Valerie L. Thomas was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to parents who nurtured her curiosity. Despite limited access to science-related resources in her childhood, her innate interest in scientific principles was evident from an early age. This early spark of curiosity would eventually lead her to a groundbreaking career in physics and engineering.

At the age of eight, Valerie visited a science exhibit featuring an illusion that made it seem as though a light bulb lit up even when it wasn't connected to electricity. This intriguing experience sparked a deep fascination with illusions and their underlying scientific principles. It was a foundational moment that later influenced her invention of the illusion transmitter.