On July 31, 2020, physician, engineer and astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison will receive the 2020 Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D. Lifetime Research Achievement Award at the Opening Ceremonies of The National Medical Association’s Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly.

The Cato T. Laurencin M.D., Ph.D. Lifetime Research Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated consistent, long-lasting contributions to the field of science. The award was established by the W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute and the National Medical Association.

Jemison is the first African American woman to travel into space. She graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering and African and African-American studies. She later went on to earn her medical degree from Cornell University.

Jemison is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine. After years of success with NASA, she is currently the President of the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence which encourages a passion for science in students and aims to integrate technology in schools around the world.

Jemison has authored several children’s books and has made various television appearances, including an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She holds several honorary doctorates and has been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame.