diversity and inclusion can flourish in the scientific community and that every person has the power to make a lasting impact.
Katherine Johnson’s brilliant mind and dogged persistence will go down in space exploration history as a symbol of how intelligence can overcome overwhelming odds. Her calculations made humanity one step closer to the stars, which were crucial in putting people into space. As we reflect on Katherine Johnson’s remarkable life story, may we hold her in high esteem as an inspiration, a pioneer, and a symbol of the boundless opportunities that await those who dare to dream.
Modern Day Katherine Johnson
You might consider Dr. Mae Jemison. She’s a physician, engineer, and astronaut, breaking barriers as the first Black American woman in space. Dr. Jemison’s accomplishments span multiple fields, reflecting a spirit of determination and achievement similar to Katherine Johnson.
As one of the few Black American pupils in her class, Jemison faced racial prejudice. After becoming president of the Black Student Union, she choreographed the show “Out of the Shadows”, which explored the Black American experience. Jemison earned a BS in Chemical Engineering and a BA in African and African-American Studies in 1977. Stanford University graduate Jemison attended Cornell Medical School. She conducted American Medical Student Association research in Cuba in medical school. She was a Cambodian refugee camp worker in Thailand. Cornell awarded Jemison a medical doctorate in 1981. After graduating, she interned at the Los Angeles County Medical Center and subsequently practiced general medicine. Jemison, a Russian, Japanese, and Swahili speaker, joined the Peace Corps in 1983 and performed medical duties in Africa for two years.
Doctor Jemison began a private practice after the Peace Corps. After Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983, Jemison applied to NASA’s astronaut program. She applied in 1985, but NASA halted new applicants following the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. However, Jemison applied again in 1987 and was among 15 picked from over 2,000 applications. She was selected for NASA Astronaut Group 12 immediately following the Challenger explosion. After being chosen, Jemison trained with NASA and worked at the Kennedy Space Center and Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory. As a Mission Specialist on STS-47, she had her maiden mission on September 28, 1989 orbit shuttle Endeavor sent Jemison and six other astronauts into orbit on September 12, 1992. This trip made Jemison the first Black woman in space. On September 20, 1992, the crew returned to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 127 Earth orbits.
Jemison quit NASA in 1993 after six years as an astronaut. She founded The Jemison Group, a consulting firm in science, technology, and social change.