African – American Scientist and Mathematicians Research Project 2020
Name: Alise R Defoe
G#: G00388518
Date: 28/03/2020
Below is a list of popular inventors, scientist and mathematicians who have made significant
contributions to society and the world. From aerospace innovator George Alcorn to Kevin
Woolfolk, who invented high-tech exercise equipment for hamsters, African-American
inventors have made major contributions that have helped advance our increasingly
technology-driven society. This alphabetical list of popular black inventors provides you an
opportunity to research and become knowledgeable of the contributions that were made by
a race of people before, during and after slavery.
Directions: You will research each of the scientist listed providing information on
their achievements and scientific contributions.
Scientist/Mathematician
Contribution/Invention
1
George Alcorn
Invented an imaging x-ray spectrometer, using thermomigration.
2
Nathaniel Alexander
Patented a folding chair, designed to be used in schools, churches and other
auditoriums.
3
Virgie Ammons
Invented a fireplace damper, which prevents cold air and dust from blowing
down the chimney
4
Benjamin Bradley
Built a working steam engine
5
Benjamin Banneker
Created a wooden clock made entirely of indigenous American parts.
6
Janet Emerson Bashen
The first African American woman to hold a patent for software invention.
7
Patricia Bath
Laserphaco probe
8
Andrew Jackson Beard
Invented the plow in 1884, a rotary steam engine in 1892, improvement to
Railroad cart couples called “jenny Coupler”
9
Miriam E. Benjamin
Invented the Gong and signal choir for hotels
10
Edmond Berger
Early spark plugs on February 2nd 1839
11
Henry Blair
Invented a seed planter, which allowed farmers to plant more corn using less
labor in a small amount of time.
12
Bessie Blount
Invented an electronic feeding device.
13
Sarah Boone
Obtained patent rights for her improvements to the ironing board
Scientist/Mathematician
Contribution/Invention
14
Otis Boykin
Improved the peace maker and made every day electronic devices
(computers and television) more efficient and adorable.
15
Charles Brooks
Best known for his patent improvements to the street sweeper in 1896
16
Keith Black
Known for brain tumor surgery and research
17
Phil Brooks
Invented a disposable syringe.
18
Henry Brown
He invented a type of strong box
19
Marie Brown
Applied for an invention patent for a closed-circuit television security
system.
20
Robert Bryant
Chemical engineer, has patented numerous inventions, like LaRC-SI and
headed the team which created macro fiber composite (MFC).
21
John Albert Burr
Invented one of the first rotary- blade lawn mowers.
22
George Washington Carver
Known for his work with peanuts, the ‘peanut man’, he developed hundreds
of products using peanut, sweet potatoes and soy beans.
23
George Carruthers
Invented the ultraviolet camera used to reveal mysteries of space and the
earth’s atmosphere.
24
Benjamin S. Carson
He was the lead neurosurgeon of a 70-member surgical team that separated
conjoined teams.
by living organisms, to detect bacteria in water as well as improving
environmental management.
missions.
effective heating systems for larger buildings.
29
George Crum
Inventor of potato chips
device with a belt. She also invented a toilet paper holder, and a mounted
back scrubber and washer for showers.
31
Mark Dean
Was instrumental in the invention of the personal computer (PC)
32
Ronald Demon
Invented an athletic shoe with cushion support which adjusts to suit the
shape of the wearer’s feet.
actuation (the loudness and softness of the key strikes)
34
Clatonia Joaquin Dorticus
Invented and improved photographic print and negative wash machine
