Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman astronaut, will arrive at the College next week to begin her one-year appointment as Professor of Environmental Studies, according to Dean of Faculty Karen Wetterhahn.
Jemison will also head the Jemison Institute at Dartmouth College for Advancing Technology in Developing Countries, Wetterhahn said yesterday.
As a chemical engineer, physician, professor and astronaut, Jemison's expertise encompasses a broad range of disciplines, said Environment Studies Department Chair Ross Virginia.
"Mae is a very accomplished person with a strong interest in interdisciplinary work," Virginia said.
Wetterhahn said the institute, which will be located in Steele Hall, will provide Dartmouth students with extensive research and internship opportunities covering to a wide variety of technical and social topics.
"I think that having her here will open up opportunities for Dartmouth students and faculty to become involved in an exciting interdisciplinary international effort," Wetter-hahn said.
Jemison could not be reached for comment in her Houston office.
Jemison initially visited the College as a lecturer for the Women in Science Project and again in 1993 as a Montgomery Fellow.
"I think that as a speaker for the Women in Science Project and as a Montgomery Fellow, she was really impressed with the ability of the faculty to work across the disciplines," Wetterhahn said.
Virginia said although Jemison will not teach classes this spring, she will probably guest lecture in areas of her expertise.
Jemison will co-teach Environmental Studies 82, "Natural Resources, Development and the Environment," this summer.
According to a fax received yesterday from Jemison's office in Houston, the institute will serve to research advancing technology in developing countries.
"The Institute was recently established as an agent for identifying, assessing, researching and implementing advanced technologies that may be employed advantageously to the development of less industrialized nations," the fax said.
