Born: July 1, 1977 (Caribou, Maine)
Biography:
Jessica Ulrika Meir (IPA: /mr/; meer; born July 1, 1977) is an American NASA astronaut, marine biologist, and physiologist. She was previously an assistant professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, following postdoctoral research in comparative physiology at the University of British Columbia.
Meir’s passion for exploration and science was evident from an early age. She was born in Caribou, Maine, to Josef H Meir, an Israeli of Iraqi-Jewish descent, and Ulla-Britt Meir from Sweden.[10][11] Her father’s family had to leave Iraq in 1931 due to antisemitism and resettled in Palestine. Josef eventually became a physician and met Ulla-Britt Karlsson, a nurse from Västerås, Sweden, whom he married. The couple then moved to the United States, where Jessica Meir was born. While her mother did not convert to Judaism, Meir identifies as culturally Jewish, attending synagogue and having a bat mitzvah.[13]
Meir’s interest in space and nature was sparked by watching the Space Shuttle missions on television. Despite not personally knowing anyone who worked for NASA or the space program, Meir developed an unwavering dream of participating in space exploration. This enduring ambition was nurtured by her mother’s love for nature and her father’s adventurous spirit. Meir also attributes growing up in rural Maine, where the stars shone brightly, as a factor that ignited her passion for the cosmos.
At the age of 13, Meir had the opportunity to attend a youth space camp at Purdue University, where she immersed herself in the wonders of space and further fueled her determination to pursue a career in the field.[14][15][16] She went on to study biology at Brown University, where she delved deeper into her scientific interests. During her undergraduate studies, Meir also had the chance to spend a semester at Stockholm University in Sweden, broadening her horizons even further.[17]
After completing her undergraduate degree, Meir embarked on a journey to expand her knowledge and contribute to the scientific community. She pursued postdoctoral research in comparative physiology at the University of British Columbia, delving into the intriguing world of diving physiology and behavior of emperor penguins in Antarctica. This research allowed her to unveil the secrets of these incredible creatures and shed light on their adaptations to extreme aquatic environments. Additionally, Meir studied the physiology of bar-headed geese, remarkable birds capable of migrating over the Himalayas, unravelling the mechanisms behind their unique abilities.
Meir’s exceptional aptitude and dedication caught the attention of the scientific community, leading to her selection as an aquanaut for the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations 4 (NEEMO 4) crew in September 2002. This experience further honed her skills and prepared her for the challenges of space exploration.
In 2013, Meir’s dreams of venturing beyond Earth’s atmosphere became a reality when she was selected by NASA to join Astronaut Group 21. This milestone marked the beginning of her extraordinary journey as an astronaut, paving the way for her groundbreaking achievements and contributions to space exploration.
Meir’s talent and expertise in the field were further recognized when she participated in ESA CAVES, a training course where international astronauts undertake missions in a space-analogue cave environment. This unique program allowed Meir to further enhance her skills and prepare for the physical and mental demands of space travel.
On September 25, 2019, Meir’s dream culminated in her launch to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Soyuz MS-15. She served as a Flight Engineer during Expeditions 61 and 62, conducting critical experiments, carrying out maintenance tasks, and contributing to the overall success of the missions.
One of the most significant milestones in Meir’s career occurred on October 18, 2019, when she and Christina Koch made history as the first women to participate in an all-female spacewalk. This groundbreaking event not only highlighted Meir’s extraordinary achievements but also served as a testament to the progress and inclusion of women in the field of space exploration.
Meir’s remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades and recognition. In 2020, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, solidifying her influence and impact on society.
Through her relentless pursuit of knowledge, exploration, and scientific discovery, Jessica Meir has become a trailblazer in the field of space exploration. Her passion, dedication, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire future generations and redefine the boundaries of human achievements.
Awards:
– Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020