Shirley Ann Jackson was born August 5, 1946 Washington, D.C. She developed interest in science and mathematics during her childhood and conducted experiments and studies. Such as the eating habits of honeybees. Her parents were Beatrice and George Jackson. Her father encouraged her interest in science by assisting her with projects for her school. Her mother, would read her the biography of Benjamin Banneker, an African American scientist and mathematician who helped build Washington, D.C.
In 1964, Dr.Shirley Ann graduated as valedictorian from her high school. She was accepted at M.I.T (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to to receive a Ph.D in theoretical solid states physics. She received a bachelor's degree