DR. PEGGY WHITSON

NASA

 American biochemistry researcher, retired NASA astronaut, and former NASA Chief Astronaut, Dr. Whitson received a B.S. in biology and chemistry from Iowa Wesleyan College and a Doctorate in Biochemistry from Rice University.

Dr. Whitson began her career with NASA in 1989, holding various titles during her 29-year career. In 2002, Dr. Whitson embarked on her first space mission, an extended stay aboard the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 5. In 2016, she flew on Expedition 50/51 and participated in 4 spacewalks, bringing her career total to 10.

With a total of 665 days in space across all missions, Dr. Whitson holds the U.S. record, placing eighth on the all-time space endurance list.