Janna Kaplan
Janna Kaplan was born in Russia in 1953. After graduating from the University of Leningrad, she worked in the USSR’s space program. Janna studied the echo sonar capabilities of bats in order to determine the human factors and limitations in spaceflight. Her career was repeatedly stymied by antisemitism and sexism. As a result, she applied for permission to emigrate and, like so many others, was denied an exit visa. Despite the barriers, she was able to leave the country in the late 1970s. Janna’s first job in the United States was at the University of Texas in Austin. She later found work at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Janna is also currently involved with SIRIUS Astronaut Training for commercial spaceflight.
Janna describes her childhood in Russia, life as a refusenik, and the antisemitism and sexism she encountered in her education and career in the USSR. She talks about the challenges of the immigration process and finally being granted permission to move to the United States. Janna remembers her early years in the United States, working at the University of Texas in Austin, and details her depression and hardship being an immigrant from the USSR. She explains her decision to move to Boston and work for Brandeis University. Janna also discusses the beginnings of her interest in science and how it started early in her life. She also muses about her Jewish identity and involvement in Jewish community and organizations. Janna shares her perspective on the Six-Day War and its effects. Finally, Janna reflects on the benefits of her Jewish education and her involvement with Judaism and feminism throughout her life.
