Mae Jemison, born on October 17, 1956, is an accomplished American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. In 1992, Jemison became the first African American woman to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Before her historic space mission, she earned degrees in both chemical engineering and medicine. Jemison has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science and her advocacy for diversity in STEM fields. She continues to inspire others through her work in education and her promotion of scientific literacy.