Born on 23 April 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama, Annie Easley was an African American computer scientist who analyzed rocket propulsion systems and battery technology for NASA. Easley studied pharmacology for two years at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. After a brief stint as a substitute teacher in Birmingham, Easley moved with her husband to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1955 she read a newspaper article about twin sisters who worked as human computers at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. She thought the work sounded interesting, so she applied; within two weeks, she was working at the Lewis Research Center, now known as NASA’s Glenn Research Center. She began in the computer services division, performing complex mathematical calculations for the engineers. One of the earliest projects she worked on was running simulations for a planned nuclear reactor. During the late 1960s and 1970s, Easley worked on nuclear-powered rocket systems. Meanwhile, Easley decided to go back to school and took a full load of classes while continuing to work full-time. In 1977 she earned her BS in mathematics from Cleveland State University. When human computers were replaced by machines, Easley learned computer programming. She developed computer code for analyzing alternative energy technologies for electric vehicles, and some of her work led to battery development for hybrid cars. She also helped develop software for Centaur, a booster rocket that launched spacecraft such as Cassini. While at NASA, Easley also took on the role of equal employment opportunity counselor, helping address discrimination complaints regarding race, gender, and age. After retiring from NASA in 1989, Easley became a real estate agent. She died at age 78 in 2011. (Photo credit: NASA)
