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4’x4′ Supersonic Pressure Tunnel Staff

4'x4' Supersonic Pressure Tunnel Staff with Mary W. Jackson
August 15, 1956. Mary W, Jackson first person in the front row right side. Mrs. Jackson had begun her studies to be an engineer in the Spring of the same year the photo was taken.

This photograph was taken August 15, 1956. Mary W, Jackson first person in the front row right side. Mary W, Jackson began at Langley in 1951 as a computer. She was later assigned to work at the 4-Foot by 4-Foot Supersonic Pressure Tunnel where she worked with Kazimierz “Kaz” Czarnecki, who encouraged her to become an engineer. To attend the university extension engineering classes held at the then all-white Hampton High School, Jackson was required to petition the courts, which she did successfully. The 4′ x 4′ Supersonic Pressure Tunnel was the NACA’s first supersonic wind tunnel. At the time of the photo, Mary W. Jackson was still a human computer, but was participating in the hands-on experimental work. Mrs. Jackson had begun her studies to be an engineer in the Spring of the same year the photo was taken. She obtained a degree in aerospace engineering in 1958. Photo published in “A Century at Langley” by Joseph R. Chambers page 74.