Dr. Mae C. Jemison: Astronaut

In this day and age, it seems commonplace to find a woman doctor, or woman soldier, or woman bus driver. However, as many of us know, that was not always the case. The achievements of women in the workplace were, at one time, remarkable. A woman being a doctor? Well, women were nurses, not doctors! A woman school teacher was commonplace but, a woman principal? Not so common (if at all!).

If we start at the beginning, with the slogan “A woman’s place is in the home”, and travel just a bit ahead in time, we know things changed very rapidly in our time. By “our time” I’m talking about the 70’s.

Dr. Mae Jemison was the first woman in space. Her credentials are impressive. Chemical engineer, scientist, physician, teacher and astronaut, she has a wide range of experience in technology, engineering, and medical research. In addition to her extensive background in science, she is well-versed in African and African-American Studies and is trained in dance and choreography.

Before joining NASA, Dr. Jemison worked as a general practitioner in L.A. She then spent two and a half years (1983-85) as an Area Peace Corps Medical Officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa. Returning to Los Angeles, she resumed her medical practice, working with CIGNA Health Plans of California. Incredibly, she then spent two and a half years (1983-1985) as an Area Peace Corps Medical Officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia in west Africa.

Dr. Jemison’s focus is on improving the status and image of the scientist. She is the host and technical consultant to the World of Wonders series.

Essence Award (1988)

Gamma Sigma Gamma Women of the Year (1989)

Honorary Doctorate of Science

Honorary Doctor of Letters

Johnson Publicatons Black Achievement Trailblazers Award

Mae C. Jemison Science and Space Museum

Ebony’s 50 Most Influential Women (1993)

Turner Trumpet Award (1993)

Astronauts on STS-47

Space Shuttle flight 50 (STS-47), narrated by the astronauts (16 minutes).

Launch: September 12, 1992.

Crew: Robert L. Gibson, Curtis L. Brown, Jr., Mark C. Lee, N. Jan Davis, Jay Apt, Mae C. Jemison, Mamoru Mohri.

Vehicle: Endeavour.