Former Astronaut Kathryn Sullivan to Speak at Embry-Riddle

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. in the L. Gale Lemerand Auditorium of the Capt. Willie Miller Instructional Center.

Sullivan served on three space shuttle missions and was the chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Since 1996 she has worked for COSI (Center of Science and Industry) Columbus, which is dedicated to increasing math and science literacy among children and sparking their interest in learning and education.

In addition to her efforts at COSI Columbus, many of Sullivans activities throughout her life have focused on educating children. She led the design of the original Challenger Center Program model and has served as an advisor on numerous exhibit and multimedia projects for National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, and public television.

During her career at NASA, Sullivan became the first American woman to walk in space while serving on the space shuttle Challenger in 1984. In subsequent missions aboard Discovery and Atlantis, she was the spacewalk specialist for the Hubble Telescope and the payload commander for ATLAS-1.

Sullivan holds a private pilot license and has received numerous national honors and awards, including NASA medals for Exceptional Service and Outstanding Leadership, the National Air and Space Trophy from the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum, the USA Juliette Award for National Women of Distinction, and the US Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award. She has a Ph.D. in geology and has received honorary degrees from a number of institutions.

Sullivans talk is presented as part of Embry-Riddles Legends in Aviation and Aerospace: A Distinguished Speaker Series, which complements classroom studies by bringing to campus speakers who are recognized for their accomplishments in aviation and aerospace. These individuals, some famous and some less well known, have shaped the history of aviation and influenced its future. In their talks they share their wisdom and discuss their challenges, setbacks, and successes.

As the leader in aviation and aerospace education, Embry-Riddle welcomes the opportunity to honor these pioneers who have inspired us with their dedication, vision, and accomplishments.

Embry-Riddle, the worlds largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, meets the needs of students and industry through its educational, training, research, and consulting activities. Embry-Riddle educates more than 25,000 students annually through the masters level at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., at more than 150 teaching centers in the United States and Europe, and through distance learning.