Prior to joining IIT in 2012, Prof. Datta-Barua was an Assistant Professor of Aviation and Technology at San Jose State University. She also has experience as a Research Engineer at a research startup, Atmospheric and Space Technology Research Associates (ASTRA). She received her B.S. in physics, M.S. and Ph.D. (2008) degrees in aeronautics and astronautics, all from Stanford University. She has taught classes in spacecraft dynamics, advanced dynamics, the space environment, basic pilot ground school, and aviation safety.