Mae Jemison: First African American Woman in Space

Mae Jemison: First African American Woman in Space

Read about the incredible life of Dr. Mae C. Jemison and answer the questions that follow.

Dr. Mae C. Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama, on October 17, 1956. When she was three years old, her family moved to Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, Mae was fascinated by science and space. She spent many hours in her school library reading about stars and planets.

After high school, Mae attended Stanford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African and African American Studies. Later, she went to Cornell University Medical College and became a medical doctor.

Before becoming an astronaut, Dr. Jemison worked as a general practitioner and served in the Peace Corps. In 1987, she was selected by NASA to join the astronaut corps. On September 12, 1992, she made history aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, becoming the first African American woman to travel into space.

During her eight-day mission, Dr. Jemison conducted experiments on bone cell research. After leaving NASA, she founded her own company and has been a strong advocate for science education and encouraging young people, especially girls and minorities, to pursue careers in science.

1. In what year did Mae Jemison make history as the first African American woman in space?

2. Mae Jemison earned degrees in Chemical Engineering and   from Stanford University.

3. Before working for NASA, Dr. Jemison served in the  .

4. Mae Jemison was born in Chicago, Illinois.

5. What was one of Mae Jemison's important contributions after leaving NASA?