Born: 1956 (Decatur, Alabama)
Biography:
Mae Carol Jemison, an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut, was born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama. She is best known for becoming the first African-American woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.
Jemison’s passion for science and space exploration began at a young age. Inspired by the television show Star Trek and Nichelle Nichols’ portrayal of Lieutenant Uhura, she dreamed of one day going into space. Despite facing obstacles and limited support from some of her teachers, Jemison remained determined to pursue her passion.
After completing her early education in Chicago, Jemison attended Stanford University, where she earned degrees in chemical engineering as well as African and African-American studies. She went on to earn her medical degree from Cornell University, becoming a doctor.
In 1983, Jemison joined the Peace Corps and worked as a doctor in Liberia and Sierra Leone until 1985. This experience allowed her to gain valuable medical skills and a deeper understanding of global healthcare.
Jemison’s dream of becoming an astronaut finally became a reality when she applied to NASA. In 1987, she was selected to join NASA’s astronaut corps and was later chosen to serve on the STS-47 mission. On September 12, 1992, the Space Shuttle Endeavour launched, and Jemison made history as she orbited the Earth for nearly eight days.
Following her groundbreaking journey into space, Jemison left NASA in 1993 and founded The Jemison Group, a technology research company. She also established the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, a non-profit educational organization that aims to promote science education and support science literacy among young people.
Continuing her commitment to space exploration, Jemison became the principal of the 100 Year Starship project, which is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This ambitious initiative seeks to make interstellar travel a reality within the next century.
Aside from her scientific endeavors, Jemison has made significant contributions as an author and television personality. She has written several children’s books, inspiring young minds to pursue their dreams in science and space exploration. Jemison also made a guest appearance on a 1993 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, further solidifying her status as a groundbreaking figure in both science and pop culture.
Throughout her career, Jemison has received numerous awards and accolades. She holds several honorary doctorates and has been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame. Her pioneering achievements have paved the way for future generations of women, especially women of color, to pursue careers in science and space exploration.
Awards:
– Inductee, National Women’s Hall of Fame
– Inductee, International Space Hall of Fame