May Jimson: Life and Achievements

May Carol Jimson, born in Alabama, moved to Chicago, and aspired to be a scientist from a young age. Inspired by books and Star Trek, she excelled in school, earning degrees in chemical engineering and African studies. After medical school, she joined NASA, becoming the first black woman astronaut in 1992, flying on the Space Shuttle Endeavor.

Where was May Jimson born?

• New York, New York

• Chicago, Illinois

• Los Angeles, California

• Decer, Alabama

What did May Jimson aspire to be when she was in kindergarten?

• An astronaut

• A scientist

• A teacher

• A nurse

Which TV show inspired May Jimson's interest in space?

• Lost in Space

• Doctor Who

• The Twilight Zone

• Star Trek

What subjects did May Jimson study at Stanford University?

• Physics and Mathematics

• Biology and Chemistry

• Chemical Engineering and African and Afro-American Studies

• Astronomy and Physics

What was May Jimson's profession before applying to NASA?

• Teacher

• Engineer

• Scientist

• Physician

How long did May Jimson wait to hear back from NASA after applying?

• A year

• A few months

• A few weeks

• A few days

How many trainees were selected to go to space with May Jimson?

• Five

• Twelve

• Seven

• Ten

What was the name of the space shuttle May Jimson flew on?

• Endeavor

• Atlantis

• Discovery

• Columbia

What historic achievement did May Jimson accomplish?

• First woman to walk in space

• First female commander of a space mission

• First black woman astronaut in America and the world

• First woman on the moon

What did May Jimson think about while in orbit?

• Her future missions

• Her home in Chicago

• Her family

• Her favorite TV show