Dorthy

Dorothy Johnson Vaughan

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  • Work with NASA and the Space Program

    Work with NASA and the Space Program
    Dorothy Johnson Vaughan lead the West Area Computing program for a decade. Then in 1958, as NASA was transitioning into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the agency abolished the segregated working environment. Vaughan joined the new Analysis and Computation Division becoming an expert FORTRAN programmer and worked on the SCOUT (Solid Controlled Orbital Utility Test) Launch Vehicle Program, one of the nation's most successful and reliable launch vehicles,

  • Dorothy Johnson Vaughan

    Dorothy Johnson Vaughan
    (http://www.timetoast.com)

  • Working under Segregated Conditions

    Working under Segregated Conditions
    State and local laws required "colored" mathematicians to work separately from their white female counterparts. Dorothy Johnson Vaughan was assigned to the segregated “West Area Computing” unit where she was required to use separate dining and restroom facilities.
    In 1949, Dorothy Johnson Vaughan became the first black supervisor at NASA when she was promoted manager of the West Area Computers.