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    Dorothy Vaughan
    Scientists

    Dorothy Vaughan

    1910–2008

    NASA's first Black supervisor and pioneer in computer programming.

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    Biography

    Dorothy Johnson Vaughan was an American mathematician and human computer who worked for NACA and NASA. She became the first Black supervisor at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and an expert programmer in FORTRAN.

    Key Achievements

    1

    First Black supervisor at NACA/NASA

    2

    Became an expert FORTRAN programmer

    3

    Led the West Area Computing unit

    4

    Featured in the book and film 'Hidden Figures'

    Legacy & Impact

    Vaughan broke racial and gender barriers at NASA while making critical contributions to America's space program.

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