Christina M. Hammock Koch

Christina M. Hammock attended NC State University where she earned a BS in Electrical Engineering (2001), a BS in Physics and a MS in Electrical Engineering (2002). She graduated from the NASA Academy program at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in 2001. She worked as an Electrical Engineer in the Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics at GSFC from 2002 to 2004. Hammock was selected in June 2013 as one of eight members of the 21st NASA astronaut class. Her Astronaut Candidate Training included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in International Space Station systems, Extravehicular Activity (EVA), robotics, physiological training, T-38 flight training, and water and wilderness survival training. She completed astronaut candidate training in July 2015, and is now qualified for future assignment.

Hammock’s special honors include: NASA Group Achievement Award, NASA Juno Mission Jupiter Energetic Particle Detector Instrument, 2012; Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Invention of the Year nominee, 2009; United States Congress Antarctic Service Medal with Winter-Over distinction, 2005; NASA Group Achievement Award, NASA Suzaku Mission X-ray Spectrometer Instrument, 2005; Astronaut Scholar, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, 2000 to 2001.

As you make life's big decisions, always take the path that leaves the most doors open and that is closest to the life you have imagined for yourself. Also, never miss the chance to pursue what you are passionate about. If you do so, you will work hard to be extraordinary and that will lead to your achievement of what is truly rewarding.