Jerry Ross is an American astronaut and engineer who was born on December 27, 1948. He is known for being the first person to fly on both the Space Shuttle and the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Over his career, he completed a total of seven spaceflights, contributing to various missions, including those focused on scientific research and the construction of the International Space Station. In addition to his work as an astronaut, Ross has a background in mechanical engineering and served in the United States Air Force. He holds several degrees, including a doctorate in engineering. After retiring from NASA, he became a professor and continues to inspire future generations in the fields of science and engineering.