Note: The birth date of 1 June 1961 commonly quoted for her birthdate is not correct. This date was given to school authorities to allow her to enroll early in accordance with her oft-stated wishes.
Bachelor of science in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College, India, 1982; master of science in aerospace engineering from University of Texas, 1984; Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from University of Colorado, 1988; prior to her selection she joined Overset Methods Inc., Los Altos, California, as Vice President and Research Scientist; hobbies: flying aerobatics, hiking, back-packing, reading; died in the Columbia tragedy (STS-107) on February 01, 2003.