Biography

Leland D. Melvin spent more than 24 years with NASA as an astronaut, research engineer and administrator. He served twice on board the space shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist to support the International Space Station. In addition, Mr. Melvin served as NASA's associate administrator for education until he retired in 2014. As head of NASA's education program, he served as co-chair on the White House's Federal Coordination in STEM Education Task Force developing the nation's five-year science, technology, engineering and math education plan. Mr. Melvin served as the United States' representative and chair of the International Space Education Board, a global collaboration in space education that fosters interest in space, science and technology among students worldwide.

Prior to joining NASA, Mr. Melvin was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 1986 college football draft and later played for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys.

Mr. Melvin earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Richmond in 1986 and his master's degree in materials science engineering from the University of Virginia in 1989. He also holds five honorary doctorates for his service in education, the sciences and philanthropy.