Jeanette J. Epps
(Ph.D.) NASA Astronaut
November 2, 1970
She holds a bachelor in science degree in physics from Le Moyne College, and an M.S. and Ph.D in aerospace
engineering from the University of Maryland. She worked in research at Ford Motor Company, then as a Technical
Intelligence Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Her new role was given on June 10, 2014, NASA announced that Epps will serve as an Aquanaut aboard the
Aquarius underwater laboratory during the NEEMO 18 undersea exploration mission, scheduled to begin on July
21, 2014 and last nine days.
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Summary:
Jeanette J. Epps was selected by NASA in 2009 as an astronaut. She completed astronaut candidate training which
included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in International Space Station systems, spacewalk
training, robotics, T-38 flight training, and wilderness survival training. The New York native was a NASA Fellow during
graduate school and authored several journal and conference articles describing her research. Dr. Epps worked for Ford
Motor Company where she received both a provisional patent and a U.S. patent for her research. After leaving Ford, she
joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for seven years working as a Technical Intelligence Officer before becoming
an astronaut. She currently serves in the ISS Operations Branch working on issues in support of space station crews.
Personal Data:
Born in Syracuse, New York. Enjoys traveling, reading, running, mentoring, scuba diving, and family.
Education:
Graduated from Thomas J. Corcoran High School, Syracuse, New York in 1988; Bachelor of Science in Physics, LeMoyne
College, 1992; Master of Science and Doctorate of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering, University of Maryland, 1994
and 2000.
Experience:
As a NASA Fellow during graduate school, Dr. Epps authored several highly referenced journal and conference articles
describing her research. Her graduate research involved extensive testing of composite swept-tip beams, comparative
analysis of analytical models and experimental data for shape memory alloys and the application of shape memory alloy
actuators for tracking helicopter rotor blades. After completing graduate school, Dr. Epps spent more than 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 using magnetostrictive actuators to reduce vibrations that enter a vehicle via the
suspension control arms, which resulted in a provisional patent. Also while at Ford, Dr. Epps participated in research
involving automobile collision location detection and countermeasure systems, which resulted in the granting of a U.S.
Patent. In 2002, Dr. Epps joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) where she spent more than 7 years working as a
Technical Intelligence Officer. She received multiple performance rewards for her work at the CIA.
NASA Experience:
Dr. Epps was selected in July 2009 as one of 9 members of the 20th NASA astronaut class. Her Astronaut Candidate
Training included Russian Language training, spacewalk training (EVA), robotics, T-38 jet training, geology and National
Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) training. After graduating Dr. Epps continued training by participating in NEEMO
(NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operation), geologic studies in Hawaii, and language immersion in Moscow as well
as continued training in EVA, robotics, and T-38. Dr. Epps served as a representative to the Generic Joint Operation Panel
Resource
http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Houston, Texas 77058