Nichole Ayers

Nichole Ayers graduated from Woodland Park High School in Woodland Park, Colorado. Afterward, she attended the United States Air Force Academy, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in Russian in 2011. She earned a master's degree in computational and applied mathematics from Rice University in 2013. == Career ==

, September 2020 In 2014, Ayers completed flight training and flew the T-38 for an adversary squadron at Langley Air Force Base. She later became a flight instructor, providing adversary training to F-22 Raptor units based at Langley. In 2018, Ayers completed training for the F-22, serving as a flight instructor for the F-22. Ayers has logged over 200 flight hours during Operation Inherent Resolve. At the time of her selection as an Astronaut Candidate, Ayers was the assistant director of operations of the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base. In April 2025, Ayers was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in a surprise ceremony while aboard the International Space Station. == Personal life ==

Ayers and her twin sister, Cydnee, were born in San Diego, California, but she considers Colorado Springs and Divide, Colorado, home. Ayers enjoys sailing, camping, hiking, biking, and working on home projects. == Awards and honors ==

Ayers was a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and Undergraduate Pilot Training. She has received the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. == References ==