Born: August 9, 1908 (Park Hill, Oklahoma)
Biography:
Mary Golda Ross was a pioneering Native American engineer who made significant contributions to the aerospace industry. Born on August 9, 1908, in Park Hill, Oklahoma, she grew up to become the first known Native American female engineer and the first female engineer in the history of Lockheed Corporation. Ross played a pivotal role in the development of the renowned Skunk Works project and made notable contributions to aerospace design, including the Agena Rocket program and the earliest studies of orbiting satellites for both defense and civilian purposes.
Born to William Wallace Ross Jr and Mary Henrietta Moore Ross, Mary Golda Ross was the second of five children. She belonged to the Cherokee Nation and was the great-granddaughter of the Cherokee Chief John Ross. Recognized for her aptitude at a young age, Ross was sent to live with her grandparents in Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, to receive primary and secondary education.
Ross’s academic pursuits led her to enroll in Northeastern State Teachers’ College in Tahlequah when she was just 16 years old. In 1928, at the age of 20, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Determined to further her education, she went on to earn her master’s degree from the Colorado State Teachers College in Greeley in 1938. Ross took every available astronomy class during her studies, developing a strong foundation in the subject.
Following her education, Ross taught math and science in rural Oklahoma schools for nine years, a period that was marked by the challenges of the Great Depression. In 1937, she began working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in Washington, D.C., as a statistical clerk. However, she was soon reassigned as an advisor to girls at the Santa Fe Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a boarding school for Native American children.
In August 1938, Ross completed the requirements for her master’s degree from Colorado State College of Education at Greeley, where she had attended classes during the summers while working as a teacher. She had a keen interest in mathematics, and her studies extended to astronomy, allowing her to cultivate a multidisciplinary approach to her field.
In 1941, with the onset of World War II and her father’s advice to seek work in California, Ross relocated to the West Coast. She was hired by Lockheed in 1942 as a mathematician and began her groundbreaking career in aerospace engineering. Her initial work involved conducting research on the effects of pressure on the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, one of the fastest airplanes of its time. The P-38 was also the first military aircraft to fly faster than 400 mph (640 km/h) in level flight.
Throughout her time at Lockheed, Ross proved herself as a skilled engineer and problem solver. She addressed various design issues associated with high-speed flight and aeroelasticity, utilizing her mathematical proficiency to make significant contributions to aerospace design.
However, Ross’s impact extended beyond her technical expertise. As a female engineer in a male-dominated industry, she defied societal expectations and paved the way for future generations of women in engineering. Her remarkable achievements and determination shattered gender barriers, inspiring other women to pursue careers in STEM.
In recognition of her contributions, Mary Golda Ross was awarded numerous accolades and honors throughout her career. These included, but were not limited to, membership in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Society of Women Engineers, and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.
Ross’s legacy continues to resonate, particularly in the advancement of women in engineering and the aerospace industry. In 2018, she was selected to be depicted on the 2019 Native American $1 Coin by the U.S. Mint, underscoring her significant role in representing Native Americans in the space program.
Mary Golda Ross retired from Lockheed in 1973, leaving behind a lasting impact on aerospace engineering. Her work on interplanetary space travel and her tireless pursuit of scientific knowledge have cemented her status as a trailblazer in her field. Ross’s commitment to breaking barriers and her enduring contributions to women’s history highlight her as a true pioneer and an inspiration to future generations.
Awards:
– Membership in the American Association for the Advancement of Science
– Membership in the Society of Women Engineers
– Membership in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society