Mae Jemison
First African American woman in space, physician, entrepreneur
Mae Carol Jemison (born October 17, 1956) is an American astronaut, physician, engineer, and entrepreneur who made history as the first African American woman to travel to space. After earning degrees in chemical engineering and medicine from Stanford and Cornell Universities, Jemison served as a medical officer in the Peace Corps before joining NASA's astronaut corps in 1987. On September 12, 1992, she flew on Space Shuttle Endeavour as a mission specialist and payload specialist, conducting experiments in life sciences and material sciences during the eight-day mission. Her achievement broke significant barriers and inspired countless young African Americans, particularly girls, to pursue careers in science and space exploration. Beyond her astronaut career, Jemison has been an advocate for science education and technology development in Africa and other developing regions. She founded The Jemison Group and established the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, both focused on advancing technology and science education. Jemison has also engaged in environmental advocacy and work on sustainable development. Her legacy extends far beyond her time in space, as she has dedicated her post-NASA career to promoting STEM education, technological innovation, and social responsibility, proving that her greatest mission may be inspiring future generations of scientists and explorers.
Science & Technology
American
1956
Thinking about the name
Mae
English origin
“A simple, vintage-feeling name that either stands alone or serves as a nickname for Mary or Margaret, Mae evokes the charm of early 20th-century America with its classic simplicity. The name has literary resonance—particularly associated with the old-fashioned, wholesome beauty of a different era. Its brevity and clarity make it feel both timeless and refreshingly uncomplicated in our age of elaborate names.”