Ms Valerie Thomas had always had a strong interest in technology but did not receive the support to foster her interest until she attended Morgan State University. Morgan State University is an historically Black (HBCU) research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Ms Thomas was one of only two women in her class to major in physics. She excelled at school and landed a job as a mathematical /data analyst for NASA. She worked at NASA from 1964 to 1995, conducting large-scale experiments, developing computer data systems, and most notably, spearheading the development of the first satellite to send images from space, “Landsat.” The technology she developed is still used by NASA today. Ms Thomas is not only a mathematician, but she is also an inventor. Ms Thomas invented the illusion transmitter which was the first mechanism that allowed images to be viewed in 3D using concave mirrors and rays of light. Upon retiring, Valerie Thomas received a number of NASA awards including the GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center) Award of Merit, and the NASA Equal Opportunity Medal and was bestowed from Monmouth University an honorary doctorate in 1993. Dr. Valerie Thomas continues to mentor young students through the National Technical Association (NTA) and Science Mathematics Aerospace Research and Technology (S.M.A.R.T.),
Clydea (Connie) Allaire
President and CEO, Allaire’s Management Consulting Firm
