Black History Month Honours Valerie Thomas

Ms. Thomas invented the illusion transmitter, which was patterned in 1980

Valerie Thomas is a trailblazing scientist, inventor, and innovator whose contributions to the field of technology have revolutionized the way we view and interact with the world around us. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is only fitting to pay tribute to this remarkable woman whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on science and technology.

Born in Maryland on February 8, 1943, Valerie Thomas was a curious and imaginative child who loved to tinker with gadgets and explore the world around her. Her father was a skilled mechanic who encouraged her to develop her own mechanical aptitude, while her mother instilled in her a love of reading and learning.

Despite facing numerous challenges as a black woman in a male-dominated field, Valerie Thomas persevered and went on to earn her degree in physics from Morgan State University in 1964. After graduation, she began her career as a data analyst at NASA, where she worked on numerous projects related to the space program.

But it was her work on an experimental project that would change the course of her career and leave a lasting impact on the world of technology. In the late 1960s, Thomas began working on an imaging system that used concave mirrors to create a 3D illusion of an object. By manipulating the mirrors, she was able to create an optical illusion that gave the impression of a real, three-dimensional image floating in space.

This technology was groundbreaking for its time, as it represented a major leap forward in the field of optics and had countless potential applications in fields ranging from medicine to entertainment. Thomas went on to patent her invention in 1980, and her “illusion transmitter” technology is still used today in everything from medical imaging to virtual reality.

In addition to her groundbreaking work in optics, Thomas was also a trailblazer for women and people of colour in the fields of science and technology. Throughout her career, she was a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion and worked to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Valerie Thomas’s legacy as a scientist, inventor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion is truly remarkable. Her groundbreaking work in the field of optics has had a profound impact on the world of technology, and her tireless efforts to promote diversity and inclusion have paved the way for a new generation of innovators and inventors.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember the remarkable contributions of Valerie Thomas and honour her memory by continuing to work towards a more just, equitable, and inclusive world.