Dr. Kathryn Sullivan is a distinguished geologist and oceanographer who made history as the first American woman to walk in space during her NASA career. Born on October 3, 1951, in Paterson, New Jersey, she earned a bachelor's degree in Earth sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a PhD in geology from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Selected as one of the first six women to join NASA's astronaut corps in 1978, she completed rigorous training and became an astronaut in 1979, establishing herself as a pioneering figure in space exploration. Her distinguished career extended beyond NASA to significant leadership roles, including serving as Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from 2014 to 2017.
Dr. Sullivan's groundbreaking contributions to space science include three space shuttle missions totaling 532 hours in space, with her historic spacewalk on the STS-41G mission in 1984 marking a pivotal moment for women in STEM fields. She played a crucial role in the 1990 deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope during the STS-31 mission, an achievement that revolutionized astronomy and continues to provide unparalleled insights into the cosmos. Her work extended to Earth observation science through the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science mission in 1992, which conducted critical experiments studying Earth's atmosphere. Demonstrating her enduring spirit of exploration, Dr. Sullivan became the first woman to dive to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench in 2020, connecting her space and ocean exploration expertise in a historic dual achievement. This remarkable journey from space to the deepest point on Earth symbolizes her commitment to advancing scientific understanding across diverse environments.
As a respected leader in science policy, Dr. Sullivan has served in influential positions including Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and member of the National Science Board, significantly shaping U.S. ocean and atmospheric research policies. She has been an inspirational role model for women in STEM fields throughout her career, advocating for science education and serving as a mentor to countless young scientists and explorers. Currently, she continues her contributions as a Senior Fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, a Member of Resources for the Future President's Council, and a board member of International Paper and the National Audubon Society. Her 2019 book Handprints on Hubble An Astronauts Story of Invention documents her experiences with the iconic telescope, while her 2021 appointment to the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology ensures her continued impact on national science policy.
