Mae C. Jemison

Mae C. Jemison (1975-present)

"In the space program, I've had the opportunity to learn about a number of different fields, to be involved in technology that's right on the edge, pushing to see where it can go."

Growing up Mae Jemison always loved science. She was mostly interested in astronomy but her parents always encouraged her to be well rounded. After she graduated from high school she attended Stanford University majoring in chemical engineering and Afro-American Studies. After her time at Stanford, Dr. Jemison went on to Cornell University to study medicine. After graduating she joined the Peace Corps and worked as a physician in West Africa.

In 1985, Jemison applied to the space program. This was soon after the Challenger tragedy and the program was undergoing many changes. No new astronauts were brought into the program at that time, but Jemison was determined to become an astronaut. She reapplied and was accepted to the program in 1987. In 1991, Jemison came a step closer to becoming the first African American woman in space when she took on the role of the mission specialist for shuttle Discovery, Spacelab-J, which was a joint venture with Japan. On September 12,1992, Mae Jemison became the first African American female to go into space. While she served on the shuttle Endeavor, Jemison studied weightlessness and motion sickness. She also completed a study to see if tadpoles would develop in space with no gravity.

"The thing I have done throughout my life is to do the best job that I can and to be me… In terms of being a role model, I really feel like if I'm a role model, what I'd like to be is someone who says, 'No, don't try to necessarily be like me or live your life or grow up to be an astronaut or a physician unless that's what you want to do.'"

Mae C. Jemison won the Essence Award in 1988, and was named Gamma Sigma Gamma Woman of the Year in 1990. In 1992 she won the Ebony Black Achievement award. In 1993, Jemison decided to leave NASA and took a teaching position at Dartmouth College. In 1994 Dr. Jemison founded the International Science Camp in Chicago, which helps children ages 12 to 16 become enthusiastic about science. Mae Jemison also founded a technical company called The Jemison Group, Inc. In 2001, Jemison wrote a book titled Find Where the Wind Goes: Moments from My Life, which is an autobiography written for teens. Currently Mae Jemison lives in Houston with her two cats and is a technical consultant on the Discovery Channels' "World of Wonders" program.