By Josie Barker
I expect that at some point in your life, most likely seventh grade, you have seen the Oscar nominated cinematic masterpiece, Hidden Figures. If not, I recommend you go do so. Christine Darden is famously known for her supersonic aircraft noise research, specifically sonic boom reduction. However, despite her contributions to science and math, Darden didn’t so much as receive a mention in the hit movie, despite her major role in Margot Lee Shetterly’s original book version of Hidden Figures. Hollywood, however, disregarded her accomplishments as they were in the aerodynamics field rather than the space flight scene. Utilizing her ambitious and hardworking persona, Darden went on to receive her Bachelors of Science in mathematics education at Hampton University, her Master of Science in applied mathematics at Virginia State University, her Doctorate of Science at George Washington University, and her Certificate of Advanced Study in management at Simmons University.
While attending a Methodist boarding school in Asheville, N.C., Darden’s dots connected whilst in geometry class—she found her calling in the world of numbers. Growing up in a household that prioritized the importance of education, Durden was allowed room for curiosity. Playing an active part in his daughter’s school life, Darden’s father encouraged her to pursue the field of mathematics rather than medicine. Graduating top of her class, Darden left Allen High School in 1958, holding the title of valedictorian, soon earning her Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, accompanying a teaching degree. Counteracting her original plan, Darden stopped short of her “destiny” to be a doctor, and instead, took her father’s advice, following her newfound aptitude for math. On top of her teaching classes during the week in Portsmouth, Darden would step away from her scholarly authority and venture to in-service classes for higher mathematics at Virginia State College. Before her service in NASA, Darden worked in two Virginia high schools. One day, during a conversation with her VSC professor, Darden stated she was seeking a job but was having difficulty obtaining one. Luckily for Darden, another professor was short of a research assistant in aerosol physics, and Darden was the perfect fit. Later on, Darden was made aware of opportunities at NASA Langley. Not long after the submission of her application, Darden began working as head of the pool of computers. Darden held several positions during her time spent at NASA, and in 2019, her mathematical grind paid off and she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Destroying barriers, Darden made her mark as a pioneering Black female aerospace engineer, filling in as the first African American woman promoted into the Senior Executive Service at NASA’s Langley Research Center. At 83, Darden remains active in sharing her experiences as a “Hidden Figure,” making frequent appearances as a motivational speaker. From “Human Computer” to the Director of Strategic Communications and Education, Darden buckled down on her career, putting her magnificent mind in use at NASA Langley for 40 years.
At the time, Darden had to navigate both sexism and racism while at work on top of her supersonic flight and sonic booms assignments. Dr. Darden, a mother of three, grandmother of five, and one spectacular mathematician, data analyst, and aerospace engineer, pushed past the gender and race conformities of her time, and proved no matter of appearance, dedication leads to excellence.