Caption: A visual image of Evelyn Boyd Granville taken in the 1900s.
Credits: Gregersen, Erik. "Evelyn Boyd Granville, Mathematician Who Broke Barriers, Dies at 99 - The Washington Post." Evelyn Granville, June 23, 2024. https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/07/14/evelyn-boyd-granville-mathematician-black-dies/.
Family SourcesKnown for her great contributions in the math and tech field, Granville excelled in her academics at a young age and even became the second African woman to ever earn a doctoral degree in a math major. She earned her first degree at Smith College in 1945, but later earned her doctoral degree in Yale University. Her first career kicked off by working as a mathematician at different government agencies where she used her math knowledge to solve underlying problems for the team. This first career also gave Granville the opportunity to find interest in the tech world of scientific computing that she later grew more passionate about.
Following her experience of working as a mathematician for different government agencies, Granville joined IBM in 1956 as a contributor of computer software for NASA's Project Vanguard. Her experienced skills in computational mathematics also motivated her to work on orbit computations for Project Mercury, which she played a huge role in improving space exploration using mathematical modeling and computer programming. Being a minority herself, Granville has always made an effort to open resources for underrepresented groups in STEM fields. She even mentored motivated mathematicians and scientists including women and minorities, fostering STEM careers.
Above all, Granville's legend extended beyond the math and computer programming field. She chose to continue pursuing education to benefit other minorities and open voices from people of different backgrounds. Through her continued effort, Granville was able to extend knowledge to people who were once unable to access those resources and participate in a field that they would never have imagined. This legacy came to an end on June 27, 2023 after she sadly passed away in her home when she was 99.