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Franklin Chang Díaz has a diverse work experience in the aerospace industry. Franklin Chang Díaz started their career at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory as a Member of the Technical Staff from 1977 to 1980. Chang Díaz then joined NASA, first as an Astronaut Candidate in 1980 and later as an Astronaut from 1981 to 2005. During their time at NASA, they also served as the Director of the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory from 1993 to 2005. After leaving NASA, Chang Díaz became the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Ad Astra Rocket Company in 2005. In 2009, they also took on the role of Director at Cummins Inc. Overall, Chang Díaz has held various leadership positions and made significant contributions in the field of advanced space propulsion.

Franklin Chang Díaz began their education at Colegio De La Salle, where they completed their high school education in 1967. Franklin Chang Díaz then went on to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Connecticut from 1969 to 1973, specializing in Engineering Physics. Following this, they attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1973 to 1977, earning a Doctorate in Applied Plasma Physics. Franklin Chang Díaz'sfield of study during their doctoral program focused on Plasma Physics & Fusion Technology. In addition to their primary degrees, Franklin Chang Díaz has also received several honorary doctorate degrees. Franklin Chang Díaz was awarded an Honoris Causa (Doctor of Law) degree from Babson College, an Honoris Causa (Doctor of Science) degree from the University of Connecticut, an Honoris Causa (Doctor of Science) degree from Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, and an Honoris Causa (Doctor of Science) degree from Universidad de Santiago de Chile.