Wanda Lena Austin

Born: 1954

Country of Birth: USA

Nationality: USA

Ethnicity: Black

BA in Mathematics, Franklin & Marshall College, 1975; MA in Systems Engineering & Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh, 1975; PhD University of Southern California, 1988

Field of Study: Business Executive, Engineering Aerospace

Institution/Corporation: NASA; University of Southern California; on Boards of Directors of Chevron Corp, Amgen Inc, Virgin Galactics Holdings, Inc, Horation Alger Association, National Academy of Engineering

Degrees & Memberships: Honorary Degree: USC 2018; Member: US Human Space Flight Plans Committee (2009); US Defense Science Board (2010); NASA Advisory Council (2014); President's Council of Advisors on Science & Technology (2015); California Council on Science & Technology; National Academy of Engineering (2008); American Academy of Arts & Sciences; International Academy of Astronauts; Fellow American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics; on board of directors of : Chevron corp, Amgen Inc, Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc, Horatio Alger Association, National Academy of Engineering

Awards: National Intelligence Medal for Meritorious Service; Air Force Scroll of Achievement; National Reconnaissance Gold Medal; AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award; Career Communications Group Black Engineer of the Year Award 2009; Horation Alger Award, 2012; Bob Hope Distinguished Citizen Award; National Defense Industrial Association Peter B. Teets Industry Award, 2012; University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award, 2017; Distinguished Alumni Award, & Presidential Medallion (2018), University of Southern California; Robert H. Herndon Black Image Award; Women in Technology International Hall of Fame, 2007; American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management, 2010

Achievements: Former president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation (1st female & 1st African-American in the position); Co-founder Making Space, Inc