Shirley Ann Jackson is a prominent African American physicist and the 18th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, becoming the first African American woman to lead a top-ranked research university in the United States. Dr. Jackson is known for her significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics, particularly in the areas of condensed matter physics, quantum chromodynamics, and particle physics.

Prior to her presidency at Rensselaer, Dr. Jackson held several influential positions, including serving as the Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where she became the first woman and African American to hold the position. She has also been a trailblazer in advocating for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, working to increase opportunities for underrepresented minorities and women in science and engineering.

In recognition of her extraordinary achievements and contributions, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including the National Medal of Science, the nation's highest honor in science and engineering. She continues to inspire and empower future generations of scientists and leaders through her groundbreaking work and dedication to advancing knowledge and diversity in academia.