Eraina McCoy
Eraina.R.McCoy.1@gsfc.nasa.gov
(Phone: 301-286-7745)

June 4, 1997

RELEASE NO.: 97-64

GODDARD AEROSPACE ENGINEER RECEIVED THE 1997 WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (WISE) AWARD

Dr. Aprille Ericsson-Jackson, an aerospace engineer at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., received the 1997 Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Award for Engineering Achievement last month. Goddard Center Director, Joseph Rothenberg, summarized Ericsson-Jackson's achievements and presented her with the award at the 1997 WISE Award Luncheon in front of hundreds of attentive, young women.

WISE is an organization formed in 1978 by federal women scientists and engineers for the purpose of encouraging young women to pursue science and engineering careers, to enhance advancement opportunities for women scientists and engineers, and to recognize outstanding performance of women scientists and engineers.

Ericsson-Jackson was honored for having made significant contributions to engineering, in addition to, having actively participated in many educational programs to spur the interest of minorities and females in the math, science and engineering disciplines. Her involvement resulted in her being an aerospace, rocketry, mechanical engineering professor, computer instructor, career advisor, mentor and friend.

In a letter congratulating Ericsson-Jackson on winning the award Daniel S. Goldin, NASA Administrator, wrote, "We applaud your achievements and extend our personal appreciation for the exemplary work that has earned you this honor. This recognition is indeed reflective of your significant contributions to the federal government."

When asked how she felt about receiving this award, Ericsson-Jackson said, "I am truly honored to have been chosen to receive this award and congratulate the other award winners who epitomize the values and vision of the WISE organization.

"I would like to thank the Goddard African American Advisory Committee for initiating my nomination, Dr. Sheila Widnall, Secretary of the Army, for inspiring and supporting me since my undergraduate years, and my mother, Corrinne Ericsson, who provided me with a strong support system throughout my life."

Ericsson-Jackson received a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical, astronautical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Mass. She also obtained her masters and doctors of engineering in mechanical engineering, the aerospace option, from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Ericsson-Jackson, a Washington, D.C. resident, has made history in her own right and has had many accomplishments to be proud of. She is the first American and African American female to receive a doctors degree in mechanical engineering from Howard University. She also is the first African American female ever to receive a doctors degree in engineering at Goddard.

With the prospect of teaching in mind, Ericsson-Jackson hopes to return to Howard University to steer students in up-to-date engineering research projects and help to create an Aerospace Department there.