Dr. David Rice Hedgley, Jr., Ph.D.
Mathematician

In 1985 he solved the decades old problem of computer graphics by developing the mathematical algorithm that would tell computers which lines on a computer screen could and couldn't be seen from various perspectives (or what we call today 3D). And if that wasn't enough, to ensure his position in the technology hall of fame, Dr. Hedgley then came back in 1999 and created a formal algorithm for routing traces on a printed circuit board, that is so complex it required the invention of new symbols to explain his work. Essentially what it does is cut down the time for finding a route on a circuit board exponentially Historically, most previous algorithms have been either very costly or very slow and usually both. This contribution will avoid both problems and as a result provide a framework for supporting the electrical parts and electrical components between circuit components. Dr. Hedgley explained to the readers of Ebony, that the road to success and acceptance had not been easy; "Computers were not on Hedgley's mind when he was growing up. He was interested in linguistics but majored in biology and chemistry at Virginia Union University. Math came later and he earned a second bachelor's degree in the discipline from Michigan State University. When we celebrate "Black History Month", remember that technology and computers would not be the same without Dr. Hedgley.