Childhood and Education Journey of Mae Jemison in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Mae Jemison, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut, notable for being the first African-American woman to travel to space. She joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1987 and flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-47 in September 1992. During this mission, the Endeavour orbited the Earth for nearly eight days, solidifying Jemison's place in history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

October 17, 1956: Mae Jemison's Birth

On October 17, 1956, Mae Carol Jemison was born. She is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut.

Others born on this day/year

1973: Entered Stanford University

In 1973, after graduating high school, Mae Jemison entered Stanford University at the age of 16.

1977: Graduated from Stanford University

In 1977, Mae Jemison graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. degree in chemical engineering and a B.A. degree in African and African-American studies.

1981: Graduated from Cornell Medical School

In 1981, Mae Jemison graduated from Cornell Medical School with an M.D. degree.

1983: Flights of Sally Ride and Guion Bluford

In 1983, Sally Ride and Guion Bluford's flights inspired Jemison to apply to the astronaut program.

1986: Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

In 1986, after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, NASA postponed selection of new astronaut candidates.

1989: Featured on "Best Catches"

In 1989, CBS featured Mae Jemison as one of the country's "most eligible singles" on Best Catches, a television special.

1995: Professor at Dartmouth College

From 1995, Mae Jemison was a professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth College.

1996: Complaint Filed Against Police Officer

In the spring of 1996, Mae Jemison filed a complaint against a Texas police officer for police brutality during a traffic stop that resulted in her arrest. She was pulled over for an illegal U-turn and arrested due to an outstanding warrant for a speeding ticket. Jemison accused the officer of physical and emotional mistreatment and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city and the officer. She sustained injuries and was treated at a hospital after being released from jail.

1999: Andrew D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell University

In 1999, Mae Jemison became an Andrew D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell University.

2002: End of Professorship at Dartmouth College

Until 2002, Mae Jemison was a professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth College.

2006: Participated in African American Lives

In 2006, Mae Jemison participated in African American Lives, a PBS television miniseries, and discovered she is 13% East Asian in her genetic makeup.

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2007: Participated in Red Dress Heart Truth fashion show

In 2007, Mae Jemison participated in the Red Dress Heart Truth fashion show and was awarded an honorary D.Eng. degree from Harvey Mudd College.

February 17, 2008: Featured Speaker for Alpha Kappa Alpha Anniversary

On February 17, 2008, Mae Jemison was the featured speaker for the 100th anniversary of the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She is an honorary member of the sorority.

March 2009: Forum with Michelle Obama

In March 2009, Mae Jemison participated with First Lady Michelle Obama in a forum for promising girls in the Washington, D.C. public schools.

2014: Wayne State University Tribute Luncheon

In 2014, Mae Jemison appeared at Wayne State University for their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Luncheon.

2016: Partnership with Bayer Corporation

In 2016, Mae Jemison partnered with Bayer Corporation to promote and advance science literacy in schools, emphasizing hands-on experimentation.

February 2017: Michigan State University Lecture Series

In February 2017, Mae Jemison took part in the Michigan State University's lecture series, "Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey".

May 2017: Commencement Speech at Rice University

In May 2017, Mae Jemison gave the commencement speech at Rice University and also discussed the 100 Year Plan, science and education and other topics at Western Michigan University also in May 2017.