ELLEN OCHOA

Ellen Ochoa, the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, grew up in California. She earned a B.S. in Physics from San Diego State University, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. Ochoa researched optical systems for information processing as related to space exploration, and was a co-inventor on three patents in this field.

NASA selected Ochoa to be an astronaut in 1991. As part of the 1993 Space Shuttle Discovery, she became the first Hispanic woman to go to space, studying the Earth’s ozone layer. She logged nearly 1,000 hours in orbit. In 2012, Ochoa became the first Hispanic and first woman to be named Director of the Johnson Space Center. 

Serving as an inspiring example to young girls seeking careers in science, Ochoa has given more than 300 presentations on the importance of education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, and has had six schools named after her.

Among Ochoa’s many awards are NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal, the Exceptional Service Medal, the Outstanding Leadership Medal, the Presidential Distinguished Rank of the Senior Executive Service and six honorary doctorates. Ochoa is a member of the International Air and Space Hall of Fame.