Former NASA astronaut inspires high school students

A former NASA astronaut has recently spoken about her STEM career with high school students from Western Sydney.

The Powerhouse: Future Space program linked Dr Mary Ellen Weber with high school students from Western Sydney and regional NSW.

As part of the Lang Walker Family Academy In-Schools Program, Powerhouse: Future Space was launched in April 2022 in collaboration with Magnitude.io and the NSW Department of Education. Through the program, students from Western Sydney and regional areas can access groundbreaking technologies, advanced educational opportunities and exposure to international scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.

Weber was a NASA astronaut for 10 years flying on two Space Shuttle flights, including one to the International Space Station. She helped deliver a communications satellite to orbit and was responsible for checking the systems and sending it into its 35,400 km orbit above the equator. Students from East Hills Girls Technology High School had an opportunity to hear her inspiring recollections from an outstanding STEM career. She also offered insights into the new era of commercial space travel, followed by a Q&A.

Regional participating schools Murrumbidgee Regional High School, Maitland Grossmann High School, Beelbangera Public School, Griffith East Public School, Yoogali Public School, Kalinda School, Rankin’s Springs Public School, Whitton Murrami Public School and Yenda Public School joined the presentation virtually.

“The Lang Walker Family Academy was excited to host Dr Mary Ellen Weber as part of our Powerhouse: Future Space program. Since the program launched in April 2022, high school students in Western Sydney and regional NSW have benefited from unique opportunities to engage with industry experts and the International Space Station through on-the-ground hands-on experiences and virtual trials,” said Sophie Poisel, Head of Lang Walker Family Academy.

“We are thrilled to be a participating school in the Powerhouse: Future Space program. This initiative provides Western Sydney students with world-class immersive STEM education experiences and learning opportunities directly from industry leaders,” said Jennifer Hardwick, Principal of East Hills Girls Technology High School.

Image caption: Dr Weber giving a speech at the Powerhouse event. Image credit: Lyndal Irons.