Chisum earned her Bachelor of Science (1951) and Mississippi (1953), in psychology from Howard University. During her undergraduate years she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha and was a part of the Howard University Players, a dramatic group run by students. In 1960, she earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania.
During 1958-1968, Chisum taught psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. From 1960-1965, she researched psychology at the Naval Air Development Center. She served as the head of the Vision Laboratory from 1965-1980, and afterwards became the head of the Environmental Physiology Research Team.
Her research led to optical advancements for pilots such as protective eyewear.
She was also a board member of several organizations, including (but not limited to) the Arthritis Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania the Aerospace Medicine Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Optical Society of America.
