Guest written by: Kasey Thompson
Historically, African Americans have faced systemic challenges that aimed to marginalize their contributions to the U.S. labor force. However, despite enduring segregation, discrimination and wage disparities, the African American labor force has transformed obstacles into opportunities.
Many African American inventors, often unsung heroes, have laid the groundwork for the breakthroughs we sometimes overlook or may unconsciously take for granted today. At Ferris, their contributions are rooted within each of our colleges, providing both inspiration and practical applications for all students, staff and faculty. Here, we honor seven remarkable African Americans whose legacies are foundational to our university’s mission.
Charles R. Drew: College of Health Professions
Drew’s groundbreaking blood banking and plasma preservation discoveries fundamentally transformed emergency medicine and surgical procedures. By devising more efficient methods for collecting, processing and storing blood, he created the blueprint for today’s blood donation and transfusion services—an essential component of healthcare worldwide.
Frederick McKinley Jones: College of Pharmacy
Jones’ invention of mobile refrigeration systems forever changed the transportation and storage of perishable goods—an advance that remains vital for pharmaceutical distribution and medical supply chains today. Jones’ refrigeration models help to understand the fundamentals of thermodynamics, cooling system design and sensor-based temperature regulation. His pioneering approach to maintaining consistent temperatures informs modern pharmaceutical practices, protecting patient health and saving lives.
Granville T. Woods: College of Engineering Technology
With over 50 U.S. patents, Woods transformed railway communication and electrical systems, laying the groundwork for our modern infrastructure. Woods’s patents and innovations directly impact industries that rely on optimizing power distribution within networks and serve as a guide in developing more efficient manufacturing and robotics solutions. His legacy remains a guiding force in sustainable energy research and intelligent system design.
Marie Maynard Daly: College of Arts, Sciences and Education
Daly’s pioneering research in biochemistry not only shattered glass ceilings but also redefined our understanding of human physiology by, most notably, identifying cholesterol metabolism and its connection to heart disease. She helped establish the biochemical link between diet, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health. Her research provided critical insights into how dietary fats influence the risk of developing heart disease, reshaping nutritional guidelines and spurring the development of cholesterol-lowering medications.
Mark Dean: College of Business
A trailblazer in computer engineering, earning three of nine PC patents for being the co-creator of the IBM personal computer, Dean’s role in developing personal computing and color display technology paved the way for a digitally driven global economy. Today, students in the College of Business engage with information systems and digital marketing technologies that are possible because of Dean’s foundational work.
Patricia Bath: Michigan College of Optometry
Bath’s invention of the laser cataract treatment revolutionized eye care, drastically reducing patient recovery times and improving surgical outcomes. Bath’s legacy is woven into curricula emphasizing minimally invasive surgical methods and patient-centered care. Bath’s contributions continue to shape the approach to diagnosing and treating ocular conditions.
Valerie Thomas: Kendall College of Art and Design
Thomas’ creation of the illusion transmitter—a device designed to transfer three-dimensional images—has profoundly impacted how artists conceive and present visual narratives. Her invention laid the groundwork for immersive media installations, augmented reality exhibits and interactive sculptures. By studying her methods, future designers learn to merge art with cutting-edge tech, creating experiences that challenge the boundaries of viewer engagement and creative storytelling.
Through these stories of invention and perseverance, we see that the contributions of African American innovators in the U.S. labor force have modern-day impacts. Their legacies shape our academic programs, inspire our research and drive the spirit of innovation across Ferris State University. In every lab, lecture hall and project space, the pioneering work of Charles R. Drew, Frederick McKinley Jones, Granville T. Woods, Marie Maynard Daly, Mark Dean, Patricia Bath and Valerie Thomas continues to inform and empower Ferris’ community of leaders, thinkers and creators.