Meet NASA Astronaut Ellen Ochoa "I can only imagine the amazement and pride my grandparents would feel, having been born in Mexico in the 1870s, on knowing that their granddaughter grew up to travel in space. Their move to the United States to raise their family along with my mother's passion for learning provided me with the opportunity and motivation to get an education and set high goals. Many doors opened for me when I completed college, and encourage all Latinas to seek out interesting, challenging careers -- these are within your grasp if you are willing to study and work hard!" - Ellen Ochoa Occupation: NASA Astronaut Bachelor's degree: Physics, San Diego State University Master’s Degree: Electrical engineering, Stanford University Doctorate: Electrical engineering, Stanford University Birthplace: Los Angeles, California Hobbies: In her spare time, Ellen enjoys playing the classical flute, volleyball and bicycling. She is also a private pilot and is a member of the Presidential Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History. Ellen was born on May 10 in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in La Mesa, California and graduated from the Grossmont High School in 1975. Ellen was selected by NASA in January 1990, and became an astronaut in July 1991. She is the first Hispanic female astronaut! She has gone on 3 space flights and logged over 719 hours in space. Ellen is also a co-inventor of 3 patents for an optical object recognition method, an optical inspection system, and a method for noise removal in images systems. She will be the flight engineer on a 10-day mission to the International Space Station, which is scheduled to launch in 2002. Special Honors from NASA: Exceptional Service Medal (1997) Outstanding Leadership Medal (1995) Space Flight Medals (1999, 1994, 1993) Two Space Act Tech Brief Awards (1992) Other Awards: Women in Aerospace Outstanding Achievement Award The Hispanic Engineer Albert Baez Award for Outstanding Technical Contribution to Humanity Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award San Diego State University Alumna of the Year Click here to visit NASA Astronaut, Ellen Ochoa’s official biography.