Mae Jemison

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Mae-jemison

Mae Jemison (29487037511)

Mae Jemison - Flickr - NASA on The Commons

Mae Jemison (born October 17, 1956) is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first African American woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992. Jemison's work has spanned multiple fields, including her time in NASA, her involvement in technology development, and her advocacy for science education.

Early Life and Education

Mae Carol Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama, and raised in Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, she showed an intense interest in science and space. She excelled academically, demonstrating a strong aptitude in the sciences and a deep curiosity about the world around her. Jemison graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1973 and went on to attend Stanford University, where she earned a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering and a B.A. in African and African-American Studies in 1977. She then earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Cornell University Medical College in 1981.

Career

Medical Career

Before joining NASA, Jemison worked as a general practitioner and participated in medical research projects. Her work took her to Cuba, Kenya, and Thailand, where she provided medical care and conducted studies on hepatitis B and rabies.

NASA Career

Jemison joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1987 and became the first African American woman to be admitted into the astronaut training program. On September 12, 1992, as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-47, she became the first African American woman in space. During the eight-day mission, she conducted experiments in life sciences and material sciences.

Post-NASA Career

After leaving NASA in 1993, Jemison founded the Jemison Group, a company that seeks to research, develop, and market advanced technologies. She is also involved in several educational projects and is a strong advocate for science education, particularly for minorities and women. Jemison has made significant contributions to the conversation on space exploration and the importance of diversity in the STEM fields.

Legacy and Honors

Mae Jemison's pioneering space flight marked a significant milestone in the history of space exploration and in the representation of African American women in STEM. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

Jemison is known for her multifaceted interests, including her love of dance and her commitment to lifelong learning. She has also written several books for children and adults, sharing her experiences and encouraging others to pursue their dreams in science and beyond.

See Also

• NASA
• Space Shuttle Endeavour
• African Americans in science