The Digest:
Dr. Gladys West, the mathematician whose foundational work enabled the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS), has died at the age of 95. According to The Zebra Press, she passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, surrounded by family. Born into poverty in segregated Virginia, West earned degrees in mathematics before joining the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren in 1956, where she became the second African American woman hired there. Her meticulous calculations and modeling of the Earth’s shape were essential in creating the accurate geodetic models that underpin modern GPS technology.
Key Points:
- West’s legacy represents a breakthrough in both STEM and civil rights, overcoming systemic barriers to influence global technology.
- Her work exemplifies how “hidden figures” have driven pivotal innovations often without immediate public recognition.
- The story reinforces the importance of documenting and celebrating contributions from underrepresented groups in science and history.
- GPS technology, integral to daily life and industries worldwide, stands as a testament to its enduring impact.
- Her passing renews attention on the need to preserve the histories of pioneering women and Black scientists.
Sources: CNN, Vanguard
