Jeanette J. Epps

Jeannette J. Epps is a retired NASA astronaut and aerospace engineer known for her participation in the "SpaceX Crew-8" mission, spending a notable 235 days on the International Space Station (ISS). These experiences, coupled with her significant training as an aquanaut and astronaut, including programs like NEEMO 18 and CAVES 19, have equipped her with a unique perspective on the intricacies of aerospace and exploration. Epps has been a part of multiple NASA expeditions, including the Boeing Starliner-1 mission to the ISS, and made history as the second woman and first African-American woman to participate in the ESA's CAVES training program.

Throughout her career, Epps has been recognized for her contributions to the field with several awards and honors. Among them, she received the Johnson Space Center Director's Innovation Group Achievement Award in 2013 and has been awarded honorary doctorates for her contributions to science and aerospace. Interestingly, Epps has authored several highly referenced works, including technical papers on aerospace engineering and smart materials, further solidifying her standing as an expert in her field. She was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni at the University of Maryland in 2012 and became an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha in 2018.

Aside from her achievements in the field of aerospace, Epps has also made notable contributions to public speaking events, sharing her experiences and inspiring young individuals in STEM fields. She has delivered commencement speeches at institutions like the University of Maryland and been a special guest at events such as Dublin 2019-an Irish Worldcon. These experiences, combined with her work with the Central Intelligence Agency and her affiliation with SpaceX, add to her unique insights, making her an engaging and knowledgeable speaker.