10/10/2023
Black innovators and inventors have made countless discoveries that have defined the STEM industry. In honour of Black History Month, we want to highlight a few of many black innovators whose contributions have had a lasting impact on our world.
Dr. Mark Dean
Inventor and Computer Programmer
Computer scientist, engineer and inventor Dr. Mark Dean has left his mark in the computing world by being part of the team that developed some key components to early computers.
During his time at IBM, Dr. Mark Dean created the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) systems, which allowed devices such as disk drives and printers to be plugged in directly into computers. His ongoing education contributed to his ability to innovate , specifically when computer science was developing and expanding. In 1996, Dean was made an IBM Fellow, and he was the first African-American to be awarded with this honour.
Over the course of his career, Dean had more than 20 patents registered for his innovation on computer engineering work.
Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, MBE
British Space Scientist and Science Educator
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE works with several educational institutions to promote the study of STEM subjects. Her work has ranged from making novel, scientific instruments to co-hosting the BBC astronomy programme “The Sky at Night”.
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock attended 13 different schools before she turned 18 and had undiagnosed dyslexia. Her perseverance and love for science helped her to achieve a physics degree and a PhD in mechanical engineering. As a Science Educator and the founder of Science Innovation Ltd, Maggie has engaged 350,000 school children and continues to inspire and grow the next generation of scientists.
Lewis Latimer
Inventor and Patent Draftsman
Best known for his contributions to the patenting of the light bulb and telephone, Latimer acquired the art of mechanical drawing while working as an office boy with the patent firm Crosby, Halstead and Gould. Working very closely with Thomas Edison, Latimer played a large role in the invention of the carbon filament, a key component of the light bulb. He was also one of the key contributors to the development of the telephone and worked closely with Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell to improve the design and functionality of the device.
Dr. Marie M. Daly
Biochemist
At a time, where only 2% of Black women living in the US held college degrees, Marie Daly became the first African American woman to receive a PhD in chemistry in the US. She was among the first researchers to conduct studies on cholesterol, sugars, and proteins and helped discover information detailing the expression of DNA.
Dr. Marie M. Daly was committed to developing programs to increase the enrolment of minority students in medical school and graduate science programs. She was one of the few female scientists to attend a conference in 1975 discussing the challenges that women from these groups face in science, technology, engineering, and math careers.
Sarah Boone
African American Inventor
Sarah Boone is known for her patented improvements to the ironing board. She was among the first black women in America to receive a patent. Boone expanded the original wooden ironing board by to include a narrower and curved design, which made it easier to iron clothes, specifically women’s garments.
Final thoughts
During Black History month, we honour the accomplishments of black innovators and their significant contributions to society. From innovation on computer engineering to the design of the lightbulb, black innovators have played a profound role in shaping the world of science and technology.
