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09/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2026 08:25

From Scripps to Space: Alumna Megan McArthur on a Career of Exploration

Published Date

September 22, 2026

Article Content

Graduates of UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography often go on to fascinating careers centered on understanding and protecting our planet. For Megan McArthur, PhD '02, that journey has taken her far beyond the planet itself, with two space missions as a NASA astronaut.

With a lifelong passion for science and aviation, McArthur's dreams of spaceflight first became a reality in 2009, when she logged nearly 13 days aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on the final mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. She returned to space in 2021, this time serving as pilot of the NASA SpaceX Crew-2 mission to the International Space Station, an orbiting laboratory nearly 250 miles from Earth. During her six-month stay aboard the station, she conducted research in areas such as human health, robotics and medical technology, and even participated in a livestream Q&A with Scripps Oceanography.

Before joining NASA, McArthur earned her bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from UCLA and participated in the Human Powered Submarine Project. That experience sparked her interest in ocean engineering and led her to pursue a PhD in oceanography at Scripps. As part of the Applied Ocean Science program, McArthur's graduate research focused on underwater acoustics in a nearshore environment and digital signal processing - work she wrapped up just as her NASA career was taking flight.

In 2025, after an inspiring 25 years as an astronaut, McArthur retired from NASA and joined Space Center Houston as the museum's first Chief Science Officer. In this role, she supports strategic planning, education programs, exhibits and the guest experience.

The accomplished alumna will return to Scripps Oceanography on Sept. 23, 2026, as the keynote speaker for the Scripps Student Symposium. Now in its 12th year, this student-led conference gives Scripps graduate students and postdoctoral scholars an opportunity to share their research, sharpen their presentation skills and build community.

Ahead of her campus visit, McArthur spoke with UC San Diego Today about her love of sharing science and exploration with the public, the awe-inspiring experience of seeing Earth from space, her advice for students and more.

Why did you choose to study at Scripps Oceanography?

As a senior in college studying aerospace engineering, I somehow became involved in a student project to build and race a human-powered submarine. As the smallest member of the team, I was designated the pilot of the sub, so I had to learn to use scuba, as the submarines were water-filled. It was a challenge for me to overcome my fear of the ocean and become a competent diver. In the process, I fell in love with the ocean environment. I decided I wanted to explore how an engineer like myself could contribute to exploring the oceans. The Applied Ocean Science program at Scripps turned out to be a great fit.

McArthur gazes at Earth from the Cupola, a dome-shaped observatory module of the International Space Station, in 2021.

What was your most memorable experience during your time at Scripps?

There were so many great moments and challenging experiences! But probably getting to "flip" on the Research Platform FLIP along with the whole team from my advisor Bill Hodgkiss' research group was the most unique.

Tell us about your current role as Chief Science Officer at Space Center Houston. What does your work involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I've always loved the part of my job that involves sharing the wonders of science and exploration with students and the public. In fact, I can say I first learned that at Scripps. I loved being a kelp tank diver at the Birch Aquarium and sharing that experience with the visitors. I am grateful to longtime aquarium volunteer Richard Harden, who showed me what it means to really be dedicated to service to others. I was also recruited by Scripps engineer Kevin Hardy to participate in STEM programs for underserved kids around the San Diego area while I was a student. I was inspired by his efforts to illuminate a pathway for these young people who might not otherwise have seen themselves as an engineer or scientist.

My role at Space Center Houston allows me to expand on that early experience of promoting science literacy in a fun and engaging way. I help support the authenticity of our exhibits and education programs, and I make sure we maintain connections to the people at NASA and in the commercial space industry who are doing the work to advance human exploration of space.

Is there a particular moment from your experience as a NASA astronaut that has stayed with you?

Seeing the Earth from space is life-changing. Maybe in a way that is similar to being on a ship out of sight of land - you recognize immediately that this is an 'Ocean World' we belong to. From low Earth orbit, you can see the beauty of our planet and the incredible variety it contains. And frankly, it looks tremendously fragile, with the atmosphere appearing so very thin compared to the vastness of space. Everyone you know and love, every place you've ever cared about is contained in that fragile bubble. It leaves you feeling very protective of our planet.

McArthur and a NASA colleague conduct an underwater research and training exercise off Key Largo, Florida.

How did your UC San Diego education help prepare you for a career in space science?

At a very basic level, there is the resilience you gain from tackling an interesting question and continuing to make progress despite setbacks! You are teaching yourself to do hard things. And in many practical ways, conducting research at sea is one of the best analogues to spaceflight I can imagine: you have to achieve the mission and solve any problems with the team and the equipment that you have on board (and maybe some radio calls back home!). This requires not just expertise but communication, teamwork, trust, innovation and perseverance.

What advice do you have for current students?

I came across this quote recently and now have it taped up on my monitor at home, attributed to the painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir: "One must from time to time attempt things that are beyond one's capacity." It's a reminder that to keep growing and learning, you must push yourself. You must try the thing that scares you.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like to hang out and explore the world with my 12-year-old son. We go hiking and camping, and we like to visit new cities and explore science museums! I'm excited for him to try scuba diving and see what he makes of it!

You can connect with Megan McArthur on Instagram @astro.megan.

Read more news about: Alumni

During her 2021 space mission, McArthur conducted numerous experiments in areas including human health, robotics and medical technology. Here, she works on Microbial Tracking-3, an investigation that catalogs and characterizes potential disease-causing microorganisms aboard the International Space Station. The project is led by Scripps microbial ecologist Jack Gilbert.

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