Mae Jemison
First African American Woman in Space
Doctor, Scientist, Astronaut, Peace Corps Volunteer, Teacher
Early Life and Education…
Throughout her early years growing up in Chicago, Mae spent lots of time at her school library reading about all aspects of science!
During high school, Mae became convinced she wanted to pursue a career in biomedical engineering.
At age 16, she entered Stanford University on a National Achievement Scholarship
and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in African-American studies.
While earning her doctorate in medicine from Cornell University Mae also worked as a volunteer in Cuba, Kenya and a Cambodian refugee camp in Thailand.
In addition to English, Mae speaks Russian, Japanese, and Swahili.
Pursuing a Childhood Dream…
After practicing as a general practitioner and Peace Corps
volunteer in Africa, Mae decided to pursue a childhood dream— she applied to NASA's astronaut program.
In 1987 she became one of the fifteen candidates selected out of more than 2,000 people.
On Sept. 12, 1992, Mae became the first African American woman in space when the space shuttle Endeavour carried her and six other astronauts on 126 orbits around the Earth!
Mae logged 190 hours, 30 minutes, and 23 seconds in space, carrying out two bone cell research experiments on Mission STS-47.
Still on a Mission…
Mae taught environmental studies at Dartmouth College from 1995 to 2002, and was an at-large professor at Cornell University.
She established the Jemison Group, a company that seeks to encourage a love of science in students and bring advanced technology around the world.
Continuing to Inspire...
Mae founded the non-profit Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence
which designs and implements STEM education experiences.
She leads 100 Year Starship®, a global initiative to ensure the capabilities for human travel to another star within the next
100 years.
“Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination.”
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