Last Updated: 27 Mar, 2024 | Views: 436
Age: 60
Profession: Astronaut
Other Profession(s): Engineer
Famous For: Co-Manager Of Nasa's Educator Astronaut Program
Higher Education: Master of Science
About (Profile/Biography):
Leland Devon Melvin was born on February 15, 1964, and is a retired NASA astronaut. He served on STS-122 as a mission specialist, then on STS-129 as a mission specialist 1. Melvin was appointed NASA Associate Administrator for Education in October 2010. Heritage High School was his first school, and the University of Richmond was his second. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry at the University of Richmond.
Leland D. Melvin Career:
• Leland D. Melvin played wide receiver for the University of Richmond football team from 1982 to 1985. His 198 receptions for 2,669 yards place him first on Richmond's career receptions list, and 16 touchdown receptions place him fourth.
• The AP selected him as an honorable mention All-American in 1984 and 1985 and Apple Academic All-America in 1985.
• Detroit Lions drafted him in the 11th round of the 1986 NFL Draft. The team released him in late August after he injured his hamstring during training camp. The Toronto Argonauts added him to their practice roster in October.
• His professional football career ended after he pulled yet another hamstring while playing for the Dallas Cowboys the following spring.
NASA Career:
• 1989: Leland D. Melvin began working at NASA's Langley Research Center in 1989 in the Nondestructive Evaluation Sciences Branch.
• 1994: Leland D. Melvin led the NASA/Lockheed Martin X-33 Reusable Launch Vehicle Vehicle Health Monitoring team in 1994.
• 1996: His work on the nondestructive evaluation facility built for fiber optic sensors was completed in 1996.
• 1998: The astronaut program selected Melvin in June 1998. His duties were assigned to the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations Branch.
Leland D. Melvin Awards:
• University of Richmond Athletic Hall of Fame (1996–97)
• All-UR Stadium Team (2010)
Leland D. Melvin Unknown Facts:
Leland D. Melvin has been involved in efforts to protect and rescue animals for a long time. He brought his two dogs, Jake and Scout, to the NASA portrait shoot, making them the first pets featured in such a setting.
Leland D. Melvin continues to inspire and engage the public through speaking engagements, writing, and media appearances as a retired astronaut. The lessons he has learned inspire others to dream big, pursue their dreams, and impact their communities positively.
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