5 Fascinating Facts About Mae Jemison You Didn’t Know
Mae Jemison is an African-American engineer, physician, and NASA astronaut who was the first black woman to travel in space. Her significant contributions don’t end there, and there are several fascinating facts about her that many people may not know. Here are five of them:
1. Mae Jemison was a dancer before she became an astronaut
Mae Jemison’s love for dance began at a young age, and she continued to pursue this passion while also pursuing her academic interests. She was involved in the dance scene at her high school and even founded a dance troupe while attending Stanford University. She credits her dance training for helping her become more comfortable and confident in her body, which later came in handy during her weightlessness experiences in space.
2. Jemison almost pursued a career in engineering before medicine
Jemison initially intended to major in chemical engineering but later switched to studying African and Afro-American studies. However, she went on to pursue a degree in chemical engineering as a requirement for applying to medical school.
3. She’s a polyglot
Jemison is fluent in several languages, including Russian, Japanese, and Swahili. Her command over these languages proved to be incredibly useful during her NASA space missions as she was able to communicate with other crew members who spoke those languages.
4. Jemison’s space trip inspired her to create technologies that advance human life on Earth
After her time at NASA, Jemison founded the company, The Jemison Group, which develops technologies that enhance human life on Earth. She is also passionate about improving healthcare access in underprivileged communities, particularly in developing countries.
5. She’s a Star Trek fan
Jemison once appeared on an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She played Lieutenant Palmer, a member of the medical staff on the USS Enterprise, in the show’s sixth season episode “Second Chances.” Reportedly, the role was created specifically for her, as Jemison had previously expressed her love for the show.
In Conclusion:
Mae Jemison’s groundbreaking achievements and fascinating personality make her an inspiration to many. From dance to languages, her versatility demonstrates that pursuing different interests is not only acceptable but admirable.
Her contributions to science and technology have also been immense, and her passion for using these tools to improve lives is commendable. Learning these five fascinating facts about Jemison only cements her place as a world-changer and trailblazer in the world of science and beyond.
