Outside of class, Wilson played clarinet and was a radio disc jockey for WHRB’s classical music station.
“She was very much into classical music,” Andino remembers.
Those who knew Wilson in college continued to follow her career trajectory with interest after her graduation.
“We’ve stayed in touch with her since [her undergraduate years],” Anderson said. “I’ve followed her career as an astronaut with great interest and think the world of her.”
After leaving Harvard, Wilson earned a masters degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas. Following a four-year stint at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., she was selected by NASA in 1996 to undergo training and evaluation as an astronaut candidate.
Since embarking on her first trip in 2006, Wilson has gone into space twice more.
“Stephanie is indeed an inspiration to a lot of folks. She did something that is quite unique within NASA [and it is] an absolute pleasure to know her,” Andino said.
—Staff writer Laya Anasu can be reached at layaanasu@college.harvard.edu. Follow her on Twitter @layaanasu.