Mae Jemison: A Pioneer in Space

Mae Jemison: A Pioneer in Space

Read the questions carefully and answer to the best of your knowledge. Use complete sentences for short answer questions.

Dr. Mae Carol Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first African American woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in September 1992. Born in Alabama and raised in Chicago, Jemison was inspired to pursue science from a young age. She earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University and her M.D. from Cornell University. Before joining NASA, she worked as a general practitioner and served in the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Her journey to space broke barriers and continues to inspire countless individuals to reach for the stars.

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

2. What was Mae Jemison's role aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour?

3. Mae Jemison earned her M.D. from   University.

4. Before joining NASA, Mae Jemison served in the   in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

5. Mae Jemison was born in Chicago, Illinois.

6. How did Mae Jemison's early life experiences contribute to her later achievements?

7. Why is Mae Jemison considered an important figure in history?