Dr. Mae Jemison to explore science, innovation, human potential at UAFS

AI-assisted summary
• Dr. Mae Jemison, the first woman of color in space, will deliver a free public lecture titled "Exploring the Frontiers of Science and Human Potential" at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith on April 9.
• Jemison, a former NASA astronaut, physician, engineer and entrepreneur, will discuss her experiences in space exploration and her work promoting STEM education and global health equity.
• Jemison's visit continues the university's tradition of hosting distinguished speakers to engage the community in important conversations about science, culture and society.

Dr. Mae Jemison, former NASA astronaut, author and entrepreneur, will visit the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on April 9 to deliver a keynote address on "Exploring the Frontiers of Science and Human Potential." 

The event, which will take place at 6 p.m. in the Reynolds Room of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, is free and open to the public. It is made possible by the Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lecturer Program.

An audience Q&A and a book signing will follow Jemison's lecture. Attendees can purchase copies of her memoir, “Find Where the Wind Goes: Moments from My Life.”

A Trailblazer in Space and Science

Jemison made history in 1992 as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle "Endeavour," becoming the first woman of color to travel to space. During the mission, she conducted experiments in material science, life science, and human adaptation to weightlessness. Her background in engineering and medicine made her NASA’s first Science Mission Specialist, a role created to utilize advanced scientific expertise in space missions.

Before joining NASA, Jemison served as a medical officer for the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone and Liberia, where she managed healthcare programs and conducted vaccine research. She holds degrees in chemical engineering and African and Afro-American studies from Stanford University and earned her medical doctorate from Cornell University Medical College.

Advancing Science and Innovation

Since leaving NASA, Jemison has continued to push the boundaries of science and technology. She leads the 100 Year Starship initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to developing the capabilities for human interstellar travel within the next century. Funded initially by DARPA, the project integrates advancements in engineering, medicine and social systems to drive space exploration and solve challenges on Earth.

Jemison also founded The Jemison Group Inc., a consulting firm focused on incorporating cultural and social perspectives into technology and science projects, and BioSentient Corp., a medical technology company centered on human performance and health innovations.

A Commitment to Education and Diversity

A passionate advocate for STEM education, Jemison founded “The Earth We Share,” an international science literacy program reaching thousands of students and educators worldwide. She also leads the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, named after her mother, which supports various science and education initiatives.

In addition to her academic contributions, Jemison has served on the boards of major corporations, including Kimberly-Clark, where she chairs the Sustainability Committee and the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. She has also advised NASA on future space exploration projects and chaired multiple technology and business development boards in Texas.

Honors and Cultural Influence

Jemison's contributions to science and education have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Prix Galien Roy Vagelos Pro Bono Humanum Award for Global Health Equity, the West Point Sylvanus Thayer Award, and induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the International Space Hall of Fame, and the Texas Science Hall of Fame. She has received honorary doctorates from institutions such as Princeton University and Stanford University.

Beyond science, Jemison has made a cultural impact as well. She was the first real astronaut to appear on a Star Trek episode and has been honored with a LEGO minifigure in the Women of NASA set. She also appeared on Sesame Street as Astronaut Mae and was the space operations advisor for the National Geographic miniseries, "Mars."

Jemison’s visit to UAFS marks the university’s second speaker through the Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lecturer Program, following Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead’s 2023 lecture. Established in 1972, the program brings prominent speakers to Arkansas universities to foster public debate and cultural advancement.