http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Houston, Texas 77058

September 2023

Jeanette J. Epps

(Ph.D.) NASA Astronaut

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 served in the ISS Operations Branch working issues in support of space station crews. Dr. Epps 

launched to the International Space Station March 3, 2024, as a mission specialist on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission. 

She's serving as a flight engineer aboard the orbiting laboratory and will spend approximately 6 months conducting 

science experiments and maintaining the space station.

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 awards 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 
http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies

Jeanette J. Epps

(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 

working on crew efficiency on the space station as well as other topics, served as a Crew Support Astronaut for two 

expeditions, and served as lead CAPCOM in mission control. Dr. Epps launched to the International Space Station March 

3, 2024, as a mission specialist on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission. She's serving as a flight engineer aboard the orbiting 

laboratory and will spend approximately 6 months conducting science experiments and maintaining the space station.

Awards/Honors:

NASA GSRP Fellowship 1996-1997, 1997 1998 and 1998-1999; Exceptional Performance Award 2003, 2004 and 2008; 

Inducted into the University of Maryland, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Academy of Distinguished Alumni 

2012; JSC Director’s Innovation Group Achievement Award to Improving Efficiency on the ISS Team 2013, Recipient of 

the Glenn L. Martin Medal from the A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, 2014. In 2016, she was 

awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from LeMoyne College.

ORGANIZATIONS: 

AIAA and Member of the Society for Science & the Public

Pronunciation: 

JUH-net EH-ps