Born: 1943 (Baltimore, Maryland)
Biography:
Valerie L. Thomas is an American data scientist and inventor, best known for her groundbreaking work in the field of image processing and the invention of the illusion transmitter. She was born on February 8, 1943, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Thomas grew up during the era of integration and graduated from high school in 1961. She then attended Morgan State University, where she was one of only two women majoring in physics. Thomas’s passion for mathematics and science led her to excel in her courses, and she graduated with a degree in physics with highest honors in 1964.
After completing her education, Thomas joined NASA as a data analyst in 1964. She played a crucial role in developing real-time computer data systems to support satellite operations control centers, solidifying her expertise in the field. Her exceptional skills and dedication led her to oversee the creation of the Landsat program from 1970 to 1981, where she became an international expert in Landsat data products. Through her work, Thomas contributed to the visualization of Earth from space, expanding upon the works of other NASA scientists.
In 1974, Thomas led a team for the Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE), a collaborative effort between NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This unprecedented scientific project aimed to automate the process of predicting wheat yield on a global scale using space technology.
Thomas’s groundbreaking contributions did not stop there. In 1976, she attended an exhibition that featured an illusion of a light bulb appearing lit, even when removed from its socket. Intrigued by the use of light and concave mirrors, Thomas explored how these elements could be integrated into her work at NASA. This led her to invent the illusion transmitter, an optical device that she obtained a patent for on October 21, 1980.
The illusion transmitter has since become an indispensable tool for NASA, offering numerous applications beyond its original purpose. It has been adapted for use in surgery, televisions, and video screens. Thomas’s invention has also made its way into popular culture, being depicted in various fictional books, television shows, and video games.
Over the course of her career, Thomas climbed the ranks at NASA and became the associate chief of the Space Science Data Operations Office. She continued to make significant contributions to the organization and served as the NSSDC Computer Facility manager in 1985. In this role, she successfully consolidated and reconfigured two independent computer facilities, incorporating new technology into their systems. Thomas then went on to manage the Space Physics Analysis Network (SPAN) project from 1986 to 1990, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer.
Valerie Thomas’s achievements and groundbreaking inventions continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of scientists and inventors. Her dedication to her work at NASA and her pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on the field of data science and image processing.