This cache is part of an occasional series about Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The cache is not located at the posted coordinates.
Gladys West’s work was essential to the development of Global Positioning System (GPS), a set of tools that should be quite familiar to geocachers. Specifically, her work was in “satellite geodesy” which is the measurement of the form and dimensions of Earth. As one of many previously unrecognized Black women who have made important STEM contributions, a press release described her as one of “the so-called ‘Hidden Figures’ part of the team who did computing for the US military in the era before electronic systems.”
She was born in rural Virginia and grew up in a farming family surrounded by sharecroppers, farmers and tobacco factory workers and recognized that education would be her way out. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Virginia State College (now University), a historically black public university, where she was one of the few women who majored in mathematics. She also earned her master’s degree in math from Virginia State.
For most of her career, Gladys West worked at the Naval Proving Ground (now Naval Surface Warfare Center). Her early work included programming, serving as a project manager for data-processing systems, and participating in an award-winning astronomy study that proved the regularity of Pluto’s motion relative to Neptune. Later she analyzed satellite data and programmed computers to model Earth’s shape.
While working, she earned a second master’s degree, in public administration, from University of Oklahoma. After retiring, she completed a PhD in public administration from Virginia Tech.
Calculate a few details about Gladys West’s to find the coordinates to the cache:
Let A = # planets Gladys West and the team studied in the award-winning astronomy study
Let B = Average of the last 2 digits in the year Gladys West published the technical report Data Processing System Specifications for the Geosat Satellite Radar Altimeter
Let C = Tens digit of the year Gladys West’s work on the Seasat radar altimetry project was recommended for a commendation
Let D = Gladys West’s high school class rank plus total number of graduates (including her, if applicable) in her class who were eligible to receive full-ride scholarships to Virginia State College
Let E = Month the Geosat satellite went into orbit
Let FF = number of years Gladys West worked for a single employer plus the number of post-baccelaureate degrees she now holds
Let G = the number of times she graduated with a diploma or degree (include high school, college and graduate studies)
Let H = the checksum of the last two digits of the year Gladys West was inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame.
Let I = the number of black employees at Naval Proving Ground when she started
The cache can be found at N45 AB.CDE W122 FF.GHI