Astronaut Mae Jemison to be given honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Washington University in St. Louis

(Left) Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician and NASA astronaut. Image NASA. (Right) Mae Jemison at Lt. JG Palmer in Star Trek: The Next Generation “Second Chances”

MARCH 27, 2022 - Dr. Mae Jemison, the first woman of color to travel in space, and the first astronaut to appear on an episode of Star Trek, is to be honored by Washington University in St. Louis. Jemison will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, and will present the 161st commencement speech to this year’s graduating class. University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin made the announcement last Friday in a special toast to the upcoming graduates.

“Dr. Jemison is known for breaking barriers as the first woman of color to become a NASA astronaut and to travel into space; as a volunteer physician in developing countries; as founder of two companies; and as creator of an international science camp to increase science literacy, “Martin said in his toast. “Today, she is pioneering and transforming science and technology to enhance the quality of life on Earth while looking toward human travel beyond our solar system. I’m sure our graduates will find inspiration and motivation from her life story.”

Jemison was born in Alabama in 1956. She grew up watching Star Trek, and credits Nichelle Nichols’ Uhura as a major influence in her pursuit of science and, eventually, space. Initially studying dance, Jemison ultimately pursued degrees in chemical engineering and African American studies from Stanford University. After earning her M.D. from Cornell, Jemison joined the Peace Corps, working as a doctor in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

According to Wikipedia, Jemison applied - and was accepted - as part of NASA Astronaut Group 12 in 1987, the first group of new recruits following the tragic loss of the Challenger shuttle in 1986. In 1992, she became the first woman of color in space, launching on STS-47. During the eight day mission, Jemison assisted in conducting more than 40 experiments, including human health in space, cell separation, and biological development in zero gravity.

In 1993, LeVar Burton invited Jemison to appear as Lieutenant Palmer in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Second Chances”, Burton’s directorial debut. In Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, written by “Dr. Trek” Larry Nemecek, Jemison is quoted, saying, “It was a very cool experience, because in many ways it was coming full circle. As a little girl, I watched Star Trek. I knew that looking at Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Uhura, someone was connecting my idea of space, and now I got to come back around and help to verify that 'yes this happened'.” With her appearance Jemison became the first astronaut on Star Trek. Since her appearance, only two other former astronauts - Terry Virts and Mike Fincke - have been onscreen with the franchise. Both men appeared in the Star Trek: Enterprise finale “These are the Voyages”.

Following her Star Trek appearance, Jemison went on to teach environmental science, write several children’s books, and has built numerous foundations and initiatives geared toward education and the sciences. Washington University in St. Louis will present Jemison with her honorary Doctor of Laws May 20th, 2022, at the Francis Olympic Field on the Danforth Campus in St. Louis.