
PERSONAL
DATA: Born February 15, 1964 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Unmarried. Recreational interests include piano, reading, music, cycling,
tennis, and snowboarding. Chosen by the Detroit Lions in the 11th round
of the 1986 NFL college draft. Also participated in the Toronto Argonauts
and Dallas Cowboys football training camps. His parents Deems and Grace
Melvin, reside in Lynchburg, Virginia.
EDUCATION:
Graduated from Heritage High School, Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1982; received
a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Richmond,
Richmond, Virginia in 1986; and a master of science degree in materials
science engineering from the University of Virginia in 1991.
ORGANIZATIONS:
National Technical Association (Hampton Roads Chapter Secretary 1993),
American Chemical Society, The Society for Experimental Mechanics.
SPECIAL
HONORS/AWARDS:
Invention Disclosure Award for Lead Insensitive Fiber Optic Phase Locked
Loop Sensor, NASA Outstanding Performance Awards (8), NASA Superior
Accomplishment Award (2), Key to the City of Lynchburg, Virginia, NCAA
Division I Academic All American, University of Richmond Athletic Hall
of Fame Inductee.
NASA
EXPERIENCE:
Mr. Melvin began working in the Fiber Optic Sensors group of the Nondestructive
Evaluation Sciences Branch at NASA Langley Research Center in 1989 where
he conducted research in the area of physical measurements for the development
of advanced instrumentation for Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE). His
responsibilities included using optical fiber sensors to measure strain,
temperature, and chemical damage in both composite and metallic structures.
Additional projects included developing optical interferometric techniques
for quantitative determination of damage in aerospace structures and
materials. In 1994 Mr. Melvin was selected to lead the Vehicle Health
Monitoring (VHM) team for the cooperative Lockheed/NASA X-33 Reuseable
Launch Vehicle (RLV) program. The team developed distributed fiber optic
strain, temperature and hydrogen sensors for the reduction of vehicle
operational costs and to monitor composite liquid oxygen tank and cryogenic
insulation performance. In 1996 Mr. Melvin codesigned and monitored
construction of an optical NDE facility capable of producing in-line
fiber optic Bragg grating strain sensors at rates in excess of 1000
per hour. This facility will provide a means for performing advanced
sensor and laser research for development of aerospace and civil health
monitoring systems. Selected by NASA JSC in June 1998, he reported for
training in August 1998. Astronaut Candidate Training includes orientation
briefings and tours, numerous scientific and technical briefings, intensive
instruction in Shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological
training and ground school to prepare for T-38 flight training, as well
as learning water and wilderness survival techniques. Mr. Melvin is
currently assigned to the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations
Branch. He will serve in technical assignments until assigned to a space
flight.
JUNE
2000