Pioneering NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson was the voice of endurance. She remained resilient while facing biases and restrictions; a powerful woman at work who recognized and used her talents not only to advance space exploration but to open the door for cultural changes along the way.
The Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in partnership with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at WVU is inviting you to honor Katherine Johnson and the legacy of strong women she inspired. Join us for a one-hour virtual panel discussion that gives a voice to change.
Event details
In celebration of Black History Month, the Statler College DEI Committee, in partnership with the Division of DEI at WVU will host a webinar in honor of Katherine Johnson and the legacy of strong women she inspired Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom.
Panelists will include Meshea L. Poore, Esq. Vice President for DEI at WVU and Statler College alumnae, former NASA engineer and partner of Ventures Yonder Kerri Knotts.
Poore, an attorney who served in the House of Delegates from 2009–14, is also an experienced educator and mentor. She has mentored and consulted with hundreds of elected officials throughout the nation as they seek higher office. Poore has served as an adjunct professor at WV State University, as a faculty member in residence at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University and has teaching privileges at WVU College of Law.
Knotts, an aerospace engineering graduate, spent two decades working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center where she focused on advancing Human Space Flight and served in engineering and senior leadership roles. She was a part of the Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Moon/Mars Exploration Programs. Knotts went on to start businesses in the oil and gas industry and has recently joined Barrios Technology, a small woman-owned business supporting NASA for 40 years.
Registration is required to participate. Event reminders and Zoom link will be distributed the day before the event.
For more information contact Statler-DEI@mail.wvu.edu.