CORVALLIS, Ore. – Dr. Mae C. Jemison – former NASA astronaut and the first woman of color to travel in space – will give a virtual talk Feb. 4 as part of Oregon State University’s Provost’s Lecture Series.
Jemison, an environmental studies professor at Dartmouth College, leads 100 Year Starship, a nonprofit initiative to assure the capabilities exist for human travel beyond our solar system to another star within 100 years. She is building a multi-faceted global community to foster the cultural, scientific, social and technical commitment, support and financial framework to accomplish this vision.
“We are thrilled to host Dr. Jemison, an advocate for science, cultural understanding, equity, education and international development,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Edward Feser. “Her accomplishments and continuing work are an inspiring example of what a career in science and technology can achieve for the greater good of humanity.”
The lecture, “Exploring the Frontiers of Science and Human Potential,” is free and open to the public. It will take place on Zoom from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and requires advance registration. To sign up visit: https://beav.es/JNT.
Jemison served six years as a NASA astronaut and performed experiments in material science, life sciences and human adaptation to weightlessness aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, STS-47 Spacelab J mission in September 1992.
She started The Jemison Group, Inc., a technology consulting firm, integrating critical sociocultural issues into the design of engineering and science projects, such as satellite technology for health care delivery and solar dish Stirling engine electricity in developing countries.
Jemison, an engineer, physician and ambassador for science literacy, is a host of the National Geographic series “One Strange Rock,” space operations advisor for MARS, a global miniseries and author of the book “Find Where the Wind Goes: Moments from My Life.” She was the first real astronaut to appear on Star Trek TV series and is a LEGO figurine in the LEGO Women of NASA kit.
The Provost’s Lecture Series is a partnership of the Office of the Provost and the OSU Foundation to bring renowned thinkers, artists, designers and leaders to OSU to engage the community on topics of global significance.
The lecture series will continue on April 14 with a talk by Ibram X. Kendi, historian, founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author. The Oregon State colleges of Science and Liberal Arts are co-sponsoring this lecture. Kendi will speak via Zoom at 5 p.m. To register visit: https://beav.es/JNq.
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