Thank you all for celebrating Black History Month with us this year! Dr. Aprille Ericsson-Jackson broke down barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and inspired countless individuals through her groundbreaking work and unwavering dedication.

Part 8: Aprille Ericsson-Jackson: Engineering the Future of Aerospace

Dr. Aprille Ericsson-Jackson, born on February 11, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, embarked on a journey that would make her a pioneer in engineering and aerospace. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and passion for innovation led to numerous historic milestones. In 1992, Dr. Ericsson-Jackson achieved a historic feat by becoming the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University. Her dedication and scholarly achievements marked a personal triumph, paving the way for future generations of women and people of color in engineering.

Her groundbreaking journey continued as she joined NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where she made history again. In 2000, Dr. Ericsson-Jackson became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Engineering at NASA Goddard, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the aerospace industry. Dr. Ericsson-Jackson has significantly contributed to space exploration and satellite technology throughout her career. Her work has played a critical role in advancing our understanding of the cosmos and enhancing our capabilities in space research.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Ericsson-Jackson has tirelessly advocated for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, actively promoting the importance of diverse perspectives in scientific innovation.

This Black History Month, we celebrate Dr. Aprille Ericsson-Jackson’s remarkable journey and her impact on engineering, aerospace, and education. Her achievements remind us that barriers can be overcome, ceilings can be shattered, and dreams can be realized through perseverance and excellence.

Thank you for joining us in honoring the legacies of each of the historic men and women we have been able to highlight this month!

Sources & more information:

• https://usasciencefestival.org/people/dr-aprille-ericsson/
• https://www.captechu.edu/blog/aprille-ericsson-jackson-aerospace-engineer-and-first-african-american-woman-earn-phds-two
• https://lsc.org/news-and-social/news/celebrate-all-scientists-dr-aprille-ericsson-jackson
• https://www.uncrownedcommunitybuilders.com/person/aprille-joy-ericsson-2
• https://now.northropgrumman.com/dr-aprille-ericsson-jackson-aerospace-engineer-and-advocate-for-diversity-in-stem
• https://gosciencegirls.com/aprille-ericsson/