Valerie Thomas

 Female Black Scientists Who Have Contributed to Science & Technology

Valerie Thomas is an American scientist who contributed to science by inventing the illusion transmitter which is an optical device that uses concave mirrors to transmit 3-D images or holograms whilst working for NASA. By creating this technology, not only did she help scientists transmit images from a distance but she also paved the way for other fields to use the device as well such as surgery, 3-D video and televisions. During her time as a scientist she also assisted in developing processing software that would help scientists in converting scientific data captured by satellites. 

As a young girl, Thomas was interested in the fields of physics, mathematics and electronics though in that time women in general let alone black women weren't encouraged to pursue those fields. Coming from a racially segregated society as well she had fewer opportunities than her white counterparts but she took it upon herself to complete high school and graduate with a bachelor's degree in physics at Morgan State University in 1964. Eventually this led her to find a job at NASA as a data analyst where she began to experiment with 3D illusions (1976) after seeing a demonstration of a light bulb staying lit after it was removed from a lamp. 

Her challenges as a young African-American woman who grew up in the 1940's-50's to pursue a higher education and a career in a male-dominated industry definitely pushed her to invent and contribute to the world of science. Even though she offered a lot to NASA, that didn't stop her from achieving great heights such as earning a master's degree in engineering administration and a doctorate in educational leadership. She also was active in STEM organizations like Women in Science and Engineering and Shades of Blue where she became an advocate for young black people, especially black women and girls who wanted to pursue a science education to pursue these fields. She amongst many other black women opened doors of opportunity for young black people today.

In computing and technology today, highlighting the accomplishments of people like Valerie Thomas can eliminate racial biases. Another way you can do that is through promoting messages of diversity and inclusion through STEM organizations where members and notable figures can come together to promote equal opportunity, fairness and diversity through commmunity service, discussions, workshops and other activities. By making such connections can racial biases be combated.