Katherine Johnson
NASA Mathematician • Hidden Figure • Pioneer 🚀
1918 - 2020 • West Virginia → The Stars ✨
33
Years at NASA
∞
Inspired
26
Research Papers
Achievements
"I counted everything. I counted the steps to the road, the steps up to church, the number of dishes and silverware I washed... anything that could be counted, I did."
— Katherine Johnson
How I calculated trajectories by hand
The math behind Apollo 11
Breaking barriers at NASA
Math tips that got me to NASA
John Glenn trusted MY math
Hidden Figures: My Story
August 26, 1918
Born in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Katherine Coleman is born to Joshua and Joylette Coleman. Her family values education despite segregation.
1930s - Mathematical Prodigy
Skips grades in school
Katherine's exceptional talent in mathematics becomes evident early. She excels through segregated schools in West Virginia.
1937
Graduates from West Virginia State College at 18
She completes her undergraduate degree with a major in French and minor in mathematics. Her father's influence: "Like what you do, and then you will do your best."
1953
Joins NACA (NASA predecessor)
Katherine joins the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics at Langley Research Center, working as a "computer" calculating aircraft trajectories.
February 20, 1962
John Glenn Orbits Earth - Requests Katherine's Verification
Astronaut John Glenn specifically requests Katherine verify all computer calculations before his historic orbital flight. Her work is trusted above all others.
July 20, 1969
Apollo 11: To the Moon
Katherine's trajectory calculations help guide Apollo 11 to the moon. Neil Armstrong's historic moonwalk is made possible by her mathematics.
November 24, 2015
Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama awards Katherine the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
February 24, 2020
Katherine Johnson Passes Away
Katherine Johnson passes away at age 101, leaving behind an incredible legacy as a mathematical pioneer, civil rights icon, and inspiration to millions worldwide.
Comments
📚 To Math Students Everywhere
"Like what you do, and then you will do your best. You are as good as anyone in this town, but you're no better."
— Advice from my father that shaped my life
Graduate at 18
Love numbers
Never give up
Dream big