Women Pioneers
This African American physician and astronaut became the first African American woman to travel in space in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Dr. Mae Jemison
This African American mathematician and computer scientist was a key figure in the development of the first general-purpose electronic digital computer, the ENIAC, during World War II.
Dorothy Vaughan
This African American computer scientist and entrepreneur co-founded the tech company GitHub, which became one of the world's largest software development platforms
Chris Wanstrath
This African American astronaut became the first African American woman to conduct a spacewalk in 1999.
Dr. Stephanie Wilson
In 1988, this African American physicist received a patent for the gamma electric cell, a device that converts radiation directly into electricity.
James E. West
This African American mathematician, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson in a 2016 biographical film, made groundbreaking contributions to the field of aeronautical engineering.
Katherine Johnson
This African American physicist was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from MIT and later became the first African American to teach at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Edward Bouchet
This African American geneticist led the Human Genome Project's African Ancestry in Southwest Georgia project and made significant contributions to our understanding of genetic variation in African American populations.
Dr. Georgia M. Dunston
This African American astronaut became the first African American to pilot a spacecraft when he flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.
Charles F. Bolden Jr.
This African American scientist is credited with inventing the gas mask and the traffic signal.
Garrett A. Morgan
In 1977, this African American astrophysicist became the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in astronomy from Yale University.
Beth Brown
This African American chemist and X-ray crystallographer contributed to the discovery of the molecular structure of important substances like cholesterol, penicillin, and various antibiotics.
Dr. Percy Lavon Julian
This African American physician and astronaut, selected by NASA in 2013, became the first African American woman to serve as a crew member on the International Space Station in 2022.
Dr. Jeanette Epps
This African American astronaut holds the record for the longest cumulative time spent in space by an American astronaut, with over 665 days.
Franklin Chang-Diaz
Known as the "Black Edison," this inventor created the Super Soaker, one of the most popular toys of all time.
Lonnie Johnson
This African American mathematician and aerospace engineer, portrayed by Janelle Monáe in the film "Hidden Figures," was the first African American female engineer at NASA and later served as Langley Research Center's Federal Women's Program Manager.
Mary W. Jackson
Known for his work in nuclear physics, this African American scientist played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project.
Dr. J. Ernest Wilkins Jr.
In 2017, this African American mathematician became the first Black woman to receive the Fields Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in mathematics, for her work in algebraic geometry.
Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani
In 1983, this African American astronaut became the first African American to travel in space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Guion Bluford
In 1970, this African American chemist invented a method to preserve blood for transfusions, extending its shelf life from a few days to several weeks.
Charles Drew
This African American biologist was the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in zoology, and her research contributed significantly to our understanding of the reproductive system.
Jewel Plummer Cobb
This African American physicist and inventor is best known for his invention of the gamma electric cell, which converts radiation directly into electricity, and for his role in the development of the foil electret microphone.
Dr. James E. West
This African American neuroscientist is known for her research on how early experiences shape brain development and influence learning and behavior. She also co-founded the African American Neuroscience Research Initiative (AANRI).
Dr. Kimberly Noble
In 2021, this African American astronaut became the first African American to command the International Space Station.
Victor Glover
This African American inventor and engineer is famous for creating the first practical and efficient refrigeration system.
Frederick McKinley Jones