Dava Newman was born in Montana, USA. Details of her exact birthdate are withheld to respect her privacy. Her upbringing likely influenced her later interest in exploration and engineering, given Montana's vast landscapes.

Specifics about her early childhood are not widely available, but it's known that she developed an early fascination with space and engineering, prompting her to pursue related academic fields.

Newman earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. This foundational education provided her with the core knowledge in aerodynamics, propulsion, and structures necessary for her future work.

She continued her education at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), earning a Master of Science degree in Technology and Policy. This program likely broadened her understanding of the interplay between technological advancements and societal impacts.

Newman completed her Ph.D. in Aerospace Biomedical Engineering at MIT. Her doctoral research focused on developing advanced spacesuit technology and studying human performance in extreme environments, marking the beginning of her specialization in this field.