Leland Melvin

Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver. He served on board the space shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist on missions STS-122 (2008) and STS-129 (2009), helping to construct the International Space Station. Upon hanging up his space boots, Melvin led NASA Education and co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEAM Education Task Force, developing the nation’s five-year STEM education plan. After 24 years with NASA as a researcher, astronaut and senior executive service leader, he shares his life story as an athlete, astronaut, scientist, engineer, photographer and musician to help inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue STEAM careers. Melvin holds six honorary doctorates for his service in education, the sciences and philanthropy. In May 2017, Melvin released his memoir, “Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances.” In “Chasing Space,” Melvin shares his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars and examines the intersecting roles of community, perseverance and grace that align to create opportunities for success.