Extraordinary Women: Mae Jemison

By Aaliyah Ali

Image credit is NASA Image and Video Library

Mae Carol Jemison, born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama, is a pioneering American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She holds the distinction of being the first African-American woman to travel into space. Raised in Chicago, Illinois, Jemison displayed an early passion for science and space exploration.

She graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering and African and African-American studies. She later earned her medical degree from Cornell University in 1981. Before joining NASA, Jemison served as a general practitioner and participated in medical research. She also worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), assisting with vaccine research.

In 1987, Jemison was selected for NASA's astronaut program, and in 1992, she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-47, becoming the first African-American woman to travel into space. During this mission, which orbited Earth for nearly eight days, she conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness. After leaving NASA in 1993, Jemison founded a technology research company and later established a non-profit educational foundation. Through this foundation, she leads the 100 Year Starship project, an initiative funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to ensure human space travel to another star within the next century. Jemison has also authored several books for children and has appeared on television, including a 1993 episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," reflecting her longstanding interest in space and science fiction.

Throughout her career, Jemison has received numerous honors, including induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame. She continues to advocate for science education, emphasizing the importance of integrating arts and sciences to foster innovation and creativity. Mae Jemison's remarkable journey from a young girl with dreams of space to a trailblazing astronaut and educator serves as an inspiring testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.

Upcoming Events at Explorit:

•      Explorit is open Fridays from 1-4pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am-2pm. The current exhibit is “Blast Off! A Journey Through Our Solar System”. Admission is $5 per person, free for Explorit Members and those aged 2 and under.

•      “Mad Hatter Tea Party”. Delight in a reading of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Sip tea and savor sweet treats. Enjoy a unique photo opportunity. Each child takes home a gift bag to remind them of this unforgettable day. Three seatings available, $5 for Members/$15 Non-Members, includes admission to Explorit’s “Blast Off!” exhibit. For more information and registration visit https://www.explorit.org/.

•      Summer science camps fill up quickly so mark your calendars. Registration begins Monday, March 3 at noon. Members $210/Non-Members $240 ($84/$96 for “Storytime Science”). Find more information at https://www.explorit.org/camps. We hope to see you this summer!

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•      Celebrate your birthday at Explorit! Offered Saturdays and Sundays between 2-4pm, this two hour program includes themed group activities and crafts, a decorated party room, and exclusive access to Explorit’s Exploration Gallery. Themes include Amazing Animals, Dynamic Dinosaurs, and Blast Off! Space. Call 530-756-0191 to reserve. More information found at https://www.explorit.org/birthday-parties.