Space and Engineering
Mary W. Jackson
1921–2005
1958
NASA's first Black woman engineer
What Mary contributed
Became NASA's first Black female engineer after overcoming barriers to obtain required graduate coursework.
The story
Jackson worked in aeronautical research and later managed programs designed to improve the advancement and hiring of women at NASA.
Why it matters
Her engineering research improved understanding of airflow around aircraft and encouraged opportunities for women at NASA.
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