Aprille Ericsson

Aprille Ericsson is an American aerospace engineer. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1963. She was the first African American woman to receive a PhD in mechanical engineering at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. She works on instruments for spacecraft that study Earth and other planets.

Early Life

Ericsson was inspired to become a scientist after watching the Apollo Moon missions on TV. She was raised by her grandparents in Brooklyn. She studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She joined NASA after earning her advanced degrees.

NASA Career

Ericsson has worked on many important NASA missions. She helps design instruments that are sent into space on satellites and spacecraft. She has worked on projects studying Earth's climate and exploring other planets. She also mentors young people interested in science and engineering.

Fun Facts

• Aprille Ericsson was inspired to become a scientist by watching the Apollo Moon missions.
• She was the first African American woman to earn a PhD in engineering at NASA Goddard.
• She has worked on spacecraft instruments sent to study planets and Earth's climate.

Did You Know?

Aprille Ericsson has been at NASA for over 30 years. She loves encouraging young girls to pursue science and engineering careers.