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Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Houston, Texas 77058

Jeanette J. Epps (NASA photo JSC2009-E-156443)

Biographical Data


Jeanette J. Epps (Ph.D.)
NASA Astronaut Candidate

PERSONAL DATA:  Born in Syracuse, New York on November 3, 1970.  Enjoys traveling, reading, short runs, and family.

EDUCATION:  Graduated from Thomas J. Corcoran High School, Syracuse, New York in 1988; received a bachelor of science degree in Physics from LeMoyne College in 1992, and master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland  in 1994 and 2000, respectively.

ORGANIZATIONS:  AIAA.

SPECIAL HONORS/AWARDS:  Exceptional Performance Award 2003, 2004, 2008; NASA GSRP Fellowship 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1998-1999

EXPERIENCE: After completing graduate school, Epps spent over two years working at Ford Motor Company as a technical specialist in the Scientific Research Laboratory.  Before leaving Ford she completed proof of concept work on utilizing magnetostrictive actuators to reduce vibrations that enter a vehicle via the suspension control arms.  Then in 2002 Epps joined the Central Intelligence Agency where she spent over seven years working as a Technical Intelligence Officer. 

NASA EXPERIENCE:  Epps was selected in July 2009 as one of 14 members of the 20th NASA astronaut class.  She is currently in Astronaut Candidate Training that includes scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in International Space Station systems, Extravehicular Activity (EVA), robotics, physiological training, T-38 flight training, and water and wilderness survival training.

SEPTEMBER 2009