Helping Build the Internet: Valerie Thomas | Great Minds

The video highlights the life and career of Thomas, a pioneering black female computer programmer. Despite societal challenges, she excelled in tech, contributing significantly to NASA's Landsat program, which revolutionized Earth science. She invented the Illusion transmitter, a precursor to 3D technology, and played a crucial role in developing SPAN, a precursor to the Internet. Her work has had a lasting impact on technology and science.

What challenges did Thomas face regarding her interest in technology during her early education?

Describe the significance of the Landsat program that Thomas worked on.

In what ways did Thomas's career impact the field of Earth science?

What was the Illusion transmitter and what potential applications did Thomas envision for it?

How did Thomas's work contribute to the development of the Internet?