Year: 2020

Who: Dr. Nathan Brooks

Where: USA

In 2020, Dr. Nathan Raen Brooks achieved a historic milestone by becoming Boeing's first African American Senior Technical Fellow in the program's 30-year history. Specializing in electromagnetics and antenna systems, Dr. Brooks has been instrumental in advancing geolocation technologies for rockets, airplanes, and missiles. His innovative work includes developing an ad hoc power-based geolocation system that enhances situational awareness using common military radios—a testament to his ability to repurpose existing technologies for cutting-edge applications

Dr. Brooks's expertise extends beyond geolocation systems. He has led and consulted on the architecture and algorithm development of Electronic Warfare (EW) antenna systems, contributing to advanced capability programs for military, government, and commercial clients, including DARPA and IARPA FAMU-FSU. His work has been pivotal in projects like DARPA's RadioMap, which networks devices like tactical radios as power sensors, and the Comprehensive Interior Reconnaissance system, aimed at gaining awareness of interior spaces from the outside US Black Engineer Tech. These contributions have not only advanced technological capabilities but also challenged existing paradigms in defense and aerospace engineering.

Today, Dr. Brooks's legacy is preserved through his ongoing mentorship and advocacy for diversity in STEM fields. He serves as a mentor and advisor for Boeing's Black Employee Association and participates in planning committees for the Black Engineer of the Year Awards and the National Society of Black Engineers . His commitment to fostering inclusive environments in engineering reflects a broader theme of leveraging diverse perspectives to drive innovation. Dr. Brooks's story invites reflection on the importance of representation in STEM and continues to inspire future generations to pursue excellence in engineering.

Sources:

Websites:

• Boeing. (n.d.). Meet Dr. Nathan Brooks. Boeing. https://jobs.boeing.com/dr-brooks-team-boeing Lemelson-MIT Program. (2023, February 22). From past to present:

• 12 Black inventors and innovators to know. Lemelson-MIT Program. https://www.lemelson.org/from-past-to-present-12-black-inventors-and-innovators-to-know/