Sandra Sandy Magnus received her Ph.D. from Georgia Tech's School of Materials Science and Engineering in 1996. Prior to receiving her doctorate degree, she earned a degree in physics and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

In April 1996, Dr. Magnus was selected to the NASA Astronaut Corps. She flew in space on the STS-112 shuttle mission in 2002, and on the final shuttle flight, STS-135, in 2011. In addition, she flew to the International Space Station on STS-126 in November 2008, served as flight engineer and science officer on Expedition 18, and returned home on STS-119 after four and a half months on board. Following her assignment on Station, she served at NASA Headquarters in the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. Her last duty at NASA, after STS-135, was as the deputy chief of the Astronaut Office.

Before joining NASA, Dr. Magnus worked for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company from 1986 to 1991, as a stealth engineer where she worked on internal research and development and on the Navy’s A-12 Attack Aircraft program, studying the effectiveness of radar signature reduction techniques.

Dr. Magnus has received numerous awards, including the NASA Space Flight Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the 40 at 40 Award (given to former collegiate women athletes to recognize the impact of Title IX).  

Teaching Interests

Professor Magnus' is a part-time Professor of the Practice, sharing appointments between the Schools of Aerospace Engineering, Material Science & Engineering, and International Affairs.  She provides guest lectures on topics related to space and space policy.  She also mentors students and provides input to the Institute on space related issues.