She applied in 1985, but after the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986, NASA took a break from accepting new people. However, once Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983, Jemison decided to apply to the astronaut program at NASA. Fluent in Russian, Japanese and Swahili, Jemison joined the Peace Corps in 1983 and served as a medical officer for two years in Africa.Īfter working with the Peace Corps, Jemison opened a private practice as a doctor. Shortly after her graduation, she became an intern at the Los Angeles County Medical Center, and then went on to practice general medicine. Jemison graduated from Cornell with a Doctorate in Medicine in 1981. She also worked at a Cambodian refugee camp in Thailand. While in medical school, she traveled to Cuba to lead a study for the American Medical Student Association. After graduating from Stanford University, Jemison attended Cornell Medical School. Jemison graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts degree in African and African-American studies. She later served as president of the Black Student Union and choreographed a performing arts production called Out of the Shadows about the African American experience. Once she graduated, Jemison left Chicago to attend Stanford University in California.Īs one of the only African American students in her class, Jemison experienced racial discrimination in school. In 1973, she graduated from Morgan Park High School when she was 16 years old. Jemison was determined to one day travel in space. However, Jemison was inspired by African American actress Nichelle Nichols who played Lieutenant Uhura on the Star Trek television show. Jemison grew up watching the Apollo airings on TV, but she was often upset that there were no female astronauts. In addition to her love for dance, Jemison knew that she wanted to study science at a very young age. A few years after she was born, Jemison and her family moved to Chicago, Illinois. The youngest of three children, her mother was an elementary school teacher and her father was a maintenance supervisor. Mae Carol Jemison was born on Octoin Decatur, Alabama. In addition to her many awards, Jemison has been inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame. She has also written several books and appeared on many television programs including an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. In 1992, Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space. As a doctor, engineer, and NASA astronaut, Mae Jemison has always reached for the stars.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |