Her early experiences with racial segregation and educational barriers instilled in her a sense of resilience and a drive to overcome adversity. This resilience likely fueled her determination to succeed in her chosen fields.

Her work with amputees and individuals with disabilities directly inspired her to develop assistive devices, particularly the self-feeding device. Witnessing their struggles and challenges sparked her creativity and desire to improve their quality of life.

The rise of forensic science in popular culture, such as in literature and television, may have sparked her interest in the field. The logical and analytical nature of forensic work aligned with her skills and curiosity.