One of the pioneers of America’s space program will be explaining her take on women and technology to the Iowa State and Ames communities.

Dr. Mae Jemison, the first black female astronaut to fly in space, will speak tonight at 7 in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union. In her speech, which is titled “NASA, the Space Program and Everyday Life,” she will reflect on some of her career experiences.

Mission specialist for the space shuttle Endeavor in 1992, Jemison is responsible for many historical contributions to NASA.

This includes developing and coordinating in-flight experiment procedures on material and life sciences, as well as experimental protocol for bone cell research.

“She’s a pioneer for women and a great role model,” said Kim Tholen, president of the Society of Women Engineers and senior in mechanical engineering. “It’s important for our members to meet someone like her that’s been able to set such high goals and achieve them.”

Pat Miller, director of Committee on Lectures, agreed that Jemison is a perfect candidate to speak about women’s roles in technology.

“Her lecture is a great contribution to the ongoing celebration of science and technology at ISU,” she said. “She’s outstanding, and we’re excited to have her here at ISU.”

Jemison’s NASA career began in 1986 when she was one of 15 applicants selected from 2,000 candidates to become an astronaut. In August 1992, she joined the team of SPACELAB J, making her the first African-American woman in space. She left NASA in 1993.

Jemison also has proven her versatility in the field of science by obtaining chemical engineering and African American studies degrees from Stanford University in 1977, as well as a medical degree from Cornell University in 1981.

She also founded The Jemison Group, Inc., a company that is working on a satellite-based telecommunications system.

Women in Science and Engineering and the Society of Women Engineers are hosting Jemison’s presentation. Other sponsors include the College of Engineering, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Women’s Week 1999, Homecoming Central Committee, Iowa Space Consortium, chemical engineering department, LEAD, Margaret Sloss Women’s Center, women’s studies program, George Gund Fund, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Committee on Lectures.

Admission is free and open to the public.