Selected for NASA Astronaut Group 23 on December 6, 2021, Christina Birch combines a career in biological engineering with competitive track cycling. Raised in Mesa, Arizona, she transitioned from academic research at elite institutions to the rigorous physical demands of professional sports and space exploration training, demonstrating expertise across distinct scientific and athletic disciplines.
Academic Background
Birch attended Gilbert High School before enrolling at the University of Arizona. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics, biochemistry, and molecular biophysics. Her academic progression continued at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she completed a doctorate in biological engineering in 2015. During her time at MIT, she received the Graduate Research Fellowship Program award to support her scientific training.
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Participation in competitive cycling began while Birch was a student at MIT, where she rode for the school team. In 2014, she secured the USA Cycling collegiate cyclocross division two national championship. From 2011 to 2015, she represented the JAM Fund cyclocross team. Following her doctoral studies, she moved to Southern California to dedicate herself to track cycling. Her international career included appearances at Pan American Championships, World Cups, and World Championships. She competed in the 2018 and 2019 UCI Track Cycling World Championships, as well as the 2019 Pan American Games. In June 2020, she earned a spot on the United States track cycling long team for the 2020 Olympics.
Professional and Astronaut Roles
Before transitioning to NASA, Birch worked as an educator and researcher. She taught bioengineering at the University of California, Riverside, and led courses on scientific writing and communication at the California Institute of Technology. Since her selection as an astronaut candidate, she has contributed to space operations, including serving as a Capsule Communicator for the Artemis II mission.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, Mesa, Arizona
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: University of Arizona, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Group: NASA Astronaut Group 23
- Previous Teaching: University of California, Riverside; California Institute of Technology
- Cycling Achievement: 2014 USA Cycling collegiate cyclocross champion
Questions readers ask
What is Christina Birch's educational background?
She holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics, biochemistry, and molecular biophysics from the University of Arizona and a doctorate in biological engineering from MIT.
What was her role in the Artemis II mission?
Birch served as a Capsule Communicator during the mission.
Achievements
- Graduate Research Fellowship Program
- Recorded as sport cyclist and astronaut
