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Tamara “Tammy” E. Jernigan

  • Flight Engineer, space shuttle Columbia (STS-40)
  • Mission Specialist, space shuttle Columbia (STS-52)
  • Payload Commander, space shuttle Endeavor (STS-67)
  • Mission Specialist, space shuttle Columbia (STS-80)
  • EVA Specialist, space shuttle Discovery (STS-96)
Headshot of astronaut Tammy Jernigan in full space suit holding her helmet in front of the NASA flag and U.S. flag
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Dr. Tamara “Tammy” Jernigan holds a B.S. degree in Physics (with honors) and an M.S. degree in Engineering Science from Stanford University. In 1983, she joined the Astronomy Department at UC Berkeley to pursue a Ph.D. degree in theoretical and computational astrophysics. Her research focused on the modeling of high-velocity outflows in regions of star formation, gamma-ray bursters, and the study of radiation produced by astrophysical shock waves. In 1985, she was selected as a NASA astronaut and subsequently completed her Ph.D. in Space Physics at Rice University while training for the Space Shuttle program. Dr. Jernigan is a veteran of five Space Shuttle missions, STS-40, 52, 67, 80, and 96. On STS-67, Dr. Jernigan served as Payload commander where the crew conducted continuous ultraviolet observations of a variety of stars, planets, and distant galaxies. During Dr. Jernigan’s last flight, STS-96, the crew performed the first docking to the International Space Station and Dr. Jernigan executed a spacewalk of nearly eight hours in support of Space Station construction. In addition to her space flight experience, Dr. Jernigan held numerous management positions as an astronaut, including (acting) Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. She has also represented NASA management as a member of the US negotiating team in Moscow, resolving issues related to crew training, crew rotation, and on-board operations.

In October of 2001, Dr. Jernigan joined Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where she held numerous leadership positions including Principle Deputy Associate Director for Physics and Advanced Technologies, Deputy Associate Director for Strategic Deterrence, and Senior Advisor to the Director’s Office. Dr. Jernigan retired from LLNL in the fall of 2018.

In addition, Dr. Jernigan has served on several National Academy Boards including the Space Studies Board, the NASA Technology Roadmap Steering Committee, and the Naval Studies Board, tasked with providing independent, long-range, scientific and technical planning advice for the Naval Forces. Dr. Jernigan resides in Pleasanton, California with her husband and former astronaut, Dr. Jeff Wisoff, and their two children, Jeffrey and Michael.