Mae Jemison was born on October 17, 1956. She became interested in science when she was very young. She did so well in school, she skipped seventh grade and went to college at Stanford University when she was just 16. She graduated in 1977 with degrees in both chemical engineering and Afro-American studies. Then she went to Cornell University and became a doctor. Dr. Jemison was a volunteer in a Cambodian refugee camp and a volunteer with the Peace Corps in West Africa. In October, 1985 Mae Jemison was selected by NASA for astronaut training. She was the first African American woman to go into outer space. In 1993, she was inducted into the National Women#‘s Hall of fame in Seneca Falls, New York. People Magazine named her one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world. Among her current projects are several that focus on improving healthcare in Africa and advancing technology in developing countries. Mae Jemison is still alive.