Who Is Mae Jemison? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Mae Jemison, born on October 17, 1956, is an American astronaut, doctor, and engineer renowned for being the first African American woman to travel in space. As of 2025, she is 68 years old and continues to inspire the next generation through her work in science and technology. Jemison's historic spaceflight occurred on September 12, 1992, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, where she spent nearly eight days orbiting the Earth. Her dedication to education and advocacy for science has made her a prominent figure in various fields.
| Occupation | Physicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1956 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Decatur, Alabama, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Mae Jemison's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mae Jemison stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) and weighs approximately 130 pounds (59 kg). Her athletic build is a testament to her active lifestyle and commitment to health and wellness, an important aspect of her background as a medical professional and astronaut.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Mae Jemison maintains a relatively private personal life. She was previously married to a fellow physician, but specific details about her current relationship status or boyfriend are not extensively documented. Jemison emphasizes that her professional accomplishments often outweigh public curiosity about her personal life. She is an advocate for personal empowerment and encourages individuals to focus on their aspirations and achievements.
Her father was a maintenance supervisor for a charity organization, and her mother worked most of her career as an elementary school teacher of English and math at the Ludwig van Beethoven Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. The family first lived in Woodlawn and later the Morgan Park neighborhoods.
Jemison knew from a young age that she wanted to study science and someday go into space. The television show Star Trek and, in particular, African-American actress Nichelle Nichols' portrayal of Lieutenant Uhura further stoked her interest in space.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Mae Jemison's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth has come from her diverse career as an astronaut, her time as an educator, and her various speaking engagements and business ventures. Her commitment to advocating for science and education has also led to income through grants, endorsements, and consultancy roles.
In the spring of 1996, Jemison filed a complaint against a Texas police officer, accusing him of police brutality during a traffic stop that ended in her arrest.
She was pulled over by Nassau Bay police officer Henry Hughes for allegedly making an illegal U-turn and arrested after Hughes learned of an outstanding warrant on Jemison for a speeding ticket.
In the process of arresting her, the officer twisted her wrist and forced her to the ground, as well as having her walk barefooted from the patrol car into the police station. In her complaint, Jemison said the officer physically and emotionally mistreated her. Jemison's attorney said she believed she had already paid the speeding ticket years ago.
She spent several hours in jail and was treated at an area hospital after release for deep bruises and a head injury. The Nassau Bay officer was suspended with pay pending an investigation, but the police investigation cleared him of wrongdoing. She filed a lawsuit against the city of Nassau Bay and the officer.
Career, Business and Investments
Mae Jemison's career has spanned multiple fields. After earning her medical degree from Cornell University, she worked as a general practitioner and participated in medical research before joining NASA. Post-NASA, she founded the Jemison Group, which develops technology for sustainable living and uses her platform to advocate for science education, especially in underserved communities. Jemison is also involved in numerous educational initiatives and has invested in various startups focused on health technology and aerospace.
Jemison left NASA in 1993 and founded a technology research company. She later formed a non-profit educational foundation and through the foundation is the principal of the 100 Year Starship project funded by DARPA.
Jemison also wrote several books for children and appeared on television several times, including in a 1993 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She holds several honorary doctorates and has been inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame.
Social Network
Mae Jemison is active across multiple social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where she shares insights into her ventures in education, healthcare, and technology. With a strong following, she uses her platforms to inspire young people, particularly women and minorities, to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Jemison began studying ballet at the age of 8 or 9 and entered high school at 12 years old, where she joined the cheerleading team and the Modern Dance Club. Jemison had a great love for dance from a young age. She learned several styles of dance, including African and Japanese, as well as ballet, jazz, and modern dance.
As a child, Jemison had aspirations of becoming a professional dancer. At the age of 14, she auditioned for the leading role of Maria in West Side Story. She did not get the leading role but was selected as a background dancer.
Education
Jemison’s educational journey is notable. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University and later received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Cornell University Medical College. Jemison also has a deep understanding of cultural studies, having taken courses in African and African-American studies. Her educational background has undoubtedly shaped her approach to her work and advocacy throughout her illustrious career.
Born in Alabama and raised in Chicago, Jemison graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering as well as African and African-American studies. She then earned her medical degree from Cornell University.
Jemison was a doctor for the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone from 1983 until 1985 and worked as a general practitioner. In pursuit of becoming an astronaut, she applied to NASA.
