Jeanette Epps

Former Astronaut, NASA Johnson Space Center

Jeanette Epps

Former Astronaut, NASA Johnson Space Center

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Biography

Dr. Jeanette J. Epps is a trailblazing former NASA astronaut, aerospace engineer, and former CIA intelligence officer whose remarkable career embodies leadership and a steadfast commitment to inspiring the next generation. With over 233 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as a mission specialist for SpaceX Crew-8, she has contributed to critical research, maintained complex space systems, and collaborated with international partners to advance human space exploration.

Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2009, Dr. Epps has undergone extensive mission training with both SpaceX and the Russian space agency Roscosmos. Her expertise includes robotics, spacewalk operations, and emergency preparedness, as well as international systems integration and mission control communications. Notably, she served as a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) for EVA operations, exemplifying her leadership in high-stakes environments.

Before joining NASA, Dr. Epps served as an intelligence officer at the CIA, where she rose to branch chief and was entrusted with high-level national security operations, including a deployment to Iraq with the Iraq Survey Group. Prior to her government service, she was a technical specialist at Ford Motor Company, where she co-authored a patent and led innovations in smart material applications. From the boardroom to the battlefield to low Earth orbit, Dr. Epps has demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability.

Dr. Epps attributes her perseverance and passion for learning to the strength and determination of her mother, who inspired her to dream big and lead by example. As one of only a few African American women to fly aboard the ISS, she understands firsthand the power of representation and uses her platform to mentor young people—particularly girls and underrepresented students in STEM and STEAM fields. Her outreach is grounded in the belief that anyone—regardless of background—can achieve extraordinary goals with curiosity and courage.

Dr. Epps is renowned for her engaging and authentic speaking style, seamlessly blending technical expertise with personal narratives that resonate with all audiences. Her talks often inspire by highlighting the significance of representation in STEM fields and encouraging young individuals to pursue their passions relentlessly. Her ability to connect with audiences stems from the relatable challenges she has overcome throughout her career.

Dr. Epps holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Physics from LeMoyne College. She has authored numerous technical publications, received multiple awards for performance and service, and holds an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters. She is also an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a proud example of excellence through perseverance.

Speaker Videos

Meet NASA Astronaut Jeanette Epps, Crew-8 Mission Specialist

Astronaut Jeanette Epps brings her stellar experiences to central New York students

Speech Topics

Adapting, Thriving & Teamwork in Extreme Environments

Space is the ultimate high-performance workplace—and no one knows this better than Dr. Jeanette Epps. In this talk, she brings audiences inside life aboard the International Space Station, revealing how astronauts from multiple countries and cultures work together to solve problems and maintain trust for months at a time in microgravity. Using examples from SpaceX Crew-8 training and cross-agency collaboration, Dr. Epps distills what it takes to lead and collaborate in dynamic, high-stakes, and blended teams.

Key Takeaways:

How to manage uncertainty and complexity in high-performance teams
Best practices for working across disciplines
The mindset shift from “solo expert” to “collaborative explorer”
Lessons from NASA and SpaceX on innovation, preparation, and trust-building

Mission Ready: Leading with Grit, Grace & Resilience

In this powerful and candid keynote, Dr. Jeanette Epps shares her extraordinary journey from Ford Motor Company engineer to CIA intelligence officer, to NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station. Drawing from her real-world experiences in high-pressure environments, Dr. Epps explores how perseverance and emotional intelligence in uncertainty are the cornerstones of resilient leadership.

Key Takeaways:

How to stay mission-focused when plans derail or adversity hits
Developing composure under pressure using lessons from spaceflight and CIA fieldwork
Building trust and accountability in cross-functional and international teams
Why grace under fire is a key leadership skill—and how to cultivate it

Launch Your Curiosity: Igniting a Love for STEAM

What if the next astronaut, inventor, or Nobel laureate is sitting in your classroom today? In this energizing and motivational session, Dr. Epps speaks directly to students, teachers, and communities about the power of curiosity, learning, and dreaming beyond the stars. She shares how her early passion for physics and flight evolved into a groundbreaking career in space exploration—and how every child has the potential to do the same.

Key Takeaways:

Why exposure and access to STEAM early on matters—especially for young girls
How to bridge the “STEAM gap” through inclusion, representation, and creativity
Personal stories that demystify the path to becoming a scientist, engineer, or astronaut
Ways educators and parents can support the next generation of inventors and explorers

The Power of Mentorship

Dr. Epps believes that no one makes it to orbit alone. In this heartfelt talk, she reflects on the mentors who shaped her—including her mother, whose wisdom and resilience laid the foundation for Jeanette’s journey to space and beyond. Blending personal storytelling with research-backed insights, she explores how mentorship, advocacy, and belief in others create ripple effects across communities and careers.

Key Takeaways: