Meet Columbia's Crew
Columbia's latest crew is comprised of personnel from a diverse array of disciplines.

Cmdr. Rick Husband
Cmdr. Rick Husband holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Technical University, and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from California State University in Fresno. He is a member in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Tau Beta Pi, the Air Force Association, and the Texas Tech Ex-Students Association. Husband is a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and is married with two children.

William McCool
Pilot William McCool holds a bachelor's degree in applied science from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master's degree in computer science from the University of Maryland, and a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He was an eagle scout, and is a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. McCool is a commander in the Navy and is married.

Kalpana Chawla
Born in Karnal, India, mission specialist Kalpana Chawla holds a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in India, a master's degree in aerospace engineering from University of Texas, and a doctorate of psychology in aerospace engineering from University of Colorado. She holds a certificated flight instructor license with airplane and glider ratings, commercial pilot licenses for both single and multi-engine land and seaplanes. Some of Chawla's hobbies include hiking, backpacking and reading.

David Brown
Mission Specialist David Brown holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the College of William and Mary, and a doctorate in medicine from Eastern Virginia Medical School. He is a former president of the International Association of Military Flight Surgeon Pilots. He is also an associate fellow in the Aerospace Medical Association and the Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons. Brown is a captain in the U.S. Navy and enjoys flying and bicycle touring.

Michael Anderson
Mission Specialist Michael Anderson holds a bachelor's degree in physics and astronomy from the University of Washington, and a master's degree in physics from Creighton University. He has been awarded the defense superior service medal, the U.S. Air Force meritorious service medal, and the U.S. Air Force achievement medal with one oak leaf cluster. Anderson is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force and is married.

Laurel Clark
Mission Specialist Laurel Clark holds a bachelor's degree in zoology and a doctorate in medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has received three Navy commendation medals, a national defense medal, and an overseas service ribbon. Clark is a member of the Aerospace Medical Association, the Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons, and is a commander in the Navy. She is married with one child.

Ilan Ramon
Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon holds a bachelor's degree in electronics and computer engineering from the University of Tel Aviv, Israel. He has trained on and flown in numerous aircraft including the F-16, A-4, F-4 and the Mirage III-C. Ramon is a colonel in the Israel Air Force and enjoys skiing and squash with his wife and four children.