Meet the Commanders: NASA Astronauts Class of 2024
In an exclusive interview with Orbital Today, we had the privilege of speaking with two exceptional individuals from NASA’s graduating astronaut class of 2024. These astronauts, Andre Douglas and Deniz Burnham, bring unique skill sets and experiences that make them excellent candidates for future commanders.
First up is Dr. Andre Douglas, who hails from Chesapeake, Virginia. With a passion for the night sky instilled in him by his mother, who bought him a telescope, and inspired by his father’s work as a ship captain in the US Coast Guard, Andre learned the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. His diverse background includes serving in the Coast Guard as a naval architect, salvage engineer, damage control assistant, and officer of the deck.
After his time in the Coast Guard, Andre pursued systems engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where he earned his PhD. His experience in maritime salvage engineering has equipped him with the ability to handle complex information and communicate it concisely under extreme time pressure. Andre’s expertise in systems engineering, which focuses on interrelated subsystems and implications, makes him a valuable asset for future space missions.
Deniz Burnham is another remarkable astronaut from the class of 2024. Unlike many of her peers, Deniz had previously interned at NASA’s Ames Research Center while studying at university. Her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut was fueled by a poster of the Apollo astronauts that adorned her bedroom wall. Although her path to NASA was not straightforward, Deniz’s journey allowed her to develop a unique skill set.
After obtaining degrees in both chemical engineering and mechanical engineering, Deniz ventured into the petroleum industry. She gained experience as a field engineer in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and eventually took on management roles in drilling optimization projects. For nine years prior to joining NASA, Deniz led onsite operations at oil rigs in Canada, Ohio, and Texas. Her operational skills, honed in remote and high-pressure environments, make her a valuable addition to NASA’s astronaut corps.
Deniz’s story proves that becoming an astronaut does not necessarily require a focus on piloting or a specific science career path. She believes in staying true to oneself and forging one’s own path in life, rather than living someone else’s expectations.
Orbital Today would like to extend our gratitude to Andre Douglas and Deniz Burnham for taking the time to share their stories with us. We would also like to thank NASA Johnson Space Center for facilitating this interview. The NASA astronaut class of 2024 is undoubtedly filled with remarkable individuals who are ready to push the boundaries of space exploration and inspire future generations.
