How Katherine Johnson’s Education Paved the Way for Women in STEM
From the footsteps of her humble beginnings to her stellar achievements, Katherine Johnson’s journey as a mathematician, space scientist, and aerospace technologist stands out as a true inspiration, especially for women in STEM fields. Through her academic excellence, Katherine proved that women can excel and break the glass ceiling in technical fields.
Early Life of Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was born in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in 1918, and grew up in an era when education was scarcely available to African Americans, let alone African American women. Despite the systemic and institutional barriers, Katherine was determined to acquire an education. She had an early gift for mathematics, and by the age of just ten, she was already in high school.
In 1937, Katherine graduated from West Virginia State College with highest honors, earning two Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and French. She pursued her graduate studies at West Virginia University, where she was one of the first African American women to enroll in graduate school. Katherine joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in 1953, which was later incorporated into NASA.
Katherine Johnson’s Contributions to the Space Program at NASA
Katherine Johnson’s remarkable talent in mathematics was particularly valuable to the space program, and she played a significant role in numerous critical missions. She was instrumental in calculating the trajectories, launch windows, and return trajectories for the space flights of Apollo 11 and Space Shuttle Discovery.
In 1961, when astronaut John Glenn was set to become the first American to orbit the earth, he personally requested Katherine Johnson to verify the calculations manually. Glenn said, “If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go.” Her meticulous calculations were correct, and Glenn’s space mission was a success.
Katherine has been awarded numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
The Legacy of Katherine Johnson and Women in STEM
Katherine Johnson’s brilliance and excellence shattered racial and gender barriers, opening doors for future generations of women and minorities in the STEM fields. Her pioneering work and tenacity to pursue a career in a male-dominated field despite the societal pressures are still relevant today. Her contribution to space exploration has undoubtedly inspired many young girls to follow their dreams irrespective of societal conventions.
In conclusion, Katherine Johnson’s education, intellect, and perseverance are an inspiration to many aspiring scientists, especially women. Her legacy is a testament to the fact that with hard work and dedication, one can bridge the gap between what is thought to be impossible and what is achievable. She remains a role model to not only the young women in STEM fields but also to everyone with a dream to succeed.
