4'x4' Supersonic Pressure Tunnel Staff

This photograph was taken August 15, 1956. Mary Jackson first person in the front row right side. Mary 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 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.