Gladys West

Gladys Mae West (née Brown; October 27, 1930 – January 17, 2026) was an American mathematician. She is known for her contributions to mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth, and her work on the development of satellite geodesy models, that were later incorporated into the Global Positioning System (GPS).

5 quotes found

"It has history to discover, outlets for shopping, good food and a quiet atmosphere."

- Gladys West

• 0 likes• Mathematicians from the United States• African Americans• Programmers from the United States• Computer scientists from the United States• Women mathematicians•
"I aspired to do something outside of farm work and I knew that having a good education would be the key."

- Gladys West

• 0 likes• Mathematicians from the United States• African Americans• Programmers from the United States• Computer scientists from the United States• Women mathematicians•
"That motivated me to do well in school so that I could get a scholarship and go to college. I had a great support system and many mentors along the way who kept me motivated."

- Gladys West

• 0 likes• Mathematicians from the United States• African Americans• Programmers from the United States• Computer scientists from the United States• Women mathematicians•
"It’s always refreshing to hear how my work is now being used outside of the government and I am still amazed by the technological advancements navigation has made since the GPS Project began in 1973."

- Gladys West

• 0 likes• Mathematicians from the United States• African Americans• Programmers from the United States• Computer scientists from the United States• Women mathematicians•
"It never gets too old. I am just so pleased that I was able to make a contribution. When I was working, I never imagined that the GPS would be used in the civilian world. I love seeing all the ways that it can be used and I probably have no idea how vastly used it is."