February is Black History Month. Find out more about some of the many African American researchers and engineers who have made crucial contributions to science history.
Update! This post has been upgraded for 2023 to include extra African American scientists and engineers.
Keep in mind: Educators can utilize this career worksheet to direct trainee exploration and reflection about STEM professions.
In honor of Black History Month, we highlight 35 African American scientists and engineers who made crucial contributions to science, mathematics, engineering, and innovation (STEM). There are numerous, lots of researchers who might be consisted of on this list! The list below is simply a sampling of kept in mind researchers through history.
To encourage trainees to get more information about these researchers and to check out associated science tasks and professions for researchers they discover motivating, for each scientist, we have included a short biographical emphasize, links to hands-on science jobs associated with the scientists location of research study, links to appropriate science career profiles, and a link to a bio for additional reading.
By Amy Cowen
on January 20, 2023 8:00 AM
1. Alice Ball, chemist
Intrigued in chemistry and medication? Discover more with science jobs like:.
Find out more about associated professions:.
Chemist, Biochemist, Chemical Technician.
Alice Ball was a chemist who developed an injectable treatment for leprosy.
( Biography).
2. Benjamin Banneker, mathematician and astronomer.
Benjamin Banneker was a mathematician and astronomer. Stories about Banneker include a series of science details, consisting of a clock he carved from wood (perhaps the very first clock in the U.S.), his successful forecast of the 1789 solar eclipse, and his role as a property surveyor when the area for Washington D.C. was being mapped. Banneker likewise wrote and released an almanac, yearly, in between 1792 and 1797.
( Biography).
Intrigued in jobs that combine math and astronomy? Check out science tasks like:.
Discover more about associated careers:.
Astronomer,.
Mathematician,.
Statistician.
3. Patricia Bath, eye doctor.
Intrigued in eye science and vision? Discover more with science tasks like:.
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Eye doctor, Physician.
Patricia Bath was an ophthalmologist who developed laser technology utilized in treating cataracts.
( Biography).
5. Otis Boykin, inventor and electrical engineer.
Otis Boykin developed the first electrical resistor, a part now used in lots of typical devices, including computers and televisions. Boykin got his very first patent in 1959 for a wire accuracy resistor. In 1964, he developed a resistor that made the first implantable pacemaker possible.
( Biography).
Learn more about associated professions:.
Electrical & & Electronics Engineer, Electrical Engineering Technician, Biomedical Engineer.
Interested in electronics and engineering? Find out more with science tasks like:.
7. William Warrick Cardozo, physician.
( Biography).
William Warrick Cardozo pioneered research study on sickle cell anemia and its appearance predominantly in individuals of African descent.
Interested in human health, genetics, and medical research? Explore science tasks like:.
Discover more about related careers:.
Doctor,.
Epidemiologist,.
Genetic Counselor,.
Cytogenetic Technologist,.
8. George Carruthers, astrophysicist.
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Physicist,.
Astronomer,.
Aerospace Engineer,.
Mechanical Engineer.
George Carruthers established the ultraviolet camera/spectrograph utilized throughout the Apollo 16 mission in 1972.
( Biography).
Interested in ultraviolet imaging and space science? Check out science jobs like:.
9. Emmett Chappelle, biochemist.
( Biography).
Interested in bioluminescence or agricultural technology? Check out science tasks like:.
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Biochemist,.
Chemist,.
Agricultural Technician.
Emmett Chappelle used bioluminescence as a way to measure the existence of bacteria in water and demonstrated how fluorescence can be utilized to keep an eye on plant health. At NASA, he investigated an ATP-fluorescence assay as a way to discover life on other worlds.
10. Jewel Plummer Cobb, biologist.
Intrigued in human biology and medical research study? Explore science tasks like:.
Jewel Plummer Cobb was a biologist whose research explored the relationship in between melanin, skin pigmentation, and skin cancer. Her research study consisted of investigating the usage of chemotherapy drugs like methotrexate to deal with particular types of cancer. Dr. Cobb served as president of California State University at Fullerton from 1981-1990.
( Biography; video).
Learn more about related professions:.
Biologist,.
Cytotechnologist.
11. Margaret Collins, entomologist and zoologist.
Find out more about related professions: Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist,.
Biologist.
Margaret Collins was an entomologist and zoologist. Referred to as the “Termite Lady” for her extensive research on termites, she co-discovered the Neotermes luykxi types of termites. (Biography).
Interested in insects? Explore science tasks like:.
12. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, physician.
Interested in medication and public health? Find out more with science projects like:.
Discover more about associated careers:.
Doctor,.
Health Educator.
Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American doctor in the U.S., receiving a “Doctress of Medicine” degree from New England Female Medical College in 1864. Dr. Crumpler dealt with the Freedmens Bureau and other groups to supply medical care free of charge slaves and others in requirement. She later on wrote A Book of Medical Discourses.
( Biography).
14. Christine Darden, mathematician and aerospace engineer.
Discover more about associated professions:.
Aerospace Engineer,.
Mathematician.
Christine Darden was a mathematician and aerospace engineer at NASA. When she moved from data analysis to Darden does not appear in the Hidden Figures motion picture, however her story becomes part of the Hidden Figures book.
( Biography).
Interested in aerospace engineering, plane design, and mathematics? Explore science jobs like:.
15. Mark Dean, computer system engineer.
Intrigued in computer system engineering? Check out science jobs like:.
Mark Dean is a computer system engineer who co-developed the first computer. Additional contributions at IBM led to color screens, the Industry Standard Architecture bus (which allows you to link devices like printers to computers), and the first gigahertz chip. (Biography).
Find out more about associated careers: Computer Hardware Engineer,.
Computer System Software Engineer.
16. Charles Richard Drew, doctor.
Charles Richard Drew developed ways to utilize and maintain blood plasma that helped save lives throughout World War II and later on became the design used for blood banks. Referred to as the “Father of the Blood Bank,” Drew is likewise credited with the first bloodmobile. (Biography).
Find out more about associated careers:.
Physician,.
Medical & & Clinical Laboratory Technician,.
Cytotechnologist.
Interested in human biology and the science of blood? Check out science projects like:.
17. Victor J. Glover, Jr., mechanical engineer and astronaut.
Intrigued in engineering or the ISS? Explore science projects like:.
Victor J. Glover, Jr. has a background in mechanical engineering and is a Commander in the U.S. Navy. In 2020, Glover headed to the International Space Station (ISS) as pilot and second-in-command on the Crew-1 mission aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience.
( Biography).
Find out more about related professions:.
Mechanical Engineering Technician,.
Mechanical Engineer.
18. Sarah Goode, innovator.
When not in usage, Sarah Goode invented a bed that folded up so it might be kept out of the way. Goodes “folding cabinet bed” was an early variation of the Murphy Bed.
Goode was among the very first African American ladies to receive a patent.
( Biography).
Learn more about associated careers:.
Mechanical Engineer,.
Materials Scientist and Engineer,.
Industrial Engineer,.
Intrigued in developing new things and resolving problems? Explore science activities like:.
20. Alma Levant Hayden, chemist.
Interested in paper chromatography? Explore science projects like:.
Alma Levant Hayden was a chemist. While operating at the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases (now the National Institutes of Health (NIH)), Hayden explored the use of paper chromatography as a way to discover steroid compounds. Later, at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Hayden used infrared spectrometry in 1963 to negate the credibility of Krebiozen as a cure for cancer.
( Biography).
Discover more about related careers:.
Chemist,.
Chemical Engineer,.
Chemical Technician.
21. Mary Jackson, engineer and mathematician.
Interested in engineering and the science of flight? Check out science tasks and resources like:.
Mary Jackson was NASAs very first female African American engineer. Jackson was one of the women at NASA whose story was illustrated in the Hidden Figures movie. At NASA, she dealt with research study associated to the Supersonic Pressure Tunnel.
( Biography).
Discover more about associated careers:.
Aerospace Engineer,.
Computer Programmer.
Mathematician.
23. Katherine Johnson, mathematician.
Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose work at NASA was illustrated in the Hidden Figures movie. Johnson calculated the flight course for Alan Shepard (the very first American in space) and later on checked critical flight course computations for Apollo 13.
( Biography).
Discover more about related professions:.
Mathematician,.
Aerospace Engineer,.
Intrigued in engineering, math, or the science of flight? Explore science jobs and problems like:.
24. Lonnie G. Johnson, nuclear engineer and developer.
Interested in stealth innovation or inventing new things? Check out science tasks like:.
Lonnie G. Johnson is a nuclear engineer and creator who developed the popular Super Soaker water weapon. Johnson dealt with stealth technology for the U.S. Air Force and was a senior systems engineer on NASAs Galileo Project.
( Biography).
Learn more about related careers:.
Nuclear Engineer,.
Nuclear Monitoring Technician,.
Aerospace Engineer,.
Industrial Engineer.
25. Percy Lavon Julian, chemist.
Intrigued in chemistry? Explore science jobs like:.
Percy Lavon Julian was referred to as the “Soybean chemist” because he synthesized steroids and hormonal agents from soybeans. His research likewise led to the advancement of Aer-O-Foam, likewise called “bean soup,” utilized to put out oil and fuel fires in World War II. (Biography).
Find out more about associated professions:.
Chemist,.
Biochemist,.
Pharmacist.
26. Ronald E. McNair, physicist.
Interested in laser science and physics? Explore science jobs like:.
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Photonics Engineer,.
Physicist,.
Photonics Technician.
Ronald E. McNair was a laser physicist and a mission specialist for NASA on the STS 51-L Challenger objective that took off shortly after launch in 1986. (Biography).
27. Raye Montague, marine engineer.
Raye Montague was inspired by a youth experience with a submarine. She was an engineer in the U.S. Navy and is credited as being the first individual to develop a marine ship, the USS Oliver Hazard Perry, using computer system style tools.
( Biography).
Find out more about related careers:.
Marine Architect,.
Ship & & Boat Captain.
Intrigued in ship style, computer-aided style (CAD), and engineering? Check out science projects like:.
28. Willie Hobbs Moore, physicist.
Intrigued in spectroscopy and spectrometry? Explore science tasks like:.
Willie Hobbs Moore was a physicist whose research study concentrated on infrared spectroscopy. She was the first African American female to earn a doctorate in Physics.
( Biography).
Learn more about related professions:.
Physicist,.
Physics Teacher.
30. Charles Henry Turner, entomologist and zoologist.
Find out more about related careers: Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist,.
Biologist.
Intrigued in pests? Explore science jobs like:.
Charles Henry Turner was an entomologist and zoologist. Turners research showed that pests can hear and caused the expression “Turners circling” to describe the way ants return to a nest. (Biography).
31. Dorothy Vaughan, computer system scientist and mathematician.
Dorothy Vaughan was a computer researcher and mathematician. She was part of the group of “human computer systems” portrayed in the Hidden Figures movie. As NASA adopted making use of computers, Vaughan taught herself FORTRAN and entered into NASAs Analysis and Computation Division (ACD). She also worked on the Scout Launch Vehicle Program.
( Biography).
Interested in computer shows? Check out code-based science projects like:.
Discover more about associated careers:.
Mathematician,.
Computer system Programmer.
32. Gladys West, mathematician.
Gladys West is a mathematician who worked on the processing and analysis of satellite information that assisted cause the advancement of the Global Positioning System (GPS). (Biography).
Discover more about associated professions:.
Mathematician,.
Statistician,.
Data Scientist.
Interested in math and data analysis? Check out science projects like:.
33. J. Ernest Wilkins, Jr., mathematician and nuclear scientist.
J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. was a mathematician and nuclear researcher who was associated with the Manhattan Project. His work on atomic power plant physics led to the discovery or co-discovery of phenomena like the Wilkins effect and the Wigner-Wilkins spectrum. (Biography).
Find out more about associated professions:.
Nuclear Engineer,.
Nuclear Monitoring Technician,.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator,.
Mathematician.
Intrigued in nuclear science? Explore science tasks like:.
34. Daniel Hale Williams, cosmetic surgeon.
Interested in cardiology, heart, and medicine health? Discover more with science tasks like:.
Daniel Hale Williams performed the very first open-heart surgery on a human in 1893. Dr. Williams also established Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses in Chicago, IL in 1891. Provident was the first healthcare facility owned and run by African Americans.
( Biography).
Find out more about associated professions:.
Physician,.
Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician.
35. Granville Woods, innovator.
For extra STEM reading recommendations, see our STEM reading list.
ladies,.
African American,.
Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander,.
Hispanic, and.
Native American scientists and engineers,.
researchers with disabilities,.
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In honor of Black History Month, we highlight 35 African American scientists and engineers who made important contributions to science, innovation, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Stories about Banneker include a range of science details, including a clock he carved from wood (perhaps the very first clock in the U.S.), his effective prediction of the 1789 solar eclipse, and his function as a property surveyor when the territory for Washington D.C. was being mapped. Mark Dean is a computer system engineer who co-developed the very first personal computer system. Mary Jackson was NASAs first female African American engineer. J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. was a mathematician and nuclear scientist who was involved in the Manhattan Project.
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Electrical & & Electronics Engineer,.
Radio Frequency Engineer,.
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Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N. Harrington (Author), Theodore Taylor III (Illustrator).
Charles Drew (Getting to Know the Worlds Greatest Inventors & & Scientists) by Mike Venezia.
Computer Decoder: Dorothy Vaughan, Computer Scientist by Andi Diehn (Author), Katie Mazeika (Illustrator).
Relying on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker (Author), Dow Phumiruk (Illustrator).
Gary and the Great Inventors: Its Laundry Day! by Akura Marshall (Author), Adriel Meka (Illustrator).
Great Black Heroes: Five Brilliant Scientists: Five Brilliant Scientists by Lynda Jones (Author), Ron Garnett (Illustrator).
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly (Author), Laura Freeman (Illustrator).
Hidden Figures Young Readers Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly.
Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer by Andi Diehn (Author), Katie Mazeika (Illustrator).
A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon by Suzanne Slade (Author), Veronica Miller Jamison (Illustrator).
Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids by PhD Kimberly Brown Pellum.
Katherine Johnson (You Should Meet).
Mae Among destiny by Roda Ahmed (Author), Stasia Burrington (Illustrator).
Grade school.
Interested in developing brand-new things? Check out science activities and projects like:.
The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague by Julia Finley Mosca (Author), Daniel Rieley (Illustrator).
The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal (Author), Luisa Uribe (Illustrator).
Ticktock Bannekers Clock by Shana Keller (Author), David C. Gardner (Illustrator).
Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnsons Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton (Author), Don Tate (Illustrator).
( Biography).
STEM Career Worksheet.
To motivate students to find out more about these researchers and to explore associated professions in science, innovation, engineering, and math, use our complimentary STEM Career Worksheet along with this post.
Patricias Vision: The Doctor Who Saved Sight by Michelle Lord (Author), Alleanna Harris (Illustrator).
Super Soaker Inventor Lonnie Johnson by Heather E. Schwartz.
If you utilize the “Learn More About these 32 Scientists for Black History Month” resource and profession worksheet with trainees, we would like to hear your feedback. You can email us at [email protected] with your remarks or story.
Further Reading.
High School and Adult.
Images: public domain or reasonable usage, with exception of Bettye Greene (Science Institute), J. Ernest Wilkins, Jr. (Dan Dry, CC BY-SA 3.0), Mark Dean (Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Tennessee); Herman Branson (AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives, Physics Today Collection).
Links to books at Amazon.com are affiliate links.
and other researchers from worldwide.
Variety in STEM.
To assist students see themselves with a future in STEM and to expand understanding of science history, it is crucial for trainees to learn more about a varied variety of engineers and scientists. This includes celebrating the stories of.
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca (Author), Daniel Rieley (Illustrator).
Mae Jemison (You Should Meet) by Laurie Calkhoven (Author), Monique Dong (Illustrator).
Middle School.
Granville Woods received more than 50 patents for his creations. Sometimes called the “Black Edison,” Woods innovations included the “Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph,” a device that utilized static electrical power to send out messages in between trains, and the “telegraphony,” a combination telephone and telegraph that might send messages by voice or Morse code.