"Her brilliance set her apart: she was high school valedictorian and won a full scholarship to Virginia State College, a historically Black university. After earning her mathematics degree, Dr. West taught in segregated schools, then began her groundbreaking work as a mathematician at the US Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia. She became one of the first African American women in the facility's computing division."
"He said she later married fellow mathematician Ira West, and the two raised three children together. Despite her demanding career, Dr. West continued her education and earned a Ph.D. at age 70 - a reminder that learning has no expiration date. For decades, Dr. West's contributions were largely unknown beyond scientific and military circles. "In her later years, the world began to recognize her extraordinary impact," Figaro said. "She received numerous recognitions"
Dr. Gladys Brown West (born Oct. 27, 1930) was a mathematician whose equations and algorithms provided the mathematical foundation for the Global Positioning System. She grew up on a farm in Sutherland, Virginia, became high school valedictorian, and won a full scholarship to Virginia State College. After earning a mathematics degree, she taught in segregated schools and later worked at the US Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, becoming one of the first African American women in its computing division. She married Ira West, raised three children, and earned a Ph.D. at age 70. Her contributions were little known for decades but received recognition later in life, including a Sunshine Award honor in 2019. She died at age 95.
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