Kayla Barron

Kayla Barron was born on September 19, 1987 in Pocatello, Idaho to Lauri and Scott Sax. Her family moved to Richland, Washington, where she graduated from Richland High School in 2006. After high school, Barron attended the United States Naval Academy, where she graduated in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in systems engineering.[1][2] While at the Naval Academy, Barron was a member of the Midshipmen cross country and track teams.[3] Following her graduation, Barron attended Peterhouse, Cambridge on a Gates Cambridge Scholarship[4] where she earned a master's degree in nuclear engineering.[1]

After obtaining a master's degree, Barron was part of the first group of women to become submarine warfare officers. She attended the Navy's nuclear power and submarine officer training program, and was assigned to the Ohio-class submarine USS Maine. While serving on the USS Maine, Barron completed three patrols as a division officer. Following her submarine assignment, Barron was Flag Aide to the Superintendent at the Naval Academy until her selection as an astronaut.[1]

In June 2017, Barron was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Group 22, and began her two-year training.[1] She was the fifth female Naval Academy graduate selected as an astronaut candidate.

Barron is married to Tom Barron, a US Army Special Forces officer.[5] She enjoys hiking, backpacking, running, and reading.[1]

Barron was a Trident Scholar and Distinguished Graduate at the Naval Academy, and a Gates Cambridge Scholar at Cambridge.[1]

 This article incorporates public domain material from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration document: Mark Garcia. "Astronaut Candidate Kayla Barron". Retrieved September 20, 2018. (Official NASA biography)