¶ Mae Jemison: A Pioneer in Space Travel
¶ Introduction
Dr. Mae Carol Jemison (born October 17, 1956) is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut who became the first African American woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992.
¶ Early Life and Education
Mae Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama, and moved to Chicago, Illinois, at a young age. Showing an early interest in science and space, she excelled academically throughout her schooling. While growing up in Chicago, Jemison was raised by a mother who worked as a teacher and a father who was a maintenance supervisor. She was educated in the Chicago Public School System, where she excelled in math and science, achieving honors despite facing discouragement from teachers and school staff who advised against her pursuing a scientific education, even though her family supported her aspirations.
“Sometimes people want to tell you to act or to be a certain way. Sometimes people want to limit you because of their own limited imaginations.”
Jemison first attended Stanford University at the age of 16 and graduated with degrees in chemical engineering and African and African-American studies. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Cornell Medical College in 1981.
As a Cornell Medical School graduate, Dr. Jemison engaged in international studies and medical work in Cuba and Thailand, and served in a Cambodian refugee camp. Additionally, she was a medical practitioner with Flying Doctors in East Africa and pursued her passion for dance at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Post-M.D., she completed an internship in Los Angeles and worked in general practice before joining the Peace Corps in 1983. As a medical officer until 1985, she oversaw medical staff and volunteer health in Liberia and Sierra Leone, contributed to vaccine research, and developed health and safety protocols.
¶ NASA Career
Jemison's interest in space was sparked by the first American woman in space, Sally Ride. The absence of female astronauts during the early space missions also impacted her. She was also influenced, as a child, by the Star Trek’s character, Lt. Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols.
After returning to the U.S. from Africa, Mae Jemison was selected as one of the 15 candidates from 2,000 applicants to NASA's astronaut program in 1987. She finished her mission specialist training in 1988 and worked at the Kennedy Space Center, where she was involved in preparing space shuttles for launch and confirming the software's accuracy. Jemison then participated in the first successful U.S.-Japan joint space mission, STS-47 Spacelab J, in September 1992.
On September 12, 1992, as a mission specialist on STS-47, Jemison flew into space with six other astronauts aboard the Endeavour, making history. During her eight days in space, she conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness.
¶ Post-NASA Career
After leaving NASA in 1993, Jemison embarked on a variety of projects that built upon her experiences as an astronaut and her diverse educational background. Her activities span in several fields like:
- Academic and Teaching Career
Jemison entered the academic field as a professor. She taught environmental studies at Dartmouth College, where she also directed the Jemison Institute for Advancing Technology in Developing Countries.
- The Jemison Group and BioSentient Corporation
In pursuit of her interest in technology's impact on daily life, she founded The Jemison Group, a company that seeks to encourage a love of science in students and bring advanced technology to schools around the world. She also co-founded BioSentient Corporation, a medical devices company that develops and markets mobile monitoring technology.
- Advocacy and Public Speaking
A prominent advocate for science education, Jemison has been a voice for minority students in the STEM fields. She frequently speaks on the importance of science and education, and has been a keynote speaker at numerous conferences around the world.
- The Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence
She founded the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, named after her mother. The foundation's leading program, The Earth We Share (TEWS), is an international science camp where students aged 12 to 16 work to solve global issues. It reflects her educational philosophy that students learn best by direct experiences and problem-solving.
- 100 Year Starship
In 2011, Jemison led the 100 Year Starship project funded by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), which aims to ensure that human space travel to another star is possible within the next 100 years. Jemison has always been a strong proponent of interstellar travel and the long-term survival of the human species.
- Writing and Media Appearances
Jemison authored several books and appeared on television programs. Her book "Find Where the Wind Goes" is a memoir of her life leading up to her spaceflight. She has also made appearances on shows like "Star Trek: The Next Generation," fulfilling a childhood dream influenced by Lieutenant Uhura, a character on the original Star Trek series.
- Boards and Organizations
She serves on the boards of various organizations, including the World Sickle Cell Foundation and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Honorary Societies
Jemison is a member of several honorary societies, including the American Medical Association, the American Chemical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Jemison's post-NASA life has been diverse and influential, spanning education, technology, social science, and space advocacy, reflecting her commitment to exploring and improving human life on and beyond Earth.
¶ Legacy and Honors
Mae Jemison has received numerous awards and honors, including induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame. She is a strong advocate for science education and getting minority students interested in science. Jemison also serves as a role model for women and African Americans in STEM fields.
¶ In Popular Culture
Jemison has been referenced in television series, books, and films. Her influence extends beyond her scientific achievements, having made a cameo appearance on *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, making her the first real astronaut to appear on the show.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Jemison
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mae-Jemison
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-1e/31421095/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-2e/31421197/