She is the current president of the oldest technological research university in America, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. In 1973, the honorable Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson became the first African American woman to earn a doctorate at MIT in nuclear physics. Her academic achievements are so extensive and impressive, it's not even funny. Dr. Jackson is not only a living history maker, she is an amazing science pioneer, theoretical physicist, and inventor as well.

President Obama Awards National Medals Of Science And Nat'l Medals Of Technology And Innovation
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Her theoretical physics experiments led her make a vast variety of telecommunication developments. The world owes her a great deal of gratitude for inventions that include caller ID, call-waiting, and the touch-tone telephone. The celebrated scientist also created fiber-optic cable, which contains strand of glass fibers designed for long-distance, high performance telecommunications and data networking.

"What drives me is the ability to make a difference." -Shirley Ann Jackson

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