Leland's career began in 1989 as an aerospace research engineer at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.  He entered NASA's astronaut corps in 1998 serving as a mission specialist operating the robotic arm on two space shuttle missions to the International Space Station: STS-122 in 2008 and STS-129 in 2009

As NASA's  former Associate Administrator for Education, Leland was responsible for the development and implementation of the Agency's education programs, which strengthened student involvement and public awareness of its scientific goals and missions.  He led the agency in inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, through NASA's unique mission, workforce, facilities, research and innovations. 

Leland earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Richmond, where he also excelled as a wide receiver for the Spiders' football team.  He became a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division Academic All-American and University of Richmond Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee.  He was drafted into the NFL by the Detroit Lions in 1986 and later played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Toronto Argonauts.  After injuries sidelined his football career, Leland returned to academia and earned a Master of Science degree in materials science engineering from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.  He holds honorary doctorates from Centre College, St. Paul's College and Campbellsville University.