Eileen Marie Collins was born in November 1956 in Elmira, New York. She recently retired (2006) as an American astronaut. A former military instructor and test pilot, Collins was the first female pilot and first female commander of a Space Shuttle.

Collins' parents were James E. and Rose Marie Collins. 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 and 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.