1. Annie Easley was an African American computer scientist and mathematician who made critical contributions to NASA's rocket systems and energy technologies.
22 Facts About Annie Easley
1. 2.
Annie Easley taught herself programming using languages like Fortran and SOAP to help with these simulations.
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Annie Easley was born to Bud and Willie McCrory in Birmingham, Alabama.
4.
Annie Easley's mother told her that she could be anything, but she would have to work at it.
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At a young age Annie Easley had interest in becoming a nurse, but around the age of 16 she decided to study pharmacy.
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In 1950, Annie Easley enrolled in classes at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, an African-American Catholic university, and majored in pharmacy for about two years.
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Annie Easley left Xavier to get married and moved to Cleveland, Ohio.
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Annie Easley began as a human computer, performing manual calculations for researchers before transitioning to computer programming as digital systems were introduced at NASA.
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Annie Easley quickly became proficient in programming languages such as Fortran and contributed to code development for a variety of research initiatives.
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Annie Easley was involved in programs related to alternative energy sources, including solar and wind technologies.
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Annie Easley played a significant role in the Centaur rocket program, which was critical to the success of multiple satellite launches and planetary missions.
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Annie Easley advocated for inclusive hiring practices and was involved in recruitment outreach to colleges, encouraging more women and minorities to enter engineering and science careers.
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Annie Easley retired from NASA in 1989, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and quiet leadership that helped expand the boundaries of who could contribute to scientific advancement at the nation's space agency.
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Annie Easley's work contributed to the 1997 flight to Saturn of the Cassini probe, the launcher of which had the Centaur as its upper stage.
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Annie Easley was interviewed in Cleveland on August 21,2001, by Sandra Johnson.
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Annie Easley lived in a time where women and African-Americans were facing discrimination from society.
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Annie Easley experienced discrimination related to being an African-American during her career.
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Annie Easley tutored elementary and high school children as well as young adults who had dropped out of school in a work-study program.
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Annie Easley was a budding athlete who founded and subsequently became the first President of the NASA Lewis Ski Club and participated in other local ski clubs in the Cleveland area.
20.
In 1954, Annie Easley married a man who was in the military.
21.
Annie Easley wore stockings and heels almost every day in college.
22.
Annie Easley traveled the world, mostly to ski, and become an independent contractor in real estate.