Gladys West, GPS pioneer and mathematician, dies at 95

3 months ago

Gladys West, a mathematician whose work was foundational to the development of GPS, passed away at the age of 95.
She overcame segregation to become a key figure in mathematics, contributing to accurate models of Earth's shape used by GPS satellites.
West grew up in Virginia during the Jim Crow era, valuing education as a means to escape the hardships of farm life.
She earned a scholarship to Virginia State College, where she studied mathematics and later taught in segregated schools.
West worked at the Naval Proving Ground for 42 years, where she met her husband, Ira West, and contributed to significant astronomical and geodetic studies.
Her work involved programming early computers to model Earth's shape, crucial for the accuracy of GPS technology.
Despite her contributions, West's achievements were not widely recognized until later in her life, earning her several prestigious awards.
West advocated for hard work and perseverance, encouraging young people to overcome adversity and strive for excellence.

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