Mae Jemison built one of the most extraordinary careers in modern science: chemical engineer, physician, Peace Corps medical officer, NASA astronaut, educator and technology leader.
Her work is still active. At NASA’s September 15–17, 2026 Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium, Jemison delivered a special address as a member of the NIAC External Council. NASA’s 2026 symposium agenda placed her alongside researchers developing advanced propulsion, deep-space imaging and other concepts aimed at changing what future spaceflight can do.
Jemison entered Stanford University at 16 and graduated in 1977 with a degree in chemical engineering while also studying African and Afro-American studies. She then earned her medical degree from Cornell University in 1981.
Medicine became her first full profession. Jemison practiced as a general physician and then served as a Peace Corps medical officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa, where she was responsible for medical care and health programs before returning to the United States.
NASA selected Jemison as an astronaut candidate in 1987. Five years later, on September 12, 1992, she launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-47 and became the first Black woman in space. As a science mission specialist, she worked on life-science and materials experiments during the eight-day Spacelab-J mission. NASA records 190 hours, 30 minutes and 23 seconds in space.
After leaving NASA in 1993, Jemison founded The Jemison Group, a technology consulting company, and later led the 100 Year Starship initiative, which works toward building the capabilities needed for human travel beyond the solar system. She has also taught, written, supported STEM education and served on scientific and corporate boards.
Jemison’s résumé belongs beside Jonny Kim’s path from Navy SEAL to doctor to astronaut, Myron Rolle’s journey from Florida State safety to pediatric neurosurgeon, and Brian May’s career spanning music and astrophysics. Jemison’s version stands out for reaching professional levels in engineering, medicine, international service, spaceflight and long-term technology leadership.
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