http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/serena-m-aunon http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

 

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center 

Houston, Texas 77058 

 

October 2019 

Serena M. Aunon-Chancellor

(M.D.) NASA Astronaut

Summary:

Dr. Serena M. Aunon was selected by NASA in 2009. Board certified in Internal and Aerospace Medicine, she recently 

served as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station for Expeditions 56 and 57. During her time on orbit, the 

crews contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science aboard the 

International Space Station. Investigations were led into new cancer treatment methods and algae growth in space. The 

crew also installed a new Life Sciences Glovebox, a sealed work area for life science and technology investigations that 

can accommodate two astronauts. Serena’s first flight, she logged in 197 days in space. She currently covers medical 

issues and on-orbit support in the Astronaut Office.

Personal Data:

Born April 9, 1976 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Considers Fort Collins, CO, to be her home town. Married to Jeff Chancellor 

and she has a stepdaughter, Serafina Chancellor. Personal and recreational interests include mountain hiking and 

providing medical care to the underserved.

Education:

Graduated from Poudre High School, Fort Collins, Colorado in 1993. Received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical 

Engineering from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., in 1997 and a Doctorate of Medicine from The 

University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston in 2001. Completed a three-year residency in internal medicine 

at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas, in 2004, and then completed an additional year

as Chief Resident in the Internal Medicine Department in 2005. She also completed an aerospace medicine residency at 

UTMB as well as a Master of Public Health in 2007. She is board certified in Internal and Aerospace Medicine.

Experience:

Dr. Aunon came to Johnson Space Center in August 2006, employed as a Flight Surgeon under the UTMB/Wyle 

Bioastronautics contract. She spent more than nine months in Russia supporting medical operations for International 

Space Station crew members in Star City, including water survival training in the Ukraine. Dr. Aunon served as the 

Deputy Crew Surgeon for STS-127. She also held the role of Deputy Lead for Orion - Medical Operations.

NASA Experience:

Dr. Aunon was selected in July 2009 as one of 14 members of the 20th NASA astronaut class. She graduated in 

November 2011 from Astronaut Candidate Training that included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction 

in space station systems, spacewalks, robotics, physiological training, T-38 flight training and water and wilderness 

survival training. Currently, Dr. Aunon serves in the International Space Station Operations branch to handle medical 

issues and the Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) branch as a certified space station CAPCOM.
http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/serena-m-aunon http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts 

Serena M. Aunon 

Expedition 56/57 (June 6 through December 19, 2018). The crew launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard the 

Soyuz spacecraft. Serena, who served as Flight Engineer, was joined by ESA Astronaut Alexander Gerst, as well as 

Russian Cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev. The Expedition 56 and 57 crews contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, 

biotechnology, physical science and Earth science aboard the International Space Station. Investigations were led into new

cancer treatment methods and algae growth in space. The crew also installed a new Life Sciences Glovebox, a sealed work 

area for life science and technology investigations that can accommodate two astronauts. Serena’s first flight, she logged in 

197 days in space during Expenditions 56 and 57.

 

Awards/Honors:

United States Air Force Flight Surgeons Julian Ward Award (2009), Outstanding UTMB Resident Award (2007), William K. 

Douglas Award (2006), Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (2005), Thomas N. and Gleaves James Award for Excellent 

Performance by a Third-Year Resident in Internal Medicine (2004). 

Organizations: 

American College of Physicians; American College of Preventive Medicine; Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society; 

Aerospace Medical Association and Tau Beta Pi, The National Engineering Honor Society

Pronunciation: 

SUH-ree-nuh ON-un