Mary Ellen Weber logged over 450 hours in space as a mission specialist during two flights aboard the Space Shuttle. Selected by NASA in 1992, she contributed to technology commercialization and legislative affairs while maintaining an active role in scientific research, eventually accumulating an extensive record of service and engineering expertise within the United States space program.
Academic and Pre-NASA Career
Born in 1962 in Cleveland, Ohio, Weber graduated from Bedford High School in 1980. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering at Purdue University, graduating with honors in 1984. Her doctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, focused on the physics of silicon-based chemical reactions, leading to a Ph.D. in 1988. Before joining NASA, she held positions as an intern at 3M, Delco Electronics, and Ohio Edison. Later, she performed research for Texas Instruments on chip manufacturing processes. She also obtained a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in 2002.
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Weber participated in two notable missions: STS-70 and STS-101. During the 1995 STS-70 mission, she served as a mission specialist on Discovery, deploying the TDRS-G communications satellite and conducting biotechnology experiments involving colon cancer tissues. In May 2000, she served on Atlantis for STS-101, a mission dedicated to constructing the International Space Station. During this flight, she operated the 60-foot robotic arm to support spacewalking crew members and managed the transfer of more than three thousand pounds of equipment, while also developing new checklists for ascent engine failures.
NASA Administration and Policy
Beyond flight operations, Weber held significant administrative roles at NASA. She served as the Legislative Affairs liaison at NASA Headquarters, interacting with Congress and supporting the chief executive. Her technical assignments included overseeing Shuttle launch preparations at the Kennedy Space Center and refining standards for crew science training. She was chairman of the procurement board for the Biotechnology Program contractor and participated in the overhaul of the research facility plan for the Space Station. She received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal before departing the agency in December 2002.
Post-NASA and Personal Interests
Following her tenure at NASA, Weber served for nine years as vice president for Government Affairs and Policy at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She later joined Stellar Strategies, LLC, to consult on high-stakes business operations and technology communication. Her personal interests include aviation and skydiving; she is an instrument-rated pilot and holds a 2002 world record for a 300-person freefall formation. She is married to Jerome Elkind.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, Cleveland
- Education: Purdue University, UC Berkeley, Southern Methodist University
- NASA Selection: 1992
- Space Missions: STS-70, STS-101
- Flight Hours: Over 450
- Post-NASA Role: Consultant at Stellar Strategies, LLC
- Spouse: Jerome Elkind
- Skydiving Credentials: Nearly 6,000 jumps
Questions readers ask
Which missions did Mary Ellen Weber fly on?
She flew on STS-70 in 1995 and STS-101 in 2000.
What was her primary scientific focus at Berkeley?
Her doctoral research explored the physics of chemical reactions involving silicon.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of California, Berkeley, Southern Methodist University and Purdue University
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and chemist
