Dr. Mark Dean should be an inspiration to all African American children who love computers. He could transform the enthusiasm from online games to creating apps that could be used world-wide. This was done by a Spelman student currently on the Spelman Robotics team. Last year, the co-capitan, Jonecia Keels, created an iPhone app, iDex, for gamers of the Pokemon game franchise. The app gets downloaded about 1,500 times a day and she probably makes money off of it.
Dr. Dean graduated later in life with a PhD from Stanford. He is the first African American fellow of IBM; he is one of 50 that are elected by the company. He has also been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for creating a system that allows PCs to be used by everyone in their home. Don't forget to tell you children about Dr. Dean, a modern day history maker.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Black History Month Week 3
Dr. Etta Z. Falconer (1933-2002) was a Callaway Professor of Mathematics at Spelman College until her retirement in May 2002. She earned her PhD from Emory University with a dissertation on “Quasigroups Invariant Under Isotopy,” directed by Trevor Evans. Dr. Falconer served Spelman with distinction for 37 years, contributing vision, leadership, and tireless energy. She initiated and led numerous projects which have increased the participation of women, African Americans and other under-represented groups in mathematics, science and engineering, and continue to have far-reaching impact today. Programs on campus which have benefited greatly from her efforts include the Dual Degree Engineering Program, the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Scholars Program, and the Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE) Program. She was a founding member of the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM).
Throughout her career, Dr. Falconer demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diversity in the sciences and the mathematical sciences. In response to receiving the 5th Annual Louise Hay Award from the Association of Women in Mathematics, Dr. Falconer said, “I have devoted my entire life to increasing the number of highly qualified African Americans in mathematics and mathematics-related careers. High expectations, the building of self-confidence, and the creation of a nurturing environment have been essential components for the success of these students.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Falconer demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diversity in the sciences and the mathematical sciences. In response to receiving the 5th Annual Louise Hay Award from the Association of Women in Mathematics, Dr. Falconer said, “I have devoted my entire life to increasing the number of highly qualified African Americans in mathematics and mathematics-related careers. High expectations, the building of self-confidence, and the creation of a nurturing environment have been essential components for the success of these students.”
Black History Month Week 1
In honor of black history month I will feature African American scientists, engineers, and mathematicians and their accomplishments. I will try to make entries more frequent than weekly because there are so many accomplished folks.
I have recently read about Shirley Ann Jackson, the first woman and African American to graduate with a PhD in physics. She accomplished this in 1973 from MIT. She is currently the 18th president of Rennselaer Institute of Technology. She continues to advocate for the increase in the number of women and minorities in the sciences (she took accelerated math and science classes in high school).
I have recently read about Shirley Ann Jackson, the first woman and African American to graduate with a PhD in physics. She accomplished this in 1973 from MIT. She is currently the 18th president of Rennselaer Institute of Technology. She continues to advocate for the increase in the number of women and minorities in the sciences (she took accelerated math and science classes in high school).
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