Degree(s): Electrical Engineering, Management Science, Space Systems

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Undergraduate Institution:  Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Graduate Institution:  Florida Institute of Technology

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Photo Credit: NASA

Astronaut Joan Higginbotham is an electrical engineer, astronaut, and the third Black woman to go into space. She logged over 300 hours in space as a crew member aboard the STS-116 and worked logistically with over 50 space shuttle launches. Following her career with NASA, she entered the private sector.

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Fun Fact: Astronaut Higginbotham is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.