Helen Jackson

Helen Jackson
File:Dr. Helen Jackson.jpg Dr. Helen Jackson, nuclear physicist and AI/ML engineer, recognized for her research that led to a patent filing for optimized forumla and material thickness for Gallium Nitride semiconductors. File:Dr. Helen Jackson.jpg Dr. Helen Jackson, nuclear physicist and AI/ML engineer, recognized for her research that led to a patent filing for optimized forumla and material thickness for Gallium Nitride semiconductors. File:Dr. Helen Jackson.jpg Dr. Helen Jackson, nuclear physicist and AI/ML engineer, recognized for her research that led to a patent filing for optimized forumla and material thickness for Gallium Nitride semiconductors.
Born	Washington D.C.
Other names	Helen Cassandra Jackson
🏫 Education	U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology (PhD) Vanderbilt University (PhD) Fisk University (MS) Tennessee State University (BS) Swinburne University of Technology
💼 Occupation
Known for	The first known PhD Nuclear Physicist from the Air Force Institute of Technology; the first “known” PhD in Nuclear Physics from AFIT as an African American female; hold multiple discoveries/ patents covering a diverse range of science fields for a device for radiation dosimetry for select skin cancers; to a configuration for radiation hardness for spaceborne based on Gallium Nitride now used in today's data centers; subject matter expert in Nuclear Radiation Detection; and a core figure in legalizing home education as an expert witness in Leeper vs. Arlington ISD
👩 Spouse(s)	John Jackson (m. 1983; died 2007)
🏅 Awards	Lifetime Achievement Award, November 2025; Lifetime Achievement Award, September 2024; Texas Homeschool Association; Yearly award instituted in her name by the Texas Homeschool Association, September 2024; Who’s Who in America, 2021; Who’s Who in Information Technology, 2005; Who’s Who in American Women, 1998; Shirley Chilsom Award, 2023; Fellow of the African Scientific Association
🌐 Website	https://helenjackson.academia.edu/

Helen Jackson is an American nuclear physicist, Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning engineer, software engineer, author, and inventor . She was the first known person to earn a PhD in Nuclear Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology. She was among the first known African American women to specialize in the [radiation effects of semiconductors] Jackson has discovered, developed, and patented a configuration for radiation hardness for spaceborne based on gallium nitride semiconductor electronics and also developed quantum nano transport equations for gallium nitride heterostructure semiconductors. Jackson’s characterization of such semiconductors can be linked to their use as inverters and power supplies in today’s data centers,, and the backbone of the current artificial intelligence revolution.

Early life and education

Helen Jackson was born in Washington, D.C., to parents Willie Mae Collins and Robert Murray. She experienced family separation, poverty, and abuse while achieving high academic results. Her life consisted of childhood challenges, followed by achievements in science and education, and becoming an accomplished physicist, inventor, and engineer. Jackson was a straight-A student who studied multiple languages and STEM subjects. In junior high school at Taft Junior High School (also known as Taft Middle School), Jackson was IQ-tested, with a score of 145, considered “exceptionally gifted”. Also, during her time at McKinley High School (also known as President William McKinley High School), she was encouraged by her teachers to attend the top-rated high school at the time, Woodrow Wilson High School (now known as the Jackson-Reed High School) in Washington D.C. Outside of school, Helen spent a lot of her time at the library, and credits the DC public libraries with her success and survival while living alone. She would work trigonometry and geometry problems from library books for fun and make electronic gadgets, cameras, and telescopes from scrap materials. Likewise, she learned five languages which include French, Latin, Arabic, Swahili, and Russian and excelled in STEM subjects like math and science. Later, Helen scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT and was recruited by prestigious universities, but did not attend due to a lack of support, no mentors, and early marriage challenges.

Academic background

Dr. Helen Jackson completed her doctoral studies at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), earning a Ph.D. in Applied Physics (Nuclear) in 2014. Her dissertation, titled *“The Effect of Variation of Silicon Nitride Passivation Layer on Electron Irradiated Aluminium Gallium Nitride HEMT Structures”* (May 19, 2014), examined the impact of semiconductor passivation layers on radiation tolerance in GaN-based devices.

Before attending AFIT, Jackson participated in the Fisk–Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program, completing doctoral coursework in Nuclear Physics at Vanderbilt University (2006–2008). She earned her Master of Science in Physics from Fisk University (2004–2006), where her thesis, *“Charge Transport of Cadmium Telluride as a Nuclear Radiation Detector,”* investigated semiconductor detector performance under radiation exposure. She also studied astrophysics at the Swinburne University of Technology’s Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Physics from Tennessee State University.

Dr. Jackson’s professional appointments include research and engineering roles with Battelle Memorial Institute, the United States Department of Energy—at both Brookhaven National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory—as well as positions with Wright State University and the AFRL.Building on her work in the physics of semiconductor materials, Dr. Jackson developed and filed a patent for a formula and thickness configuration that improves the radiation tolerance of heterostructure semiconductors, aligning with her broader goal of designing robust materials for extreme environments (U.S. Patent Application No. 13/871,255), disclosed on April 26, 2013.

Dr. Helen Jackson in her study.

Although Jackson’s pursuit of higher education was delayed after her first marriage and being a single mother, she later attended the University of the District of Columbia and Tennessee State. Dr. Helen Jackson worked as an Aerospace Electronics Engineer at NASA from 1978 to 1982. She worked in satellite systems and space shuttle launch support, contributing technical expertise to electronic systems used in NASA’s major missions during that period. She developed parity error checking code for downlinked data from Earth Resources Technology satellites. She was also responsible for Space Shuttle data security and ground support operations for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). While at NASA, she met her second husband, John Jackson, whom she later married. She was later selected as an astronaut candidate (to be a mission specialist with TDRSS as the payload), but declined for her children. Notably, when Helen Jackson turned down the opportunity to be the first Black female astronaut, Mae Jemison was chosen instead.

Later, Jackson earned a PhD in Applied Nuclear Physics. While doing her PhD at the Air Force Institute of Technology, her chair and advisors realized that Jackson was the first person to complete the Applied Physics program with a concentration in nuclear physics at the PhD level. AFIT typically graduated Nuclear Engineers. Jackson has been recognized for Who’s Who in Information Technology, Who’s Who in America in 2021, the Shirley Chisholm Award in 2022, and has an annual homeschooling award named after her by the Texas Education Association.

Career

Year / Period	Institution / Role	Field / Function	Notable Achievements	References
1980s	NASA	Aerospace Electronics Engineer	Selected as an astronaut candidate; satellite, TDRSS, and shuttle support; ran with a group holding the Olympic Torch at Lake Placid Winter Olympics.
Early 1980s–1990s	Texas Home Educators, Homeschool Advocate	Education / Public Policy	Pioneering Home Educator; key witness in *Leeper v. Arlington ISD*; pivotal in Texas homeschool law; trade-named and trademarked product development.
1990s	LifeWay Christian Resources, Square D, Nashville State Tech	Software Engineer	Developed systems supporting large-scale resource management.
2000s	Swinburne Astrophysics, Fisk University, Vanderbilt University	Research Associate (Nuclear Physics / Medicine)	Astrophysics studies; nuclear radiation detection; nuclear medicine studies; student mentorship.
2008–2014	Air Force Research Lab; AFIT (U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology)	AlGaN/GaN Research	Patent for semiconductor radiation hardness.
2015–2017	Wright State University	Visiting Physics Professor	Taught undergraduate physics; mentored students with disabilities.
2017–2019	IGI Publications, The New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS)	Book Chapters Author	Contributed to women in STEM publications; began NYAS mentoring.
2016–2018	Battelle	Research Physicist / Data Scientist	Pivoted to machine learning: Computer vision and airport security algorithm development.
2019–2020	Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)	Program Manager, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Consultant	Applied multi-scientific domain AI to national defense.
2020–2021	Summit2Sea Consulting	Machine Learning (ML) Engineer	AI/ML solutions for enterprise and government.
2021–2024	DOD contractors	Lead for AI programs/projects	Developed generative AI solutions specific to DOD tasks; monitored international violations associated with AI and trading of US companies.
2024–present	Online AI course development / AI consultant for research entities	Artificial Intelligence for Ethical AI, Epidemiology, and related fields	Recommended use cases to bring small STEM business entities up to speed on AI.

Personal life and advocacy

File:2024 Helen Jackson Award.png

The 2024 Helen Jackson Award was established by the Texas Homeschool Coalition and the Family Freedom Project to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Helen Jackson, a pioneer who advanced the legal acceptance of homeschooling across the United States.

At the pinnacle of her successful career as a mathematician and engineer at NASA, Jackson encountered challenges related to her children’s schooling experience while living in Northern Virginia, which later became untenable. Upon relocating to Texas with her family, Jackson opted for homeschooling for her children. She emerged as an advocate for homeschooling rights, and her efforts, along with her court testimony, contributed to the recognition and legalization of homeschooling in Texas. Jackson’s advocacy extended to national awareness. Her case became part of a broader movement advancing the legal acceptance of homeschooling in the United States, and she is recognized as a pioneer by the Texas Home School Coalition. Her name is engraved on the THSC Hall of Fame in Austin, Texas, where she was honored in 2007. Jackson’s name is also recognized in a yearly homeschool award by the Texas Education Association. In some circles, she is called the “Rosa Parks of Homeschooling”.

Legacy and impact

File:Helen Jackson 2025.webp

Dr. Helen Jackson in 2025

Helen Jackson is among the first African American women to hold a PhD in Physics , a fellow of the African Scientific Association, and has been featured in prominent scientific publications. Her dedication to humanitarian outreach (January 1993 – June 2014) has been exemplified through her orchestration, in conjunction with the Swiss government and the U.S. Department of State, of the relocation of 11 of the “Lost Boys of Sudan”, victims of the Sudanese civil war, from a refugee camp, and bringing them to Nashville, Tennessee. There, they successfully resettled and started a new life. She also assisted in the resettlement of Eritrean refugees during their war with Ethiopia, housing them in her home. In addition, Helen has mentored with the New York Academy of Sciences NeXXt Scholar program (where her mentee is now an Atmospheric Science PhD student).

Honors and Awards

• 2025: Lifetime Achievement Award, November 2025

• 2024: Lifetime Achievement Award, September 2024, Texas Home School Coalition
• 2024: Yearly award instituted in her name by the Texas Home School Association, September 2024

• 2022: Shirley Chisholm Award

• 2022: Fellow of the African Scientific Association

• 2021: Who’s Who in America

• 2014: First known PhD Nuclear Physicist from the Air Force Institute of Technology (first person, man or woman)

• 2014: Developed quantum nano-transport equations for heterostructure semiconductors

• 2007: Honored in the Texas Hall of Fame

• 1999: Who’s Who in Information Technology

• 1994: Adventist Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Achievement Award

• 1990: Who’s Who in American Women

• 1988: Eagle Forum Mother of the Year Award

• 1987: Spoke before the House Committee on Education for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the passage of the Home School Act 169 (Senate Bill 154)

• 1984: Made the NASA Astronaut Candidate list

• 1980: Ran in the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Torch Relay

• Developed a prototype for an Imaging Compton Camera for use in Nuclear Medicine, Vanderbilt University

• Developed parity error checking code for downlinked data, Earth’s resources, technology satellites, and Space Shuttle data security at NASA

• Ground support operations for Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)

• Perfect SAT score (1600) coming out of high school (Washington, D.C.)

• Developed, trade-named, and trademarked "Peak Performance" food for Whole Foods

• Developed a prototype board for the Experimental Integrated Switching Network; collaborated with software developers to implement and document all user operations manuals

• Received award for savings and performance on the TEMPEST/EMI design and test of DoD systems

• TV and radio appearances include Public Television interviews on education, Sally Jessy Raphael Show, and *Sally Show* (Canada)

• Have traveled to Brazil, Mexico, Kenya, and Thailand (tsunami relief) with medical and reconstruction teams

Reports from the Air Force Institute of Technology do not release data on individual graduates; however, institutional reports are available regarding graduate studies and research programs.

External Links

• Cited publications (153):

• American Institute of Physics. (2022). GradSchoolShopper 2022 (p. 10). Physics Today. https://digital.physicstoday.org/physicstoday/gradschoolshopper_magazine_2022/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=2&folio=10#pg12
• Jackson, H. (March 2014). "Effect of Variation of Silicon Nitride Passivation Layer on Electron Irradiated Aluminium Gallium Nitride/Gallium Nitride HEMT Structures". DTIC. Air Force Institute of Technology. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H.; Petrosky, J.; Farlow, G.; Hengehold, R. (2013). "Effect of Optimum Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/GaN". Materials Research Society. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H.; Petrosky, J.; Hengehold, R.; Fang, Z. (2013). "Impact of Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on AlGaN/GaN Transport Properties and Device Performance". American Physical Society. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H.; Petrosky, J.; Look, D.C.; Dorsey, D. (2011). "Impact of Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/GaN". Materials Research Society. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• May, R.E.; Jackson, H.C.; Petrosky, J.C.; McClory, J.W. (2011). "Currents in Ion Irradiated AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors". HEART Conference. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H.C.; Petrosky, J.C.; McClory, J.W. (2011). "Mobility Variation in Electron Irradiated Gated and Ungated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs". Materials Research Society. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (2006). "Charge Transport Characterization of Cadmium Zinc Telluride as a Nuclear Radiation Detector". Materials Research Society. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Bolotnikov, A.E.; Abdul-Jabbar, N.M.; Babalola, O.S.; Camarda, G.S.; Cui, Y.; Hossain, A.M.; Jackson, E.M.; Jackson, H.C.; James, J.A.; Kohman, K.T.; Luryi, A.L.; James, R.B. (October 2008). "Effects of Te Inclusions on the Performance of CdZnTe Radiation Detectors". IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H.; Brill, A.B.; Nurdan, K.; Peterson, T.E. (2007). "Monte Carlo Simulations for Design Optimization of a Compton Camera Imager for Dosimetry in Radionuclide Therapy". IEEE Xplore. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Camarda, G.S.; Abdul-Jabbar, N.M.; Babalola, S.; Bolotnikov, A.E.; Cui, Y.; Hossain, A.; Jackson, E.; Jackson, H.; James, J.R.; Luryi, A.L.; Groza, M.; Burger, A.; James, R.B. (September 2007). "Characterization and Measurements of CZT Material: Novel Techniques and Results". SPIE Proceedings. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Bolotnikov, A.E.; Abdul-Jabbar, N.M.; Babalola, S.; Camarda, G.S.; Cui, Y.; Hossain, A.; Jackson, E.; Jackson, H.; James, J.R.; Luryi, A.L.; James, R.B. (September 2007). "Optimization of Virtual Frisch-Grid CdZnTe Detector Designs for Imaging and Spectroscopy of Gamma Rays". SPIE Proceedings. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H.; Camarda, G.S.; James, R.B. (2006). "Variation of Surface Roughness and CZT Detector Characterization". Brookhaven National Laboratory. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (2003). "Plate Tectonics on Mars: 2003 Mars Transit Event". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (2002). "Structure Formation from Baryogenesis to Cosmic Microwave Background Anisotropies". Swinburne Institute of Astrophysics and Supercomputing. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (August 2013). "Effect of Variation of Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/AlN/GaN and GaN/AlGaN/GaN Electrical Properties". ICNS-10. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
• Jackson, H. (April 2013). "Effect of Optimum Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/GaN". Materials Research Society. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (April 2011). "Impact of SiN Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors". Materials Research Society. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2010). "The Role of Water in Comprehensive Renewable Energy for Ohio and Tennessee". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2010). "Impact of Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/GaN". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2009). "Mobility Variation in Electron Irradiated Gated and Ungated AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2003). "Plate Tectonics on Mars". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (2003). "Non-Equilibrium Statistical Thermodynamics in the Early Universe". Center for Cultural Apologetics. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. "Helen Jackson". ResearchGate. Retrieved October 19, 2025.

• Physics Today (2022). "GradSchoolShopper 2022". Physics Today. American Institute of Physics. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Nurdan, K.; Conka-Nurdan, T.; Walenta, A.H.; Brill, A.B. (May 7, 2007). "Detective Quantum Efficiency and Deadtime Losses in Compton Imaging Systems". IEEE Xplore. IEEE. doi:10.1109/NSSMIC.2006.356019. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (August 2013). "Effect of Variation of Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/AlN/GaN and GaN/AlGaN/GaN Electrical Properties". ICNS-10. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (April 2013). "Effect of Optimum Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/GaN". Materials Research Society Spring Conference. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (April 2011). "Impact of Silicon Nitride Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors". Materials Research Society Spring Conference. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2010). "The Role of Water in Comprehensive Renewable Energy for Ohio and Tennessee". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2010). "Impact of Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/GaN". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2009). "Mobility Variation in Electron Irradiated Gated and Ungated AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2003). "Plate Tectonics on Mars". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (2003). "Non-Equilibrium Statistical Thermodynamics in the Early Universe". Center for Cultural Apologetics. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. "Helen Jackson". ResearchGate. Retrieved October 19, 2025.

• Physics Today (2022). "GradSchoolShopper 2022". Physics Today. American Institute of Physics. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Nurdan, K.; Conka-Nurdan, T.; Walenta, A.H.; Brill, A.B. (May 7, 2007). "Detective Quantum Efficiency and Deadtime Losses in Compton Imaging Systems". IEEE Xplore. IEEE. doi:10.1109/NSSMIC.2006.356019. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H.C. (June 6, 2022). "The Journey of a Female African American Physicist to Achieve Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness". IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Retrieved October 19, 2025.

• Jackson, H.C. (May 31, 2022). "The Journey of a Female African American Physicist to Achieve Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness". IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
• Jackson, H. (September 2010). "Impact of Silicon Nitride Passivation Thickness on Electron Irradiated AlGaN/GaN". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2009). "Mobility Variation in Electron Irradiated Gated and Ungated AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (September 2003). "Plate Tectonics on Mars". National Technical Association. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H. (2003). "Non-Equilibrium Statistical Thermodynamics in the Early Universe". Center for Cultural Apologetics. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H.C. (June 6, 2022). "Overcoming the Layers of Obstacles: The Journey of a Female African American Physicist to Achieve Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness". IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Retrieved October 19, 2025.

• Jackson, H.C. (May 31, 2022). "Overcoming the Layers of Obstacles: The Journey of a Female African American Physicist to Achieve Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness". IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Retrieved October 19, 2025.

• Jackson, H.C. (May 31, 2022). "Overcoming the Myriad of Obstacles: The Ongoing Journey as a Female African American Physicist". IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Retrieved October 19, 2025.

• Jackson, H. "Helen Jackson". ResearchGate. Retrieved October 19, 2025.

• Physics Today (2022). "GradSchoolShopper 2022". Physics Today. American Institute of Physics. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Nurdan, K.; Conka-Nurdan, T.; Walenta, A.H.; Brill, A.B. (May 7, 2007). "Detective Quantum Efficiency and Deadtime Losses in Compton Imaging Systems". IEEE Xplore. IEEE. doi:10.1109/NSSMIC.2006.356019. Retrieved October 28, 2025.

• Jackson, H.C. (June 6, 2022). "The Journey of a Female African American Physicist to Achieve Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness". IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Retrieved October 19, 2025.

• Jackson, H.C. (May 31, 2022). "The Journey of a Female African American Physicist to Achieve Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness". IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Retrieved October 19, 2025.

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