2025
Dr. N. Jan Davis, a 1977 Auburn University alumna and former NASA astronaut, has inspired generations through her remarkable career in space exploration and leadership. Over more than a decade at NASA, she served as a mission specialist on three space shuttle flights, spending more than 673 hours in space. Her pioneering work as an astronaut, engineer, and later as an executive helped advance both the frontiers of exploration and the culture of safety within NASA.
Davis’ accolades include being a member of the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame and the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame. In 2002, she was given the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive. Additionally, she has received NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal, Space Medal and Outstanding Leadership Medal.
Beyond her distinguished NASA career, Davis is also an accomplished author. Her first book, Air Born: Two Generations in Flight, chronicles the remarkable parallel journeys of her own career as an astronaut and her father’s service as a World War II B-17 pilot who was shot down over Holland in 1943 and held as a prisoner of war. She later published a second companion book that features her father’s war log and cartoon sketches written and created during his time as a POW.
Now a consultant and speaker, Davis enjoys working with her non-profit organization, AstraFemina, to encourage girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and math careers.
Previous Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
