PRESS RELEASE
Syracuse native and retired NASA astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps joins South Side Community Growth Foundation board of directors
SYRACUSE, NY (February 17, 2026)—The South Side Community Growth Foundation is proud to announce that Dr. Jeanette Epps, aerospace consultant, retired NASA astronaut and Syracuse native, has joined its board of directors. Epps brings decades of distinguished experience in aerospace research, intelligence, and leadership to the Foundation as it continues its mission to strengthen and revitalize Syracuse's South Side neighborhood.
A graduate of Corcoran High School and Le Moyne College, Epps earned her Bachelor of Science in physics and received her Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland, where she was selected as a NASA Fellow. Her research focused on composite materials and shape memory alloy applications for helicopter rotor technology.
Epps' remarkable career spans multiple fields of national significance. As a researcher at Ford Motor Company, she earned two patents for innovations in vibration dampening and collision detection systems. She then served seven years as a technical intelligence officer with the CIA, including a deployment to Iraq.
In June 2009, Epps was selected for NASA's 20th astronaut class. Her rigorous training included spacewalk preparation, robotics, Russian language immersion, and over 830 hours of flight time in T-38 aircraft. She was cross trained on multiple spacecraft systems, including the Russian Soyuz, Boeing Starliner, and SpaceX Dragon capsule.
In March 2024, Epps made history as part of NASA's Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station, where she spent nearly eight months as a flight engineer conducting scientific research and supporting station operations. She and her crew successfully returned to Earth in fall 2024, splashing down off Pensacola, Florida.
Epps retired from NASA in 2025 and currently serves as a consultant with The Charles F. Bolden Group.
"We are honored and thrilled to welcome Dr. Epps to our Board of Directors," said Deka Eysaman, executive director of the South Side Community Growth Foundation. "Jeanette's extraordinary achievements in science, research, and public service, combined with her deep roots in Syracuse, make her an invaluable addition to our team. Her proven leadership in the most challenging of environments will help us reach new heights on the South Side."
Epps grew up on West Kennedy Street and is the first astronaut to hail from the City of Syracuse. Throughout her storied career, she has made it a point to return to her hometown as often as possible to speak with students. Epps serves on the Board of Trustees at Le Moyne College and even attended a trustees meeting when she was in space two years ago!
"I went from Corcoran High School to outer space, and that journey started right here on the South Side. I want every young person in our community to know that their dreams matter, and that their community supports them. That's why I'm proud to serve on the South Side Community Growth Foundation board and to help build that future together," said Epps.
Epps joins the Foundation's board at a pivotal time as it continues to expand community development initiatives, engage with neighborhood residents, and establish new partnerships with organizations across Syracuse's South Side.
About The South Side Community Growth Foundation
The South Side Community Growth Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit committed to supporting South Side neighbors and making sure they have what they need to live their best lives. It works with neighbors, businesses, community-based organizations, and government on transformative community investments to create meaningful impact for community members. To learn more, visit southsidegrowth.org