African American Female Scientist. In Sep 1992, as a mission specialist aboard the Shuttle Endeavour, Mae became the first African-American woman to enter space. In 1993, African American female scientist Dr. Jemison resigned from NASA and founded the Jemison Group, Inc.

Dr. Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama on October 17, 1956, Mae was the youngest of three children. The Jemison's moved to Chicago when Mae was only three. It was while in Chicago that an uncle of Mae's introduced her to science. Mae developed interests in anthropology, archaeology and astronomy that she pursued through her childhood.

African American female scientist Mae Jemison went to Stanford University at the age of 16, in 1977 graduated with degrees in chemical engineering and Afro American studies. She received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Cornell University in 1981. Dr. Jemison has practiced medicine as a volunteer in a Cambodian refugee camp and as a medical officer with the Peace Corps in West Africa.

While working in Los Angeles as a general practitioner, NASA selected her and 14 others for astronaut training. Dr. Jemison completed her training as a mission specialist with NASA in 1988. In September of 1992, as a mission specialist aboard the Shuttle Endeavour, Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman to enter space. In 1993, African American female scientist Dr. Jemison resigned from NASA and founded the Jemison Group, Inc. Among her current projects are several that focus on improving healthcare in Africa. Dr. Jemison is also a professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth College.

"Don't be limited by others' limited imaginations"
- Dr. Mae Jemison.

Loc Gov - African American female scientist and related disciplines, science tracer bullet, science reference services, Afro American women chemists. www.loc.gov

Amazon - African American female scientists, the book Black Women Scientists in the United States (Race, Gender, and Science), editorial reviews, product details. www.amazon.com

Madame C J Walker - The official website of Madam C.J.Walker, African American female scientists, Madam Walker bio, events and speeches. www.madamecjwalker.com


Article from ACS

Celebrating Black History and the Accomplishments of African-American Women Scientists. We couldn't find this article on chemistry.org any more so we've hosted a copy of the article strictly for the information purposes.

"I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations....I have built my own factory on my own ground"
Madam Walker,
National Negro Business League Convention,
July 1912.