Shirley Ann Jackson is a prominent African American physicist and the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT. She is known for her groundbreaking research in theoretical physics and her contributions to the field of condensed matter physics. Jackson has had a distinguished career in both academia and public service.

She was appointed by President Bill Clinton as the Chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 1995, making her the first woman and first African American to hold that position. Jackson has also served as the President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute since 1999, becoming the first African American woman to lead a top-ranked research university in the United States.

Throughout her career, Jackson has been a trailblazer and advocate for diversity in STEM fields, inspiring countless young African Americans and women to pursue careers in science and engineering. She has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to science and education, solidifying her legacy as a groundbreaking figure in Black history.