Amy Talley Diversity in Technology

 

Alexander Miles

Born: May 18, 1838- Died: May 7, 1918: 

Alexander Miles contribution to the field of technology was the invention of automatic doors for elevators, and also created a belt attachment to the elevator cage, and drums positioned to indicate if the elevator has reached a floor. After riding an elevator with his daughter one day, Alexander Miles saw the risk associated with an elevator shaft door carelessly left ajar, since then his interest in elevators had risen. Under representation shaped the experiences in technology by updating elevators from being manual to automatic. What can be done in order to combat racial bias in computing and technology today is including more woman, people of color, and people from various backgrounds to have broader representation on teams. 

Charles Richard Drew 

Born: June 3, 1904- Died: April 1, 1950

Charles Richard Drew's contribution to the field of technology refined methods of collecting, processing and storing plasma while also introducing refrigerated trucks to transport blood. Charles Richard Drew was the first African American member of the American Board of surgery. Drew has been inspired in science and medicine from a young age and was also a keen athlete in school. Dr. Charles Richard Drew broke barriers in a racially divided America to become one of the most important scientists of the 20th century. Lastly, Under-representation shaped the experiences in technology by being a renowned surgeon and pioneer in the preservation of life-saving blood plasma. 

Marie Van Brittany

Born October 30, 1922- Died February 2, 1999

Marie Van Brittany was an American nurse and innovator. She invented the precursor to modern home TV, and security systems. Marie Van Brittany's contribution to the field of technology was a video sent to the receiver inside the home. This made it so people inside could talk to visitors with an intercom, open the door remotely or contact the police. Marie Van Brittany pursued her career by being fearful and vulnerable in a high crime neighborhood. Brown decided to figure out a way to see who was at her door if she heard knocking. Under-representation shaped the experiences in technology by helping society with safety and security. 

Shirley Ann Jackson

Born August 5, 1946- August 8, 1965

Shirley Ann Jackson was the first African American woman to earn a PhD from MIT. She was also a theoretical physicist that developed technology to the invention of a portable fax, touchtone telephones solar cells, caller ID, call waiting and fiber optics. Shirley was always curious about the world around her and her initial interest in science began with observing the bumblebees in her backyard. She would catch them in jars and observe their interactions. Shirley's backyard observations sparked the beginning of her journey to being a scientist.  What can be done to combat racial bias in computing technology today is voicing opinions. Shirley was constantly voicing her concerns for more students, especially women and minorities, to break into the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. With the number of scientists that will soon be retiring, there is a huge need for more scientists to replace those retiring in order for innovation in America to continue.

Mark E. Dean

Born March 2,1957

Mark E. Dean was a computer science engineer. He holds three of IBM's nine or original patents. Mark E. Dean designed hardware that connected various tech to compute. He also developed first color computer monitor and has 20 Patton's in his name. Mark E. Dean's father encouraged him. Dean's father encouraged his son to build a tractor from scratch. Under representation shaped the experiences by being one of the most prominent black inventors in the field of computers in technology. What can be done to combat racial bias in computing technology is never giving up. Dean's ultimate advice to young people confronting racism at work: "Don't give up."