Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduate and retired astronaut Nicole Stott says space explorations have helped improve life on Earth.
“In terms of just human health alone, we’ve learned a great deal more about osteoporosis and bone loss, visual and optical issues, radiation effects, diet, muscle tone and the need for exercise. Of course, books are being written about the environmental, geophysical, meteorological and technological knowledge we have learned through space exploration.”
She says astronauts will return to the moon and travel to Mars too, in 20 or 30 years. She believes the Trump administration will support NASA. “Because President-elect Trump is appointing a totally diverse, sometimes extreme, group of new people to head some of these agencies, we are going to see some innovative, creative, forward movements in scientific and aeronautical programs. It’s the best thing to do if we are to continue moving forward.”
Speaking at the ERAU commencement last month in Prescott Valley, Stott advised graduates to dedicate themselves fully to their careers, view every new challenge as an adventure that would have positive impact and respect other people as they would expect to be respected themselves. “Commit to having passion, adventure and the Golden Rule if you want to succeed,” she said.
Stott earned an engineering degree in 1987 from the ERAU Daytona Beach, Florida, campus and was one of six ERAU graduates selected for the elite astronaut program. During her 27 years with NASA, she spent more than 100 days in space, served two missions on the International Space Station and was part of the space shuttle Discovery crew.
Currently, Stott is pursuing a second career as The Artistic Astronaut who portrays Earth as it is seen from space. “The overwhelming beauty of our planet makes me want to increase everyone’s appreciation of and obligation to care for our home and for each other. And as an engineer, I am totally committed to supporting STEM curricula. But I also want to add the ‘A’ – the arts – to STEM. It is critical that we educate people to use the whole brain – develop both cognitive and affective skills and thinking processes – so that we have well-rounded people.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Courtesy photo
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