World-Renowned Physicist, Dr. Shirley Jackson
2/21/2020 1:22:12 PM
Pictured Above: Former President Barack Obama giving Dr. Shirley Jackson the National Medal of Science. Photo courtesy of Renseelaer Polytechnic Institute.
Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) is celebrating Black History Month by honoring notable African American figures in technology. Every week, we will share an individual who serves as an inspiration for our work as technologists in government services.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was the first African American woman to receive a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Chair the Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner, and to lead a technology-focused university, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Dr. Jackson improved every organization she touched, focusing on the strategic direction and leaving a legacy in her wake.
“We who are in leadership positions must embrace not just the concept of mentoring and role modeling, but also the actuality. We must be there, physically, for our youth, and we must set personal examples of commitment, hard work, and adherence to high ethical standards.”
– Dr. Jackson
Shirley Ann Jackson grew up in Washington, D.C., graduating from Roosevelt High School at the top of her class. She noted that her love of science was cultivated at home; her parents would encourage and help her on school science projects. Jackson began her time MIT in 1964, as one of only 30 women in her freshman class. While at MIT, Jackson organized the Black Student Union, focusing on expanding the diversity of the student body.
Jackson received her doctorate in 1973, as the first African American woman to earn a doctorate from MIT and the second African American woman in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D. in physics.
After graduating from MIT, Dr. Jackson went on to a prolific career in physics, nuclear policy, and finally heading a prominent research institution. She began her career working at research labs: the Fermi National Accelerator Lab in Illinois; the European Center for Nuclear Research in Geneva, Switzerland; and finally Bell Labs. Jackson worked at Bell Labs from 1976-1991, focusing her research on theoretical physics, solid state and quantum physics, and optical physics. Her most well-known work from her time revolved around the polaronic aspects of electrons in two-dimensional systems.
In 1995, President Clinton appointed Dr. Jackson to serve as Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC is responsible for protecting the public health and safety of Americans related to nuclear energy. During her tenure as Chairman, Dr. Jackson worked to improve the effectiveness of the commission, utilizing a bottom-up strategic assessment of the organization – risk-informed and performance-based. She also established the International Nuclear Regulators Association, which offered advice and assistance to other countries on nuclear safety.
In 1999, when her term expired at the NRC, Dr. Jackson became the first African American woman to lead a technical research institution was she was appointed President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. She continues to lead RPI today, and brings her strategic and scientific approach to the organization.
Dr. Jackson has served on numerous boards, councils, and commissions of both national and international acclaim.
She holds 53 honorary doctoral degree and has been honored by countless organizations for her commitment and contributions to science. Most notably, Dr. Jack received the W.E.B. DuBois medal from the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard, the Vannevar Bush Award from the National Science Board, and the National Medal of Science awarded by President Obama.
Dr. Jackson’s legacy is building even today, for both her expertise in energy policy and her push for the next generation of scientists and technologists.
Technology
