Born: 1930 (Sutherland, Virginia)
Biography:
Gladys Mae West (née Brown; born October 27, 1930) is an American mathematician known for her groundbreaking contributions to the mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth, as well as her pivotal work in the development of satellite geodesy models that were later incorporated into the Global Positioning System (GPS). Her exceptional achievements have had a profound impact on both scientific and technological advancements.
Gladys Mae Brown was born in Sutherland, Virginia, in Dinwiddie County, a rural area located south of Richmond. Growing up in an African-American farming family, she experienced firsthand the challenges of living in a community of sharecroppers. Both her mother, who worked in a tobacco factory, and her father, who worked for the railroad, instilled in her the importance of education.
Recognizing education as the key to a brighter future, West seized the opportunity to attend Virginia State College (now formally University) after graduating as valedictorian from her high school in 1948. At VSU, she pursued her passion for mathematics, a predominantly male-dominated field at the time. Additionally, she became a member of the renowned Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
In 1952, West earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and subsequently taught mathematics and science in Waverly, Virginia for two years. Her thirst for knowledge led her back to VSU, where she completed a Master of Mathematics degree in 1955. Afterward, she embarked on a teaching career in Martinsville, Virginia.
In 1956, West’s exceptional talents were recognized, and she was hired to work at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia (now the Naval Surface Warfare Center). As only the second black woman ever employed and one of just four black employees at the center, West made significant contributions as a computer programmer within the Dahlgren division. She also served as a project manager for processing systems, focusing on satellite data analysis.
While working at the Naval Proving Ground, West concurrently pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. Her commitment to furthering her education demonstrated her determination to excel both intellectually and professionally.
In the early 1960s, West played a crucial role in an award-winning study that substantiated the regularity of Pluto’s motion relative to Neptune. This accomplishment not only showcased her mathematical proficiency but also cemented her reputation as a formidable scientist.
Following her groundbreaking work on the study of Pluto’s motion, West embarked on a new endeavor: analyzing satellite altimeter data from NASA’s Geodetic Earth Orbiting program. Her goal was to develop models of the Earth’s shape. Later, she became the project manager for the Seasat radar altimetry project, which marked the first successful application of remote sensing to analyze oceanic conditions.
West’s extraordinary work resulted in a significant reduction in her team’s processing time, garnering her a well-deserved recommendation for a commendation. Her contributions to satellite geodesy models were instrumental in revolutionizing navigation and positioning systems.
In recognition of her profound impact on scientific advancements, Gladys West was honored with numerous awards. In 2018, she was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame for her exceptional contributions to the development of satellite geodesy models. Her outstanding career was further acknowledged when she received the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award, specifically commending her pioneering work in satellite geodesy models.
Gladys West’s unwavering dedication to her field, her relentless pursuit of knowledge, and her groundbreaking contributions to satellite geodesy models have solidified her status as a pioneering figure in mathematics, science, and the advancements of GPS technology. Her invaluable contributions continue to shape the way we navigate the world, both literally and figuratively, making her a trailblazer in the realm of geodesy and an inspiring figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– Inductee into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame in 2018
– Recipient of the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award for the development of satellite geodesy models