Gladys West is an American mathematician who is known for her contributions to the mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth, and her work on the development of satellite geodesy models, that were later incorporated into the Global Positioning System (GPS). She was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame in 2018.
West was born in Sutherland, Virginia, in 1930. She grew up on a farm and helped to harvest crops. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a mathematician, and she worked hard to get an education. She attended Virginia State University and the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a master’s degree in public administration.
In 1956, West was hired to work at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia. She was one of the first black women to be hired there. At Dahlgren, West worked on developing mathematical models of the Earth’s shape. She also worked on developing satellite geodesy models, which are used to calculate the positions of satellites.
West’s work on GPS was essential to the development of the system. Her models were used to calculate the positions of satellites, which is necessary for GPS to work. West’s work has had a profound impact on the world, and it has made GPS possible.
Here are some of Gladys West’s accomplishments:
- She was one of the first black women to be hired at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia.
- She developed mathematical models of the Earth’s shape that were used to develop GPS.
- She was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame in 2018.
Here are some links to videos about Gladys West:
- Navy Hidden Hero: Gladys Mae West and GPS
- Dr. Gladys West: The Hidden Figure Behind GPS Technology
- Black American Innovation-Dr. Gladys West (The Mother Of GPS Technology)
- Calculating the Future
- Dr. Gladys West to receive new honor from Department of Transportation
Gladys West
