Women in Science

Mae Jemison

Astronaut, Physician & Engineer

Although Mae Jemison (b. 1956) may always be known as the first African-American woman to fly in space, that realm has been but one of many in which she has shone. Jemison has always pursued multiple interests, ranging from dance and anthropology to engineering and astronomy. At Stanford University she earned bachelor's degrees in both chemical engineering and African-American studies; later as a young M.D. she administered health programs in West Africa for the Peace Corps. She entered NASA's astronaut program in June 1987, and as a science-mission specialist on Endeavour in September 1992 she conducted experiments on uses of biofeedback in countering motion sickness, effects of space on human calcium levels, and effects of weightlessness on the development of other organisms. Since 1993 she has headed her own technology development firm.

Be sure to read about how other female, African-American and other scientists helped shape our history and make our world what it is today.