Early Life
Collins's parents were James E. and Rose Marie Collins, immigrants from County Cork, Ireland. She has three siblings. As a child, Collins expressed an interest both in space flight and in being a pilot.
After graduating from Elmira Free Academy in 1974, Collins attended Corning Community College where she earned an associate degree in mathematics/science in 1976. She graduated from Syracuse University in 1978, then earned a master of science degree in operations research from Stanford University in 1986, and a master of arts degree in space systems management from Webster University in 1989.
Read more about this topic: Eileen Collins
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