James F. Reilly completed three Space Shuttle missions during his tenure with the NASA Astronaut Corps, logging over 850 hours in space. His career spans distinct sectors, moving from deep-sea geological research and oil exploration to commanding scientific policy as the director of the United States Geological Survey within the American federal government.
Academic and Geological Foundations
Born at Mountain Home Air Force Base in 1954, Reilly graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1972 before pursuing geosciences at the University of Texas at Dallas. He earned a Bachelor of Science in 1977, followed by a Master of Science in 1987 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1995. During his early academic years, he participated in a 1977–1978 scientific expedition to Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica, focusing on stable isotope geochronology.
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In 1979, Reilly transitioned to the private sector as an exploration geologist for Santa Fe Minerals. He later joined Enserch Exploration in 1980, eventually becoming the Chief Geologist of the Offshore Region. His industrial work involved applying new imaging technology to deep-water engineering and biological research. He also spent approximately 22 days in deep submergence vehicles operated by the U.S. Navy and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution.
NASA Career and Spaceflight
Selected for the astronaut program in December 1994, Reilly reported to the Johnson Space Center in March 1995. He qualified as a mission specialist and performed technical work for the Astronaut Office Computer Support Branch. He flew on STS-89 in 1998, STS-104 in 2001, and STS-117 in 2007. During these missions, he logged five spacewalks totaling 30 hours and 43 minutes and worked on the Mir space station.
Public Service and Executive Roles
Reilly served as the Dean of the School of Science and Technology at the American Public University System from 2010 to 2014. In 2018, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 17th director of the U.S. Geological Survey, a position he held until 2020. During his tenure, he limited agency climate model projections to the year 2040. He currently acts as an executive adviser for Booz Allen Hamilton.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Mountain Home Air Force Base
- Education: University of Texas at Dallas (BS, MS, PhD)
- NASA mission assignments: STS-89, STS-104, STS-117
- Total spacewalks: 5
- U.S. Geological Survey Director: 2018–2021
- Honorary title: Seventh Honorary U.S. Marshal, 2001
Questions readers ask
What scientific discipline did Reilly study?
He earned three degrees in geosciences.
Which federal agency did Reilly lead?
He served as the 17th director of the United States Geological Survey.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration and United States Geological Survey
- Educated at University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at Dallas and University of Texas at Dallas
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and director
