordinary example of boundary breaking and intellectual achievement. Historical Human Interest: Katherine Johnson. I learned about a remarkable woman recently, and I’d like to tell you a little about her. NASA Langley pioneer Katherine Johnson talks about her life and her work at NASA, where she was known as the 'human computer.' She discusses the highlights. But there are so many other fascinating humans who have contributed to mathematics as we know it today. We’ve all heard of those early, influential mathematicians like Einstein, Newton, and Pythagoras. In turn, what we know now will contribute to the body of knowledge those who come after us inherit. One of the most inspiring things about learning now is realizing that all the knowledge we have today came from the work and understanding of seemingly countless people who came before us.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |