(1943-)

Who Is Valerie L. Thomas?

Valerie Thomas’ interest in math and science were not encouraged until her college years. After graduating with a degree in physics, Thomas accepted a position at NASA. She remained there until her retirement in 1995. During that time, Thomas received a patent for an illusion transmitter and contributed broadly to the organization’s research efforts.

Early Life and Career

Thomas was born in February 1943 in Maryland. Fascinated by technology from a young age, Thomas was not encouraged to explore science. At a young age, she checked a book called The Boy’s First Book On Electronics out of the library. Her father did not work on any of the projects with his daughter, despite his own interest in electronics.

After graduating from high school, Thomas finally got a chance to explore her interests as a student at Morgan State University. She was one of only two women at Morgan to major in physics. Thomas excelled in her studies. She graduated from Morgan and accepted a position as a data analyst/mathematician at NASA.

Thomas grew to be a valued NASA employee. In the 1970s, she managed the development of the image-processing systems for Landsat, the first satellite to send images to the Earth from space.

Illusion Transmitter Patent

In 1980, Thomas received a patent for an illusion transmitter. The device produces optical illusion images via two concave mirrors. Unlike flat mirrors, which produce images that appear to be inside, or behind the mirror, concave mirrors create images that appear to be real, or in front of the mirror itself. This technology was subsequently adopted by NASA and has since been adapted for use in surgery as well as the production of television and video screens.

Later Career

Thomas continued to work for NASA until her retirement in 1995. During that time, she held a number of positions, including Project Manager of the Space Physics Analysis Network and Associate Chief of the Space Science Data Operations Office.

Over the course of her career, Thomas contributed widely to the study of space. She helped to develop computer program designs that supported research on Halley’s Comet, the ozone layer, and satellite technology. For her achievements, Thomas received a number of NASA awards including the Goddard Space Flight Center Award of Merit and the NASA Equal Opportunity Medal. Her success as a scientist, despite the lack of early support for her interests, inspired Thomas to reach out to students. In addition to her work at NASA, she mentored youths through the National Technical Association and Science Mathematics Aerospace Research and Technology, Inc.

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QUICK FACTS

• Name: Valerie
• Birth Year: 1943
• Birth State: Maryland
• Birth Country: United States
• Gender: Female
• Best Known For: Valerie Thomas is an African American scientist and inventor best known for her patented illusion transmitter and contributions to NASA research.
• Industries
• Space Exploration
• Schools
• Morgan State University
• Interesting Facts
• Valerie Thomas was one of only two women to major in physics at Morgan State University when she attended the school in the ’60s.

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CITATION INFORMATION

• Article Title: Valerie L. Thomas Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: The Biography.com website
• Url: https://www.biography.com/scientists/valerie-thomas
• Access Date:
• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: April 12, 2021
• Original Published Date: April 3, 2014