Dr. Shirley Jackson - Communications Tech Pioneer | BHM

In this blog I often discuss Communication tips, issues and best practices. During Black History Month while I’m focusing on African American Communicators, I want to also champion those great leaders who advanced how we communicate. Without, computers, keyboards, fiber optic cable and telephonic equipment communicators today would be at a great disadvantage.

Shirley Ann Jackson has an extraordinary ability to see what many of us cannot. As a theoretical physicist, she dives deep into the invisible world of subatomic particles—those tiny building blocks that make up everything around us, including ourselves. Armed with nothing but her imagination, paper, pencils, and computers, Shirley explores this fascinating realm, using her insights to tackle real-world challenges.

Her love for science took root in her childhood, where she conducted many experiments which led her to a lifelong passion for discovery. She was a master researcher, her curiosity lead her to be a pivotal voice in communication technology. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson invented or contributed research to many communications inventions, including:

• Touch-tone telephone
  Jackson's research at Bell Laboratories led to the development of the touch-tone telephone.

• Caller ID
  Shirley Jackson's research on materials for semiconductors contributed to the development of caller ID, which displays the number of an incoming call.

• Call waiting
  Dr. Jackson's research at Bell Laboratories led to the development of call waiting.

• Portable fax machine
  Jackson's research at Bell Laboratories led to the development of the portable fax machine.

• Fiber optic cables
  Shirley Jackson's research in optical physics contributed to the development of fiber optic cables, which are the foundation of high-speed internet and telecom networks.

• Solar cells
  Her research at Bell Laboratories led to the development of solar cells.

Dr. Jackson's journey has led her to incredible heights. Whether she’s solving critical technological issues, teaching physics at the college level, or enhancing the safety of nuclear power plants, she’s committed to using her expertise to improve lives.

As the first Black American woman to lead the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), she worked tirelessly to enhance public health and safety, ensuring that the agency’s mission was clear and effective. Her commitment to social justice was evident when she helped launch MIT’s Black Student Union, significantly increasing Black student enrollment in just one year—from 2 to 57.

Beyond her roles in academia and regulatory bodies, Shirley serves on various educational and corporate boards, championing the advancement of women and minorities in science and technology. As President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, she has led transformative initiatives that underscore the capability of diverse voices in leadership. Today the Commotion blog salutes Jaskson’s contributions to communications technology, Education and the plight of African Americans in this country.

Thomas Y. Lynch

" As a lifelong communicator it's refreshing to see connection within our community. Our profession is front and center of a changing world - our purpose is still the same. Enlighten our constituents to drive meaningful discord."

Dr. Chantay Moye

★★★★★