Katherine Johnson: A Hidden Figure

For Women’s History Month I wanted to celebrate the remarkable women who have made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Among these women is Katherine Johnson—a pioneering mathematician whose groundbreaking work at NASA helped send astronauts to space and inspired generations.

Katherine Johnson was born with an aptitude for math

Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson was born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. From an early age, she displayed an exceptional aptitude for mathematics, excelling in school despite the limited educational opportunities available to African American children in the segregated South. Johnson’s talent caught the attention of her teachers, who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue her passion for mathematics.

“Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men.”

Katherine Johnson

After earning degrees in mathematics and French from West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University), Katherine Johnson began her career as a teacher. In 1953, she joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA, as a “human computer”—a term used to describe women mathematicians who performed complex calculations by hand.

Katherine Johnson played a crucial role in NASA missions

Throughout her career at NASA, Katherine Johnson played a crucial role in some of the agency’s most historic missions. She calculated trajectories, orbital mechanics, and launch windows for numerous spaceflights, including the first American manned spaceflight by Alan Shepard and the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first humans on the moon.

Despite her monumental achievements, Katherine Johnson faced considerable challenges and obstacles as a woman of color working in a male-dominated field. She encountered sexism, racism, and discrimination, both within NASA and in society at large. Yet, Johnson remained undeterred, her intellect, and perseverance propelling her forward in the face of adversity.

One of Katherine Johnson’s most significant contributions to space exploration came during the Mercury program, when she calculated the trajectory for John Glenn’s historic orbital flight around the Earth. Glenn refused to fly until Johnson verified the calculations, trusting her expertise and precision. Johnson’s calculations were critical to the success of the mission and solidified her reputation as a trusted and indispensable member of the NASA team.

She was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal

Katherine’s groundbreaking achievements helped to shatter stereotypes and pave the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields. In 2019, Johnson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of her contributions to the space program and her legacy.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us honor the enduring legacy of Katherine Johnson—a woman whose brilliance, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire us all. May her life serve as a reminder of the power of determination, the importance of diversity, and the endless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and defy the odds.

Check back tomorrow as I highlight the next woman for Women’s History Month.