# Mae Jemison

> American doctor and NASA astronaut

**Wikidata**: [Q34091](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q34091)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Jemison)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mae-jemison

## Summary
Mae Jemison is an American doctor and NASA astronaut who became the first Black woman to travel in space. Selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 12 in 1987, she served as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, conducting scientific experiments in microgravity. Her achievements broke barriers in STEM and inspired generations of women and minorities in space exploration.

## Biography
- Born: October 17, 1956
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Stanford University (1977)
  - Doctor of Medicine, Cornell University (1981)
  - Postdoctoral training in internal medicine, Cornell University (1981–1983)
- Known for: First Black woman in space and advocate for diversity in STEM
- Employer(s):
  - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  - Stanford University
  - Weill Cornell Medicine
- Field(s): Space medicine, aerospace engineering, medical research

## Contributions
- **Space Shuttle Endeavour Mission (1992)**: Served as a mission specialist aboard STS-47, conducting experiments in microgravity, including the first commercial payload (SPAS-02) and the first commercial space manufacturing facility (SPAS-01).
- **NASA Astronaut Group 12 (1987)**: Selected as one of nine astronauts, breaking gender and racial barriers in NASA’s astronaut corps.
- **Medical Research**: Conducted research in space medicine, focusing on the effects of microgravity on human physiology.
- **Public Speaking**: Advocated for diversity in STEM through keynote addresses, TED Talks, and media appearances.

## FAQs
**What is Mae Jemison known for?**
Mae Jemison is known for being the first Black woman to travel in space, a milestone achieved during her 1992 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She also broke barriers as a medical doctor and aerospace engineer, inspiring future generations in STEM fields.

**Where did Mae Jemison work?**
Mae Jemison worked for NASA as an astronaut, Stanford University as a professor, and Weill Cornell Medicine as a physician. She was also affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

**What awards has Mae Jemison received?**
Mae Jemison received the NASA Space Flight Medal, the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal, and induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. She was also honored by the American Medical Women’s Association and other professional organizations.

**What was Mae Jemison’s educational background?**
Mae Jemison earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University (1977) and a Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University (1981). She completed postdoctoral training in internal medicine at Cornell University (1981–1983).

**How did Mae Jemison inspire others?**
Mae Jemison inspired millions through her groundbreaking spaceflight, advocacy for diversity in STEM, and public speaking engagements. She founded the Jemison Group to support underrepresented students in science and technology.

## Why They Matter
Mae Jemison’s historic spaceflight in 1992 shattered stereotypes and opened doors for women and minorities in space exploration. Her work as a physician and engineer demonstrated the intersection of medicine and aerospace, paving the way for future interdisciplinary careers. As a public advocate, she challenged systemic barriers in STEM, inspiring countless students to pursue careers in science and technology. Her legacy endures through the Mae Jemison Foundation, which promotes diversity in STEM education and leadership.

## Notable For
- First Black woman in space (1992)
- First Black woman to serve as a NASA astronaut
- Recipient of the NASA Space Flight Medal
- Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame
- Advocate for diversity in STEM education
- Founder of the Jemison Group, supporting underrepresented students in science and technology

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Mae Carol Jemison was born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama. She grew up in Chicago and attended private schools, including DuSable High School. Jemison excelled academically, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University in 1977. She later attended Cornell University, where she earned a Doctor of Medicine in 1981 and completed postdoctoral training in internal medicine (1981–1983).

### Career in Medicine and Engineering
Before her astronaut career, Jemison worked as a physician and aerospace engineer. She served as a flight surgeon for NASA and conducted research in space medicine, focusing on the effects of microgravity on human physiology. Her interdisciplinary background made her a unique candidate for NASA’s astronaut program.

### NASA Astronaut Career
In 1987, Jemison was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 12, becoming one of nine astronauts chosen. She trained rigorously for her historic mission, which launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992. During the seven-day mission, she conducted experiments in microgravity, including the first commercial payload (SPAS-02) and the first commercial space manufacturing facility (SPAS-01). Jemison’s mission broke barriers and inspired millions.

### Advocacy and Public Speaking
After her spaceflight, Jemison became a vocal advocate for diversity in STEM. She founded the Jemison Group to support underrepresented students in science and technology. She delivered keynote addresses, TED Talks, and media appearances, encouraging young people to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her work with Alpha Kappa Alpha and the American Association for the Advancement of Science furthered her mission to promote inclusivity in academia.

### Awards and Recognition
Mae Jemison received numerous awards, including the NASA Space Flight Medal, the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal, and induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. She was also honored by the American Medical Women’s Association and other professional organizations. Her achievements were recognized globally, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in space exploration and STEM education.

### Legacy and Influence
Mae Jemison’s legacy continues through the Mae Jemison Foundation, which supports diversity in STEM education and leadership. She remains an inspiration to women and minorities pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her historic spaceflight and advocacy efforts have left an indelible mark on the fields of medicine, aerospace, and education.

## References

1. Black Women Scientists in the United States
2. [Source](https://engineering.stanford.edu/about/history/heroes/2018-heroes/mae-jemis)
3. [Source](http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/jemison-mc.html)
4. [Source](http://www.drmae.com/education-social-responsibility-2/derring-do-childrens-education/)
5. [Source](https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/mae-jemison/)
6. [Source](https://www.amwa-doc.org/doctors/awards-for-physicians/elizabeth-blackwell-2/)
7. [Source](https://www.audubon.org/about/rachel-carson-award-honorees)
8. [Source](https://www.aaas.org/page/2021-fellows)
9. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/mae-carol-jemison/)
10. [X-Prize Group Founder to Speak at Induction. El Paso Times. 2004](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29988299/el_paso_times/)
11. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/jemison_mae.pdf)
12. African Americans in Science
13. Notable Black American Women
14. BlackPast.org
15. [Library of Congress Name Authority File](https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n95004729.html)
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. CiNii Research
18. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
19. NNDB
20. IMDb
21. SNAC
22. FemBio database
23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
24. BBC Things
25. Google Knowledge Graph
26. The Movie Database