Who Is Dorothy Vaughan? Age, Biography and Wiki
Dorothy Vaughan was born on September 20, 1910, in Kansas City, Missouri. Over the course of her life, she became a prominent mathematician and a key figure at NASA, paving the way for future generations of women in STEM. Vaughan was not only a brilliant mathematician but also a leader and an advocate for the rights of African Americans in science. She passed away on November 10, 2008, but her legacy continues to inspire many.
| Occupation | Computer Programmer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 20, 1910 |
| Age | 98 Years |
| Birth Place | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 November, 2008 |
| Died Place | Hampton, Virginia, U.S. |
Popularity
Dorothy Vaughan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about her height and weight are not extensively documented, it is well-known that Vaughan was a woman of great strength and determination—not just in her physical presence, but in her intellect and contributions.
In 1943, Vaughan began a 28-year-career as a mathematician and programmer at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, in which she specialized in calculations for flight paths, the Scout Project, and computer programming. Her career in this field kicked off during the height of World War II.
She came to the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory thinking that it would be a temporary war job. One of her children later worked at NACA. Vaughan was assigned to the West Area Computing, a segregated unit, which consisted of only African Americans.
This was due to prevailing Jim Crow laws that required newly hired African American women to work separately from their white women counterparts. They were also required to use separate dining and bathroom facilities.
This segregated group consisted of African-American women who made complex mathematical calculations by hand, using tools of the time.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dorothy Vaughan was married to James Francis Vaughan, and the couple had six children together. Her family was a significant part of her life, and she often balanced her demanding career while raising her children. Details about her dating life prior to her marriage are not widely available, as she focused much of her energy on her family and career.
She was the daughter of Annie and Leonard Johnson. At the age of seven, her family moved to Morgantown, West Virginia, where she graduated from Beechurst High School in 1925 as her class valedictorian. Vaughan received a full-tuition scholarship from West Virginia Conference of the A.M.E.
Sunday School Convention to attend Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She joined the Zeta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Wilberforce and graduated in 1929 with a B.A. in mathematics. In 1932, she married Howard Vaughan, who died in 1955.
The couple moved to Newport News, Virginia, where they had six children: Ann, Maida, Leonard, Kenneth, Michael and Donald. The family also lived with Howard's wealthy and respected parents and grandparents on South Main Street in Newport News, Virginia.
Vaughan was very devoted to family and the church, which would play a huge factor in whether she would move to Hampton, Virginia, to work for NASA.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures regarding Dorothy Vaughan's net worth at the time of her death are not publicly available, it is known that she worked at NASA for over 28 years. As a mathematician at a federal agency, she likely earned a respectable salary, especially as she ascended to supervisory roles. Her contributions have inspired many, solidifying her legacy more than her financial status.
Career, Business and Investments
Dorothy Vaughan started her career as a mathematician and became the first African American woman to supervise a group of employees at NASA. She specialized in computer programming, particularly for the IBM computers that were revolutionary at the time. Her most notable work was during the early years of the space program, where she played an integral role in calculating flight paths and analyzing data crucial to missions.
Vaughan's career extended beyond mathematics; she was a mentor to other African-American women in STEM fields. After she retired from NASA, she focused on education, encouraging young minorities to pursue careers in mathematics and science.
Dorothy Jean Johnson Vaughan (September 20, 1910 – November 10, 2008) was an American mathematician and human computer who worked for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), and NASA, at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
In 1949, she became acting supervisor of the West Area Computers, the first African-American woman to receive a promotion and supervise a group of staff at the center.
Social Network
While there wasn't a social media presence during her lifetime, her influence continues to be celebrated in academic circles and online platforms today. Numerous articles, documentaries, and academic discussions focus on her life and achievements, keeping her legacy alive.
Vaughan is one of the women featured in Margot Lee Shetterly's history Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race (2016). It was adapted as a biographical film of the same name, also released in 2016.
Education
Dorothy Vaughan graduated from Wilberforce University in 1929 with a degree in mathematics. Her educational foundation laid the groundwork for her groundbreaking career in a field that was predominantly male at the time. Vaughan's educational journey is a testimony to her hard work and determination, and it remains a significant part of her story, inspiring countless students and professionals today.
In conclusion, Dorothy Vaughan's story is one of perseverance, brilliance, and advocacy. Through her contributions to mathematics and civil rights, she has earned a lasting place in history, inspiring future generations to break barriers and strive for greatness in any field they choose.
In 2005, a scholarship fund with the Salem Community Foundation was created under Dorothy Vaughan’s name to further music training by the Salem Music Study Club.
