Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Continuing in our celebration, we delve into several distinguished members of our Hispanic community. Check back each week, September 15th, 2021 to October 15th, 2021 to see who we’re profiling. Our initial Post is regarding Dr. Ellen Ochoa…. Read on to learn more:

Photo Courtesy of NASA

Ellen Ochoa

Ellen Ochoa is a California native born in Los Angeles, CA – May 1958. Ellen is an Engineer and went on to become the 1st female Hispanic American (Mexican American) U.S. astronaut to travel into space in 1993.

Dr. Ochoa investigated optical systems for performing information processing. She is a co-inventor on three patents and author of several technical papers.

Dr. Ochoa received numerous awards, including NASA's highest award - Distinguished Service Medal and the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award.