University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

Rebekah Dawson Associate Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Book Title: Hidden Figures

Author: Margot Lee Shetterly

Selection Statement:

Several aspects of this chronicle of Black women scientists/mathematicians at NASA Langley Research Center from the 1940s through the 1960s particularly inspired me: (1) Science and society are interwoven, even for the most technical subjects. (2) Each featured scientist individually interwove her technical contributions with her contributions to her community and/or family. (3) Racism and discrimination can obscure valuable contributions to science and history, a system that continues to impact many of my colleagues today.


Year: 2021