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 accomplished American engineer, physician, and astronaut. In 1992, she made history as the first African-American woman to journey into space, serving as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-47). Before her spaceflight, Jemison joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1987. The Endeavour's mission lasted nearly eight days, during which Jemison conducted experiments and contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge in space.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

October 17, 1956: Birth of Mae Jemison

On October 17, 1956, Mae Carol Jemison was born. She would later become an engineer, physician, and the first African-American woman to travel into space.

Others born on this day/year

1973: Entered Stanford University

In 1973, after graduating from Chicago's Morgan Park High School, Mae Jemison entered Stanford University at the age of 16.

1977: Graduation from Stanford

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

1981: Graduated with an M.D. degree

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

1983: Inspired by the flights of Sally Ride and Guion Bluford

In 1983, the flights of Sally Ride and Guion Bluford inspired Mae Jemison to apply to the astronaut program in the future.

1989: Featured on "Best Catches"

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

2006: Participated in African American Lives

In 2006, Mae Jemison participated in African American Lives, a PBS television miniseries hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. The show traced her family history, revealing she is 13% East Asian and that some of her paternal ancestors were slaves.

2007: Participated in Red Dress Heart Truth fashion show

In 2007, Mae Jemison participated in the Red Dress Heart Truth fashion show, wearing Lyn Devon, to help raise money to fight heart disease.

February 17, 2008: Featured speaker at 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, the first sorority established by African-American college women.

March 2009: Participated in 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: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 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, with an emphasis on hands-on experimentation.