Mary Jackson: Breaking Barriers in Engineering and Civil Rights

Her remarkable career, spanning over three decades, not only opened doors for future scientists and engineers but also significantly advanced aerospace engineering and the fight against racial and gender discrimination. Mary Jackson's journey from a high school math teacher to NASA's first black female engineer stands as a powerful narrative of resilience, intellect, and a steadfast commitment to social justice.

Mary Jackson embarked on her NASA journey in 1951, a time when segregation laws were still prevalent. Despite these hurdles, she became part of the West Area Computing unit at the Langley Research Center.

This unit, composed of black female mathematicians, was known as the "human computers." Jackson's role involved performing intricate calculations that were vital for the success of early American space missions. Her exceptional mathematical talent and meticulous attention to detail quickly earned her the respect of her colleagues and supervisors.

Recognizing her potential, Jackson pursued further opportunities. In 1958, she bravely requested to join an engineering training program held at an all-white high school. She required special permission from the city of Hampton, Virginia, to attend. Overcoming significant challenges, Jackson excelled in her studies and was promoted to aerospace engineer, making history as NASA’s first black female engineer. This milestone was revolutionary, breaking racial and gender barriers within the engineering field.

Throughout her engineering career, Jackson specialized in wind tunnel experiments and aerodynamics, significantly contributing to NASA's understanding of air flow around aircraft and spacecraft. Her research enhanced the design and efficiency of numerous aerospace projects, crucial during the space race. Jackson's work on boundary layer effects and supersonic flow was particularly influential, providing essential data that informed the design of future space missions.

Mary Jackson was devoted to advocacy and mentoring in addition to her scientific accomplishments. Understanding the importance of representation, she committed her life to helping women and minorities pursue jobs in STEM. Jackson served as the Girl Scout leader for more than thirty years, inspiring many young girls to choose professions in science and engineering. In order to remove institutional hurdles that prevented women and minorities from advancing in STEM disciplines, she also actively participated in the NASA Affirmative Action Program and the Federal Women's Program.

Eventually in her career, Jackson left her engineering job to become a manager in the field of Equal Opportunity Specialists, where she focused on hiring, career advancement, and the general treatment of women and minorities at NASA, ensuring that the workplace became more inclusive and equitable. Jackson felt that she could have a bigger impact by working to influence and implement changes in policies and practices that would benefit a wider range of people.

Beyond her technical accomplishments, Mary Jackson's legacy reaches far beyond her life and career, serving as an example of the transformative power of advocacy, education, and perseverance in shattering stereotypes and opening doors for upcoming generations. Her story came to a wider audience with the publication of the book and movie "Hidden Figures," which focused on the contributions Jackson and her colleagues, Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, made to the success of NASA's early space missions.

Jackson's commitment to her work, her colleagues, and the next generation of scientists and engineers continues to inspire and influence countless people worldwide. In 2019, NASA recognized Jackson's legacy by renaming its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters. This tribute serves as a permanent reminder of her contributions to aerospace engineering and civil rights.

Mary Jackson not only shaped the direction of space exploration via her innovative work and unwavering advocacy, but she also made the world a more welcoming and equal place for everyone. Her successes are a potent reminder of how crucial diversity and inclusivity are in STEM professions. Her pioneering attitude and steadfast dedication to justice have made a lasting impression on NASA and the scientific community at large.

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