Bachelor of science in mathematics and physics from Southeast Missouri State University, 1974; master of science and Ph.D. in physics from the University of Missouri, 1976 and 1980 respectively; unsuccessful application for NASA astronaut groups 9 and 10; hobbies: playing saxophone and clarinet, reading, flying; she was married to astronaut Steven Nagel (until his death); one stepdaughter; later Astronaut Office Capcom Branch, JSC; was Assistant for Exploration, Flight Crew Operations, Johnson Space Center.