1933-2011 Annie J. Easley, Mathematician & Computer Scientist

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Annie J. Easley, NASA Mathematician & Computer Scientist

(1933-2011)

Photo: Cover of Science and Engineering Newsletter featuring Easley at the Lewis Research Center, courtesy Wikipedia

Annie J. Easley grew up in Birmingham and pursued career interests in nursing & pharmacy.  "Easley in 1955 read an article highlighting twin sisters who worked as “human computers” at the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, which eventually was absorbed into the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) when it was founded on October 1, 1958. The article noted that individuals with strong mathematics skills were needed at the laboratory. Easley immediately applied and two weeks later began her 34 year-long career with NASA as a computer scientist and mathematician. Although she had no college degree, her graduation from high school as valedictorian coupled with her work ethic, helped her develop the ability to master complex equations needed for her position. When NASA was created in 1958, she learned that she was one of only four African American employees in the computational section. Easley was on the front line of space research and subsequent space missions that began with the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1962."

contributed to blackpast on mar 13, 2020 by: JANA CARPENTER