All seven astronauts aboard died: Commander Francis Scobee, Pilot Michael Smith, Mission Specialist Ellison Onizuka, Mission Specialist Judith Resnik, Mission Specialist Ronald McNair, Payload Specialist Gregory Jarvis and McAuliffe.

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Here was the leader who is responsible for inspiring the recruitment of Sally K. Ride, the first American woman in space, Judith A. Resnik, another of the first U.S. female astronauts, Mae Jemison, the first African-African-American female astronaut and the first African-African American male astronauts, Guion Bluford and Ronald McNair.

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"Because I believe that it's an essential part of health care, and we're able to affect so strongly people's abilities to return to work and lead functional lives, we're an important part of the pie, " says Cheryl Resnik, assistant professor at the University of Southern California and president of the California Physical Therapy Association.

FORBES: 6. Physical Therapist