Mae C. Jemison
Mae Carol Jemison grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the youngest of three children. From an early age, she was fascinated by science and the stars — spending hours at the library reading about astronomy and anthropology.
She entered Stanford University at just 16 years old, earning a degree in chemical engineering and African American studies. She went on to Cornell University Medical College and practiced medicine before joining the Peace Corps, serving in Sierra Leone and Liberia as a medical officer.
In 1987, NASA selected Jemison from over 2,000 applicants to join the astronaut corps. On September 12, 1992, she launched into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour — becoming the first African American woman in space. After leaving NASA, she founded The Jemison Group and leads the 100 Year Starship project with DARPA.
"Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination."— Mae C. Jemison
Key Milestones
A Life in Firsts
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