24 Interesting Facts about Jessica Watkins

Dan May 2, 2023

Jessica Watkins is a NASA astronaut and geologist who was selected as part of the 2017 NASA astronaut class. She graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Geological and Environmental Sciences and later earned her Ph.D. in Geology from UCLA. Prior to becoming an astronaut, Watkins worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

In January 2020, Watkins was selected as a member of the Artemis Team, a group of astronauts tasked with landing the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. If the mission is successful, she will become the first African American woman to walk on the Moon. Watkins is also a member of the Crew-3 mission, which is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station in October 2021.

Watkins has received numerous awards and honors for her academic and professional achievements, including the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and the Caltech Postdoctoral Scholar Prize Fellowship. Her work as an astronaut and geologist is helping to expand our understanding of the universe and pave the way for future space exploration.

What about Jessica Watkins interesting facts? Let’s take a look at these 24 interesting facts about Jessica Watkins.

1. Jessica Watkins was born on December 28, 1988, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA.
2. She is a NASA astronaut and geologist.
3. Watkins earned her bachelor’s degree in Geological and Environmental Sciences from Stanford University.
4. She later earned her Ph.D. in Geology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
5. Before joining NASA, Watkins worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
6. In 2017, Watkins was selected as part of NASA’s 22nd astronaut class, also known as “the Turtles.”
7. Watkins was the first black woman to graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) geology program.
8. She is a member of the Artemis Team, which is responsible for the first manned mission to the Moon since 1972.
9. Watkins was also a member of the Crew-3 mission, which launched to the International Space Station in October 2021.
10. She has conducted geological fieldwork in Antarctica, Hawaii, and California.
11. Watkins is a skilled athlete, having competed in track and field events during her undergraduate studies.
12. She has received several academic awards, including the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.
13. Watkins has been recognized for her contributions to diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
14. She is a member of the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America.
15. Watkins has presented her research at several conferences and symposiums.
16. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and playing board games in her free time.
17. Watkins is an advocate for women and minorities in STEM fields.
18. She has worked with Girls Who Code, a non-profit organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology.
19. Watkins has spoken at several events, including TEDxPasadena and the Smithsonian Magazine Future Is Here Festival.
20. She is a fan of science fiction and enjoys reading books and watching movies in the genre.
21. Watkins is married to fellow astronaut, Matthew Dominick.
22. She has a tattoo on her left arm that depicts the mountains of California, where she grew up.
23. Watkins’ favorite color is blue.
24. She hopes to inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM and space exploration.

Jessica Watkins is an accomplished scientist, athlete, and astronaut who has achieved remarkable success in her career. As a NASA astronaut, she represents the epitome of human achievement and has inspired many young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her impressive academic credentials, passion for research, and dedication to the field of aerospace have earned her a reputation as a trailblazer in her profession.