New frontiers await scientists in every field of research, whether on land, under sea, or in space.

From our origins as humans to the origins of our Solar System, from species’ interactions in an ecosystem to Earth’s interaction with the Sun, from climate change to the possibility of life elsewhere in the Universe, sheer curiosity and passion for knowledge will always keep us at the cutting edge of exploration.

FameLab asks…how are you exploring Earth and beyond?

The History of FameLab The People of Famelab

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The People of
Famelab

Nichelle Nichols

Star Trek

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When Ms. Nichols was cast by Gene Roddenberry to create Chief Communications Officer Lt. Uhura, fourth in command of the Starship Enterprise, in his legendary TV series Star Trek – in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King – it became “The first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”

In 1992, she became the first African-American to place her handprints and signature in the cement walk at the famous Mann’s Chinese Theatre along with her other command crew members of the Starship Enterprise. They were also honored in a special exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, an unprecedented accolade for the entertainment industry.

Ms. Nichols’ public service activities have been equally outstanding. Working with NASA in the late ‘70’s, she successfully recruited the first women and minority astronauts for the Space Shuttle Program, for which she received NASA’s distinguished Public Service Award. She continues to be a close friend and staunch supporter of Dr. Mae Jemison who first saw Lt. Uhura when she was nine years old and was determined to follow her dream to become the first woman of color Astronaut…which she did.