Jan Davis was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida but considers Huntsville, Alabama her hometown, graduated Huntsville High School in 1971. Received her BS Degrees from Georgia Tech and Auburn University, MS and PhD from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, in Mechanical Engineering. Former astronaut who flew on three Space Shuttle missions as a Mission Specialist and Payload Commander. Began her career at Marshall Space Flight Center as an Aerospace Engineer. Supported major NASA programs including the Hubble Space Telescope and Space Shuttle redesign. Joined NASA Astronaut Corps in 1987. Spent almost 700 hours in space during her three missions, STS-47 in 1992, STS-60 in 1994, and STS-85 in 1997. Appointed Director of Flight Projects Directorate at MSFC in 2001. Also a pilot who has logged time in propeller, jet and space aircraft.