No.88: Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson

Episode Transcript

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Did you know the woman behind the fiber-optic technology that powers your internet is also one of the first Black women to earn a PhD from MIT? Meet Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, the physicist whose innovations have literally transformed the way we communicate.

Hey everyone, I’m Shae, a PhD candidate at Harvard, and welcome to "100 Historic Black Women You Should Know By Election Day." Today, we’re diving into the life of Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, a pioneering scientist whose work has had a profound impact on modern telecommunications.

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was born in Washington, D.C., in 1946, and from an early age, her parents instilled in her the importance of education. Despite the challenges of growing up during the segregation era, she excelled in math and science, leading her to enroll at MIT, where she became the first African American woman to earn a PhD from MIT—in any field, no less! Her degree in theoretical physics set the stage for a remarkable career that would see her break barriers and shatter stereotypes.

After her time at MIT, Dr. Jackson’s research career took off at Bell Laboratories, one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions. There, she conducted groundbreaking research that led to the development of technologies like the touch-tone phone, caller ID, and fiber-optic cables—innovations that revolutionized global communication. Imagine a world without caller ID—thanks to Dr. Jackson, we don’t have to.

But her achievements didn’t stop at the lab. Dr. Jackson became the first African American woman to lead a top-ranked research university when she was appointed President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1999. Under her leadership, RPI has seen significant growth in research and innovation, further solidifying her legacy as a leader in science and education.

Dr. Jackson has also served as the Chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where she was the first woman and the first African American to hold this position. Her role was critical in ensuring the safety and security of nuclear power plants across the country.

Here’s an intriguing tidbit: Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was not only a pioneer in her field, but she was also appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. This council is responsible for advising the President on the role of science and technology in achieving national goals, further demonstrating the trust and respect she commanded on the highest levels of government.

If Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s story has inspired you, please rate this podcast 5 stars so more people can hear about these incredible women. Follow me on social media for more insights and stories, and be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for even more in-depth content. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you next time on "100 Historic Black Women You Should Know By Election Day."