Dorothy Jean Johnson Vaughan
Personal Information
Born: 1910
Died: 2008
Country of Birth: USA
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: Black
Education
Wilberforce University BA Mathematics 1929
Professional Life
Field of Study: Mathmatics
Institution/Corporation: NASA
Degrees & Memberships: Member: Alpha Kappa Alpha
Awards & Achievements
Awards: 2017 NASA Langley Hall of Honor; 2019 Congressional Gold Medal; the following are named after her: a scholarship fund (2005) a school (2017) a crater on the far side of the moon (2019) a satellitte (2020) & a scholarship at North Central University
Achievements: "one of NASA's Hidden Figures; when NASA switched to electronic computing in 1961 she taught herself Fortran & became an expert in it even teaching co-workers so they could transition into new jobs easier; contributed to the Scout Launch Vehicle Program; head of NACA's segregated West Area Computing Unit from 1949-1958; wrote a song ""Math Math"""
One of NASAs Hidden figures
Self-taught expert in FORTRAN
Head of NACAs (now NASAs) segregated West Area Computing Unit 1949-1953
Wrote a song, "Math Math"
Collaborated on a handbook for algebraic methods used for calculating machines
1st Black supervisor at NACA, taking over for a white woman who had died; originally "acting supervisor" for several years before given title of supervisor
Worked with Katherine Johnson & Mary Jackson on John Glenn's launch into orbit
Worked at Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA 28 years; specialized in calculations for flight paths, the Scout Project, & computer programming