James A. Pawelczyk

James A Pawelczyk

James A. Pawelczyk (born September 20, 1960) is an American physiologist and a former NASA astronaut. He flew aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on STS-90 in 1998 as a payload specialist.

Early Life and Education

Pawelczyk was born in Buffalo, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Rochester in 1982. He then received a Master of Science degree in physiology from Pennsylvania State University in 1985, followed by a Ph.D. in biology from the University of North Texas in 1989.

Career

Academic Career

Pawelczyk has held various academic positions. He has been a faculty member at Pennsylvania State University, where he has conducted research in the field of cardiovascular physiology.

NASA Career

Pawelczyk was selected as a payload specialist for the STS-90 mission, also known as the Neurolab mission. The mission focused on the effects of microgravity on the nervous system. The Space Shuttle Columbia launched on April 17, 1998, and landed on May 3, 1998. During the mission, Pawelczyk and his fellow crew members conducted a variety of experiments to study how the brain and nervous system adapt to the space environment.

Personal Life

Pawelczyk is married and has two children. He enjoys cycling, skiing, and hiking.

Awards and Honors

Pawelczyk has received numerous awards for his contributions to science and space exploration. These include the NASA Space Flight Medal and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal.

See Also

• List of NASA astronauts
• Space Shuttle Columbia
• STS-90
• Neurolab