By Dr. Kevin Harris
Faculty Member, Cybersecurity, Information Systems Security and Information Technology
This article is the final article of a three-part science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) pioneer series, highlighting African American contributions in the fields of medicine, technology, and mathematics.
Mathematics is a core component of the science fields and a foundational skill in STEM disciplines. The reasoning and analytical skills used by mathematicians has advanced societies throughout history.
The abacus, architectural wonders, astronomy, flight, computers and today’s Internet of Things (IoT) have one thing in common – mathematics. While there have been many important African American mathematicians, some of the most noteworthy names in mathematics include Dr. Christine Darden, Benjamin Banneker and Dr. J. Ernest Wilkins, Jr.
Dr. Christine Darden
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to listen to and meet Dr. Christine Darden, one of the African American women who worked at NASA Langley Research Center. Margot Lee Shetterly’s 2016 book, “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race” and the subsequent 2016 award-winning movie “Hidden Figures” focused on the amazing work Dr. Darden and other African American mathematicians accomplished for our nation’s space program. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) even referred to this team as human computers.
Dr. Darden’s passion for mathematics was still on display as she wowed the audience at the Nashville Public Library, discussing her work at NASA and later with supersonic flight. As a true pioneer, Dr. Darden and the other “Hidden Figures” mathematicians received a Congressional Gold Medal to honor their contributions to our country. While Dr. Darden has received many accolades and awards of the years, she constantly serves as an advocate for student to embrace mathematics.
Benjamin Banneker
Another African American trailblazer in mathematics was Benjamin Banneker, who was born in 1731 in Maryland. Banneker was the son of an ex-slave who used mathematics as a surveyor, astronomer, and writer of an almanac. One of his many accomplishments included assisting with the surveying and planning of the area that is now Washington D.C.
Being primarily self-taught, Banneker serves as a role model to us all. His life shows us that hard work and perseverance are vital elements for success and that we must remember all of our paths are unique. Additionally, he recognized the need for equality in the early years of our country, writing a letter to then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson to question the practice of slavery.
Dr. J. Ernest Wilkins, Jr.
Dr. J. Ernest Wilkins, Jr. embraced the mathematics field early, earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago at 17 and his Ph.D. at the age of 19. According to the Atomic Heritage Foundation and the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, Dr. Wilkins along with two other researchers, “researched methods for producing fissionable nuclear materials, focusing in particular on plutonium-239.” But Dr. Wilkins was unaware of how his research would be used until after the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima.
Dr. Wilkins’ career also reminds us of the continued need to advocate for equality for all. In 1944, his team of researchers was scheduled to be transferred from a Manhattan Project lab in Chicago, Illinois, to the Oak Ridge Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. However, Dr. Wilkins was prevented from going to Tennessee due to the Jim Crow laws of the south.
These STEM Trailblazers Are an Importance Source of Inspiration
With this final article recognizing a few of the African American mathematics pioneers in the STEM field, I encourage you to learn more about each of these individuals and others who have helped to foster a culture of innovation. The STEM field has many opportunities, so take the time to learn more about the STEM field and the valuable contributions of those in the scientific community.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Harris is a faculty member in the School of STEM, teaching classes in cybersecurity, information systems security and information technology. With over 25 years of industry experience, Dr. Harris has protected a variety of organizational infrastructure and data in positions ranging from systems analyst to chief information officer.
His career encompasses diverse experiences both in information technology and academia. His research and passion are in the areas of cybersecurity, bridging the digital divide, and increasing diversity in the tech community. As an academic leader, Dr. Harris instructed students at various types of institutions, including community colleges, HBCUs, public, private, graduate, undergraduate and online. He has trained faculty from multiple institutions in the area of cybersecurity as part of an NSF multistate CSEC grant.
Comments are closed.