George Mason University in Northern Virginia will rename the largest building on its Science and Technology campus in honor of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson.
In the early years of the space program, Johnson performed complex calculations and flight path analysis for U.S. spacecraft, including for the Apollo 11 flight to the moon in 1969.
Johnson, who graduated from high school at the age of 14, also graduated summa cum laude from West Virginia State University at the age of 18 and earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and French.
The recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and her trailblazing achievements were highlighted in the 2016 film “Hidden Figures.” She celebrated her 100th birthday last year.