Katherine Johnson Biography

Early Life

Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson was born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. She was the youngest of four children in a family that valued education highly, despite the racial segregation of the time. Her father, Joshua Coleman, was a lumberman, farmer, and handyman, and her mother, Joylette, was a former teacher. From an early age, Katherine exhibited an extraordinary aptitude for mathematics, displaying her talent by counting everything from the number of dishes she washed to the steps she took on her way to school. The Coleman family moved to Institute, West Virginia, to ensure their children could attend high school and college. Katherine graduated from high school at the age of 14 and then enrolled at West Virginia State College, where she was mentored by Angie Turner King, a chemistry professor, and W.W. Schieffelin Claytor, one of the first African Americans to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics. Katherine excelled in her studies, graduating summa cum laude in 1937 with degrees in mathematics and French at the age of 18.

Career & Contributions

Katherine Johnson's professional journey began when she taught in public schools in Virginia and West Virginia, a common occupation for African American women at the time. Her career took a significant turn in 1953 when she joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. Johnson worked as a 'computer' in the segregated West Area Computing section, where she was responsible for performing complex mathematical calculations by hand. Her precision and expertise in analytic geometry caught the attention of her superiors, leading to her permanent assignment to the Flight Research Division. Johnson's most notable contribution came during the early 1960s when she was tasked with verifying the complex calculations for John Glenn's orbit around Earth on the Friendship 7 mission. Glenn specifically requested her to recheck the computer's calculations by hand, a testament to her unparalleled mathematical skills and reliability. Johnson continued to play a crucial role in subsequent space missions, including the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, where her calculations ensured the lunar module's safe trajectory back to Earth. She retired from NASA in 1986 after a distinguished 33-year career, during which she authored or co-authored 26 research reports.

Major Achievements

• Calculations for John Glenn's Orbit - Johnson's verification ensured the success of Glenn's historic orbit around Earth in 1962.
• Apollo 11 Moon Landing - Her calculations were critical in charting the lunar module's return path from the moon in 1969.
• Presidential Medal of Freedom - Awarded in 2015 by President Barack Obama for her contributions to mathematics and space exploration.
• Contributions to Mercury and Apollo Programs - Provided essential calculations for multiple missions, ensuring their success.
• NASA Group Achievement Award - Recognized for her outstanding work at NASA.
• Inclusion in 'Hidden Figures' - Featured in the book and film that highlighted her and other African American women's contributions to NASA.
• Co-authoring Research Reports - Authored 26 research reports during her NASA career, contributing to advancements in space travel.
• Mathematical Techniques Development - Developed new techniques for calculating spacecraft trajectories, enhancing mission safety and efficiency.

Personal Life

Katherine married her first husband, James Goble, in 1939, and they had three daughters: Joylette, Katherine, and Constance. Tragically, James passed away in 1956 due to a brain tumor. Katherine later married James A. Johnson, a U.S. Army officer and an accomplished painter, in 1959. Her family was a source of immense pride and joy, and she was known to be deeply devoted to her daughters' education and upbringing, mirroring her parents' dedication to her own education. Katherine was described as meticulous, humble, and a natural problem-solver with an insatiable curiosity. Her colleagues at NASA admired her not only for her mathematical genius but also for her quiet determination and grace under pressure. Despite the challenges of working in a racially segregated environment, Katherine maintained a strong sense of self-worth and integrity, which she instilled in her children.

Legacy

Katherine Johnson's legacy is one of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations in STEM fields, especially for women and minorities. Her story gained widespread recognition with the publication of Margot Lee Shetterly's book 'Hidden Figures' and the subsequent film adaptation, which brought her achievements to the forefront of public consciousness. Johnson's work at NASA not only contributed to the United States' success in the space race but also inspired countless young women and men to pursue careers in mathematics and science. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence have left an indelible mark on the field of mathematics and space exploration. In 2021, NASA named its headquarters in Washington, D.C., after her, ensuring that her contributions will be remembered by future generations. Katherine Johnson passed away on February 24, 2020, at the age of 101, leaving behind a rich legacy of innovation, courage, and perseverance.

Interesting Facts

• Katherine was one of the first three African American students to integrate West Virginia University's graduate school in 1939.
• She skipped several grades in school due to her advanced intellect, entering high school at just 10 years old.
• Katherine was known for her love of puzzles and problem-solving from a young age.
• Despite her critical role in the space program, she remained relatively unknown until the publication of 'Hidden Figures.'
• In her early career, she was one of the so-called 'computers' who performed complex calculations by hand.
• Katherine enjoyed music and was an accomplished pianist, often playing at family gatherings.
• Her daughters followed in her footsteps, pursuing careers in STEM fields.
• Katherine lived to see a building named after her at NASA, the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility, in 2017.