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| Name: |
Maria Brancaccio |
| Mission Role: |
Astronaut Physical Fitness Trainer |
| Date of Birth: |
4/19/60 |
| Place of Birth: |
Bronx, NY |
| Education: |
Iona College, B.A. Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences
Iona College, M.B.A. |
| Person I Most Admire: |
My Father |
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As a former PTO president of the Columbus Magnet School, and a former PTO President of the West Rocks MS, Maria has served in multiple capacities with the Columbus Magnet School Young Astronaut program. Maria has been a young astronaut parent leader for both of her children, Billy and Nicole, who also come back to assist with the workouts when Maria calls on them.
Maria joined Chuck "Chief" Goulart as Astronaut Physical Trainer in 2000 and has served in that capacity ever since. For this year's Luna Redux mission she again returns to a familiar role as the personal trainer to the astronauts. Maria firmly believes in the Young Astronaut goal of combining a fit body with a fit mind. With that in mind, she organizes the post mission Presidential Physical Fitness Test, which each astronaut takes. With the goal of developing a group of fit young adults, Maria has also set her sights on having the team reach their highest levels of the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
Maria is an independent computer programming consultant. When not tending to clients and her children, Maria maintains the kind of rigorous workouts that have helped make the Young Astronaut program a continued success. Maria has completed 2 marathons and several half-marathons, as well as 1 biathlon, and several adventure races. Maria enjoys power lifting Volkswagens and challenging co-trainer, Chief Goulart, to epic arm wrestling contests. To date, Maria is 73-9 against Chief. | |
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