Katherine Johnson is a notable math figure that broke many barriers. From an early age she had a love for math. She helped NASA in her multiple teams that helped many astronauts get into space. She started out on a team of women that would crunch difficult numbers for NACA(National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), later to be morphed into NASA. They were called the “West Computers,” and they were a vital part of the space exploration mission. Their collaboration and dedication was impressive. This incredible group of women was eventually portrayed in a movie called “Hidden Figures,” showcasing the important role the group played in US space history.
Katherine Johnson was incredible outside of her contributions in NACA. Once NACA turned into NASA, she was able to write/help write 26 research articles. She also calculated the flight path of Freedom 7, which was the first mission to put astronauts in space for the United States. She also helped in the calculations for the launch and landing of Apollo 11 on the moon. She clearly was very gifted at math and physics, and NASA and those around her continued to ask for her help and opinion. She eventually was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and NASA dedicated a research building in her name. It is safe to say her intelligence and contributions greatly affected NASA and space exploration. She is an incredible woman who was able to defy both her gender and race.
The idea of defying conceptual constructs and pushing for conceptual change, as well as collaborative creativity, can be seen within Johnson, as well as in Jennifer Doudna in Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race, by Walter Isaacson. Johnson and Doudna also were both able to capitalize on their collaborators, Doudna with her partner Emmanuelle Charpentier, and Johnson with her groups of people(specifically the ‘West Computers’). Their ability to help further science while collaborating with others, and make such a large impact, is very inspiring. They both excelled in their respective fields. They were able to use their intelligence to help others, even in moments where they had to rise above stereotypes and prejudices. They both defied their gender constructs, and pushed the limits of society.
Johnson will be an inspiration for many to come. Her ability to overcome prejudice and receive the recognition she deserves is impactful. Her work in the space technological world will be observed for many people to come, leaving a mark on NASA and the world.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katherine-Johnson-mathematician
https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/langley/katherine-johnson-biography/
I love how you connected Katherine Johnson to your focus book! My focus book, Faith, Hope, and Carnage, also discusses a major collaboration between artists Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. Cave mentions how Ellis and him would just start something and bounce off of each other naturally. Their relationship is built on respect where Katherine Johnson was forced to fight against prejudice. I think her story is a very fascinating and important story about believing in yourself and fighting for respect. Cave brings up similar emotions in his albums and the interview. Cave also brings up the fluidity in creation and I feel like the Hidden figures movie also demonstrates Katherine Johnson’s creative flow. In the movie, she is constantly shown efficiently and diligently completing math equations. She talks to herself, hones in on the blackboard, and doesn’t stop until the problem is solved. The movie and Katherine Johnson herself is very inspiring.
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